No one understands their health benefits, survey says

No one understands their health benefits, survey saysNo one understands their health benefits, survey saysYou wouldnt imagine taking a job without healthcare benefits. But when it comes to reading over the details of those benefits, or choosing a plan, do you study the materials carefully or just throw your hands up in frustration?Maestro Health surveyed 1,000 consumers on their knowledge and expectations about healthcare and employer involvement, and the prognosis isnt good.The survey revealed 35% of respondents either only somewhat understand, dont understand or know nothing about their healthcare coverage, and 33% of respondents dont understand their medical bills.Fifty-four percent of people did not know what the term self-funded healthcare meant. (Its a good thing it means the employer uses its own funds to provide your health insurance).Employees hoping to get some clarity from their employers on benefits-related matters can keep waiting.62% felt their employer does not serve as a resource for their healthcare-related questions.Maestros survey wasnt the only data that found healthcare consumers confused or overwhelmed. HR Dive cited another poll by benefits provider Unumthat found employees spend 30 minutes or less going over benefits materials before open enrollment, a process that leaves many people feeling stressed (21%), confused (22%) and anxious (20%).Many people are opting out participating fully in their healthcare plans because of cost 68% of people said that the cost of their healthcare had increased in the last three years. In an effort to keep costs down, 39% of respondents chose not to go to the doctor in the past year.This can affect their workplaces bottom line if they get sick according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, productivity losses from missed work cost employers $225.8 billion, or $1,685 per employee, each year. It all adds up.In the U.S., we spend more than $10,000 per person per year on healthcare, which adds up to more than $3.5 trillion. This is double what most other countries spend, yet regrettably, our average life expectancy is the shortest, said Rob Butler, Chief Executive Officer, Maestro Health, in a release. Understanding what people need and want when it comes to healthcare and benefits and arming consumers with the tools to enhance their literacy will help us improve consumers individual health outcomes and reverse those life expectancy statistics.

3 ways to stay positive and be happy in your life

3 ways to stay positive and be happy in your life3 ways to stay positive and be happy in your lifeWeve all received the well-meaning advice to stay positive. The greater the challenge, the mora this glass-half-full wisdom can come across as Pollyannaish and unrealistic. Its hard to find the motivation to focus on the positive when positivity seems like nothing more than wishful thinking.The real obstacle to positivity is that our brains are hard-wired to look for and focus on threats. This survival mechanism served humankind well back when we were hunters and gatherers, living each day with the very real threat of being killed by someone or something in our immediate surroundings.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThat was eons ago. Today, this mechanism breeds pessimism and negativity through the minds tendency to wander until it finds a threat. unterstellung threats magnify the p erceived likelihood that things are going - and/or are going to go - poorly.When the threat is real and lurking in the bushes down the path, this mechanism serves you well. When the threat is imagined and you spend two months convinced the project youre working on is going to flop, this mechanism leaves you with a soured view of reality that wreaks havoc in your life.Maintaining positivity is a daily challenge that requires focus and attention. You must be intentional about staying positive if youre going to overcome the brains tendency to focus on threats. It wont happen by accident.Positivity and your healthPessimism is trouble because its bad for your health. Numerous studies have shown that optimists are physically and psychologically healthier than pessimists.Martin Seligman at the University of Pennsylvania has conducted extensive research on the topic. Seligman worked with researchers from Dartmouth and the University of Michigan on a study that followed people from age 25 to 65 to see how their levels of pessimism or optimism influenced their overall health. The researchers found that pessimists health deteriorated far more rapidly as they aged.Seligmans findings are similar to research conducted by the Mayo Clinic that found optimists have lower levels of cardiovascular disease and longer life-spans. Although the exact mechanism through which pessimism affects health hasnt been identified, researchers at Yale and the University of Colorado found that pessimism is associated with a weakened immune response to tumors and infection.Researchers from the University of Kentucky went so far as to inject optimists and pessimists with a virus to measure their immune response. The researchers found optimists had a much stronger immune response than pessimists.Positivity and performanceKeeping a positive attitude isnt just good for your health. Martin Seligman has also studied the connection between positivity and performance. In one study in particular, he me asured the degree to which insurance salespeople were optimistic or pessimistic in their work. Optimistic salespeople sold 37% more policies than pessimists, who were twice as likely to leave the company during their first year of employment.Seligman has studied positivity more than anyone, and he believes in the ability to turn pessimistic thoughts and tendencies around with simple effort and know-how. But Seligman doesnt just believe this. His research shows that people can transform a tendency toward pessimistic thinking into positive thinking through simple techniques that create lasting changes in behavior long after they are discovered.Here are three things that Ill be doing this year to stay positive.1.Separate fact from fictionThe first step in learning to focus on the positive requires knowing how to stop negative self-talk in its tracks. The more you ruminate on negative thoughts, the more power you give them. Most of our negative thoughts are just that - thoughts, not fa cts.When you find yourself believing the negative and pessimistic things your inner voice says, its time to stop and write them down. Literally stop what youre doing and write down what youre thinking. Once youve taken a moment to slow down the negative momentum of your thoughts, you will be more rational and clear-headed in evaluating their veracity.Evaluate unterstellung statements to see if theyre factual. You can bet the statements arent true any time you see words likenever, always, worst, ever,etc.Do you reallyalwayslose your keys? Of course not. Perhaps you forget them frequently, but most days you do remember them. Are younevergoing to find a solution to your problem? If you really are that stuck, maybe youve been resisting asking for help. Or if it really is an intractable problem, then why are you wasting your time beating your head against the wall?If your statements still look like facts once theyre on paper, take them to a friend or colleague you can trust, and see if h e or she agrees with you. Then the truth will surely come out.When it feels like somethingalwaysorneverhappens, this is just your brains natural threat tendency inflating the perceived frequency or severity of an event. Identifying and labeling your thoughts asthoughtsby separating them from the facts will help you escape the cycle of negativity and move toward a positive new outlook.2. Identify a positiveOnce you snap yourself out of self-defeating, negative thoughts, its time to help your brain learn what you want it to focus on - the positive.This will come naturally after some practice, but first you have to give your wandering brain a little help by consciously selecting something positive to think about. Any positive thought will do to refocus your brains attention.When things are going well, and your mood is good, this is relatively easy. When things are going poorly, and your mind is flooded with negative thoughts, this can be a challenge. In behauptung moments, think about your day and identify one positive thing that happened, no matter how small.If you cant think of something from the current day, reflect on the previous day or even the previous week. Or perhaps there is an exciting event you are looking forward to that you can focus your attention on.The point here is you must have something positive that youre ready to shift your attention to when your thoughts turn negative. Step one stripped the power from negative thoughts by separating fact from fiction. Step two is to replace the negative with a positive.Once you have identified a positive thought, draw your attention to that thought each time you find yourself dwelling on the negative. If that proves difficult, you can repeat the process of writing down the negative thoughts to discredit their validity, and then allow yourself to freely enjoy positive thoughts.3. Cultivate an attitude of gratitudeTaking time to contemplate what youre grateful for isnt merely the right thing to do it reduces the stress hormone cortisol by 23%. Research conducted at the University of California, Davis, found that people who worked daily to cultivate an attitude of gratitude experienced improved mood, energy and substantially less anxiety due to lower cortisol levels.You cultivate an attitude of gratitude by taking time out every day to focus on the positive. Any time you experience negative or pessimistic thoughts, use this as a cue to shift gears and think about something positive. In time, a positive attitude will become a way of life.Bringing it all togetherI realize these three tips sound incredibly basic, but they have tremendous power because they train your brain to have a positive focus. They break old habits, if you force yourself to use them. Given the minds natural tendency to wander toward negative thoughts, we can all use a little help with staying positive.This article originally appeared on LinkedIn.New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

