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Employees Are Avoiding the Office Because of Their Bosses: Survey [Video]

Flexible workspace brand Beyond shared a new survey of 1,262 employees in the UK and the reasons they’re avoiding the office including their bosses.

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Remote Work Opportunities

Louisiana school closures due to winter weather [Video]

Southeast Louisiana is bracing for dangerously cold temperatures that could bring icy conditions to the area. It is important to note that all schools are closed Monday for the Martin Luther King Day holiday. However, closures could extend to Tuesday and possibly Wednesday. Latest cold weather forecast | Radar | Download our app | Sign up for weather alerts | Send us your photos | Protect your pipes | Pet safety | Protect your plants The following schools have announced their plans to either close, or monitor the weather before making a final decision. Orleans Parish: NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is closely monitoring the incoming winter weather and the forecast of significantly low temperatures for the upcoming week. In response to the potential for ice accumulation, which could pose hazardous conditions for bus travel and family commutes, the district will assess the situation and make a decision on Monday regarding any potential closure of schools.We urge our families to please monitor local weather reports, official NOLA-PS communications, and your respective schools communication for the latest updates.Weather Update for the Coming Week: Monday, January 20, 2025: Expect a significant drop in temperatures, with lows potentially dipping into the mid-20s. There is a possibility of light freezing rain or sleet in the evening, which could lead to icy conditions by Tuesday morning. Tuesday, January 21, 2025: Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing, increasing the risk of ice on roads and sidewalks. This could impact school operations and transportation. Wednesday, January 22, 2025: A gradual warming trend is anticipated, with temperatures expected to rise above freezing by midday, potentially alleviating some of the earlier hazards.NOLA-PS, in collaboration with the City of New Orleans Office of Emergency Preparedness and Orleans Parish officials, will continue to monitor weather forecasts and road conditions throughout the weekend and into Monday. The primary focus is the safety and well-being of students, staff, and the school community at large.Decision Making Process:NOLA-PS will make an official announcement by Monday afternoon regarding any changes to the school schedule as a result of inclement weather. This announcement will be communicated through multiple channels including the district’s website, social media platforms, local news outlets, and direct notifications to families will come from their respective schools.For more information on winter weather preparedness, please visit the City of New Orleans’ emergency preparedness page https://ready.nola.gov/home/for winter weather tips and prep guidance. Jefferson Parish: Due to the anticipated below freezing temperatures and therefore potentially unsafe conditions, Jefferson RISE will have async, virtual learning on Tuesday 1/21 and Wednesday 1/22.St. Tammany Parish: All St. Tammany Parish Schools will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 21 due to winter weather. Lake Castle is also closed due to the winter weather. St. Bernard Parish: All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and will remain closed on Tuesday January 21st. While Tuesday is already a student holiday, the scheduled professional development day for staff has been canceled. As the potential for severe winter weather continues, we will monitor the weather system in the days to come and will provide updates Hancock County: No information provided at this timeWashington Parish: Washington Parish Public Schools will be closed Tuesday. Tangipahoa Parish: Dear TPSS Families, Students, and Employees,We want to assure you that we are closely monitoring the approaching freezing weather conditions. The safety of our employees and students is our top priority. We will communicate updates through email, text messages, and voice messages, as well as, post on our website and social media platforms. Remember, all schools are closed on Monday, January 20th in observance of Martin Luther King Day. Should there be a need for school closures next week due to inclement weather, we will provide timely updates to keep everyone informed. Please continue to monitor social media and your email for the latest updates.Lafourche Parish:: There is no school Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; however, we are closely monitoring the approaching arctic air and potential for freezing precipitation that is being forecast for next week. We understand the importance of keeping you informed and prepared, and we want to assure you that the safety of our students and staff and their families is our top priority. If changes to our school schedule are necessary due to freezing precipitation, icy roads or dangerous driving conditions, we will communicate the decision to all families as early as possible through employee email, Facebook and OnCourse Connect, and notifications will be sent through SchoolStatus texts, emails, and phone calls. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we navigate these potential weather challenges together.Terrebonne Parish: TPSD Schools and office buildings will be closed Tuesday, January 21, 2025 due to the predicted frigid temperatures and strong possibility of dangerous wintry-mix weather. We will make a determination about Wednesday, January 22, 2025 no later than Monday, January 20, 2025. Our plans to make up this time will be announced next week.Plaquemines Parish: Plaquemines Parish Schools are monitoring the conditions and will provide an update on closures on Sunday. St. John Parish: No information provided at this timeSt. Charles Parish: In coordination with the St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center, St. Charles Parish Public Schools will continue to monitor the winter weather forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday (January 21-22, 2025). The school system is proactively implementing freeze precautions to help protect facilities and prepare for potential impacts.Safety is our first priority when making decisions regarding the opening or closing of schools. At the same time, we strive to strike a balance between prioritizing the well-being of our students and employees and fulfilling our responsibilities to their families and the community.An update will be communicated by 6 PM on Sunday evening via email, phone, and text, as well as the school system’s website and social media channels.As a reminder, all schools and the School Board Office will be closed Monday, January 20, 2025, in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to make the best decisions for everyones safety and well-being.St. James Parish:With the potential for winter weather conditions forecasted for Tuesday, January 21st and Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 we are closely assessing the operation of schools in order to maintain the highest level of safety for our school community. We will communicate an update on the operation of schools to all families, staff, and community members by noon on Sunday, January 19th, 2025.Catholic Schools: St. Paul’s and Mount Carmel Academy will be closed Tuesday. The following statement was provided by the Archdiocese: As of now we have asked our school leaders to prepare their school communities for the possibility of school campus closures due to the winter weather situation. All schools are being asked to make necessary preparations for possible virtual or asynchronous learning for students next week. Final decisions and announcements regarding school campus closures will be made on Monday with the most up-to-date forecast. Please understand that the archdiocesan Department of Catholic Education and Faith Formation will act in the best interest of students and faculty and will not make decisions that will endanger ANY member of our school communities. We think that at this time, given the varying aspects of forecasting it is too soon to make final decisions on whether to ultimately close campuses while we encourage all to be prepared for that ultimate decision.Universities: University of Louisiana: The University of Louisiana at Lafayette will transition to remote instruction and operations on Tuesday, Jan. 21, and Wednesday, Jan. 22, in anticipation of the cold weather and precipitation expected early next week. University-sponsored events on these dates are postponed. Updates on Wednesday’s Ragin’ Cajuns basketball game are forthcoming.The campus is set to resume in-person activity on Thursday, Jan. 23. Facilities Management and University administration will inspect campus to assess water and heating systems as well as pathways and roads.The University will continue to monitor weather and road conditions. A follow-up message will be sent next Wednesday.Residents will receive an additional email with information about dining and other campus services.Employees should prepare for remote work by bringing home necessary equipment. University phones must still be answered during this period. If you need to log in to the University’s VPN via UConnect while working remotely, multi-factor authentication is required with your Microsoft 365 credentials. View instructions for accessing the VPN.The drop and add period will be extended to Friday, Jan. 24.Students who are unable to participate in classes remotely should contact their professors. If a student needs further assistance, they can contact the Office of the Dean of Students at [email protected] and staff members who are unable to work remotely should contact their immediate supervisors.For official updates, follow the Universitys website and official social media accounts and check your University email.If you have not signed up to receive alerts via the University’s emergency notification system, please do so. To view instructions for adding or confirming your ENS information, log in to ULinkand search for the Safety & Emergency Notification System card. There, you can view instructions and update your ENS email address, phone number and address. You can also download the UL Shield safety app, if you have not done so already. Southern University Baton Rouge campus: Due to the forecast of inclement weather, Southern University campuses on the Baton Rouge landmass will be closed on Tuesday, January 21. Classes and offices will shift to remote operations. This includes Southern University and A&M College, Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, and Southern University Law Center. Normal operations are slated to resume on Wednesday, January 22.Nunez: Due to the potential for severe winter weather, Nunez Community College will operate remotely on Tuesday, Jan. 21st. Students and employees who require additional accommodations are encouraged to contact their instructors or supervisors, respectively.The college will be closed Monday, Jan. 20th, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.Please monitor Nunez.edu and official Nunez social media accounts for potential updates.Note: If your school is not listed, contact your school administration office for more information on plans for the winter weather.

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Work from Home Lifestyle

Which Charlotte streets get plowed first? Search your address WSOC TV [Video]

Which Charlotte streets are a top priority when they need to be plowed? Its a question Eyewitness News Reporter Joe Bruno wondered so he did a records request. In response to the request, the city produced a document outlining the ranking of more than 7,000 streets.

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Remote Work Opportunities

Digital Content Intern | American Friends Service Committee [Video]

Preference for working onsite at the Philadelphia office 23 days per week, but remote work arrangements will also be considered.The Digital Content Intern will assist the Communications Department in planning, creating, and posting digital content to AFSCs many platforms, including web pages, emails, donation pages, and sign-up forms.

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Work from Home Lifestyle

Navigating the Shift from Remote Work to Office [Video]

Jason LaCroix felt privileged to work from home, especially as a father to two young children. He needed flexibility when his son, then 6, suffered a brain injury and spent 35 days in intensive care.Video above: A recent survey found that this sort of situation could be a boon for both employees and employers, but only if its handled appropriately.LaCroix, a senior systems engineer based in Atlanta, took time off and then worked from home while managing his son’s care and appointments. But LaCroix was laid off last February from that job, where he’d been working remotely for five years. His new role requires him to spend four days a week in a company office and commute for three hours a day.I want to be around for my kids, LaCroix, 44, said. Its very important for me to be around for my son, because we almost lost him.Heading into 2025, thousands of workers face an unsettling reality: after years of working from the comfort of home, they must return to the office full-time for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic or look for new work.Employees at Amazon, AT&T and other companies have been called back to the office five days per week. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to fire federal workers who don’t show up to do their jobs in-person.People always want to have flexibility, said Mark Ma, a University of Pittsburgh associate professor of business administration. I have never heard anyone telling me that I thank my job because its so rigid in its schedule.Ma researched what happened when technology and finance companies in the S&P 500 stopped allowing employees to work remotely in recent years. He found the companies experienced high turnover rates after implementing return-to-office mandates, especially among female employees who often have childcare responsibilities and senior-level executives.Over the years, people have adjusted their lives. Theyve figured out, Oh wow, I can pick my kids up for school. Wow. I can caretake for my aging parents while I am still working,'” said Shavon Terrell-Camper, a therapist and mental wellness coach. Once you have tasted work-from-home … its difficult to see your life going back to something that couldve been unsustainable from the beginning.Workers and experts have advice to share about how to navigate the changes when an employer calls you back to the office.Seek flexibilityEmployers can compromise if their goal is to increase how much time staff members spend together. Ma suggests an employee-choice approach which gives teams the authority to decide how many days they will work in the office as a group.If that’s not an option, employees also can ask to adjust their hours. LaCroix leaves home at 5 a.m. and works in the office until 2 p.m. to reduce time in traffic and allow him to be home when his kids get off the bus after school. His employer requires eight hours in the workplace but is flexible on which hours.A lot of people are pushing back, and they are trying to work out scenarios to see what type of flexibility does exist within the mandate, Terrell-Camper said.Some are coming up with work-arounds that aren’t endorsed by upper management. Coffee badging is a technique that involves heading to the office, swiping a company ID, having a coffee and leaving to work from home. Desperate to hold onto valuable employees, supervisors have tried a hushed hybrid approach, where they take their subordinates ID badges and swipe them in and out to make it appear theyve been in the office, Ma said.It’s best to have an honest conversation with a manager about any personal needs and to ask for forgiveness ahead of time, because your family is the most important thing, said Amy Dufrane, CEO of the Human Resource Certification Institute. Many companies have employee assistance programs that do more than most people realize, such as directing employees to resources that can help them care for parents or children, she said.Say what you needMedical conditions can make it especially challenging to work on-site. Kyle Ankney, a public relations strategist based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has cerebral palsy and needs a nurse to help him change a catheter three times a day. His health insurance will only send a nurse to one location, so working in an office isn’t an option.If that werent an issue, I could find my way into the office, he said.Ankney, who ran his own PR firm for years, was seeking director-level roles, but a recruiter told him he should consider less-senior roles because of his need to work remotely. Instead, he applied to director-level jobs that were advertised as on-site or hybrid, and then reached out to explain his circumstances and ask if the hiring companies were open to him working from home.While I would never normally, especially in a career setting, lead with, I have cerebral palsy and Im in a wheelchair, Im finding that I’m almost having to make myself vulnerable in that way just to see if the opportunity is even there for me, Ankney said.Weigh your optionsLanding a fully remote job can be competitive. There are going to be many people that dont have the luxury just to leave” their current jobs if they’re required to return to the office, “especially in a volatile market such as were in right now, Terrell-Camper said.Attorney Holly Keerikatte was recently working on-site five days a week at a hospital, commuting about three hours a day and looking for a role that allowed more time with her family. She received two job offers. One was fully remote. The other paid 50% more but required a long commute. She recalled reading the phrase, The only people who remember you worked late are your children. She chose the remote job.My primary driver is whats best for my family, Keerikatte said. My advice is to be up-front and transparent about what you want, what youre looking for and why.”Find bright spotsWhen faced with the inevitability of returning to an office, look for the positives. Friendships can blossom as colleagues take coffee breaks together or sample new lunch spots. In-person conversations can spark ideas that wouldnt surface at home.Employers can ease the transition by organizing activities that create camaraderie. For example, managers can put together a series of talks about the transition and have groups share what works for them, Dufrane said.Face-to-face contact allows people to better understand what colleagues are thinking and doing, which helps prevent resentment and can provide helpful feedback.Video director Deborah Ann DeSnoo, who owns Plug-In Inc., a video production company in Chofu, Japan, says she has worked in many countries where the film industry was male-dominated and female directors like her were uncommon. She makes a point to connect with colleagues in person, giving her a chance to bond.You can read the air in a different way, and you find a solution, DeSnoo said. When youre on a Zoom and they ignore you, theres nothing you can do.