These are the best (and worst) cities to start your career

These are the best (and worst) cities to start your careerThese are the best (and worst) cities to start your careerSome cities are friendlier to an entry-level career than others. Wallethub appraised 182 American cities to see which would be the best for new graduates looking to start their careers. They based their rankings on 29 key metrics, from the availability of entry-level jobs to monthly average starting salary to workforce diversity, the number of millennial newcomers, commute time, and housing affordability.The 10 best cities to start your career1. Salt Lake City, UT2. Pittsburgh, PA3. Atlanta, GA4. Orlando, FL5. Austin, TX6. Minneapolis, MN7. Seattle, WA8. Raleigh, NC9. Boston, MA10. Denver, COAustin, TX welches among the top cities with the highest monthly average starting salaries. Salt Lake City, UT was among the top five cities with the most entry-level jobs, along with Orlando, FL, and Charleston, SC. Boston, MA, San Francisco, CA, and Washington, D.C. are among the top states with the highest percentage of the population aged 25 to 34.And those looking for cheap rent should head for the Great Plains and the midwest Cedar Rapids, IA, Des Moines, IA, Akron, OH, and Overland Park, KS are the cities with the most affordable housing.The 10 worst cities to start your career173. Jackson, MS174. Newport News, VA175. Toledo, OH176. New Haven, CT177. Pearl City, HI178. Oxnard, CA179. Bridgeport, CA180. Hialeah, FL181. Montgomery, AL182. Shreveport, LAThough they werent in the bottom ten worst cities, North Las Vegas, NV, and New York, NY were in the top five cities with the fewest entry-level jobs. New York City again was in the top five for lowest monthly average starting salary, along with Pearl City, HI (number 177.) Hialeah, FL (180) was among the cities with the lowest percentage of the population aged 25 to 34.Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City made the top five for least affordable housing.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience re veals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will ersatzdarsteller your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Pros and Cons of Working at a Startup Company

Pros and Cons of Working at a Startup CompanyPros and Cons of Working at a Startup CompanySalary and benefits, job security, and work-life balance are top of the list for most job seekers. Career growth and strong leadership matter too. Generational trends reveal different priorities. Career performance is paramount for Gen X workers. Company culture, growth potential, and work-life balance are important for Millennials/Gen Y. They also thrive at startups. If youre entering the job market or making a career change, the startup field can be intimidating, even foreign. Heres why you may or may not want to work for them. The Good Its a unique experience Its not always gaming rooms and skateboarding in the hallways, but startups know how to pull off a favorable work environment. Creativity and innovation grow the business, so a stimulating workspace is crucial. You learn a lot Startups place loads of responsibility on their employees. Theyll hire you because of your skills, but found ers expect much more. You help with everything at a startup. Often, its work outside your job description, so opportunities for learning and growth abound. Founders and employees work together theres no middle management, so you learn from the best. Employees work without supervision They make smart decisions and take responsibility for the consequences. The chance to steer progress motivates them to perform well. You can innovate Startups need to grow fast. If they cant keep up in the fast lane, theyll crash out. Employees have the license to show off their brilliance. They deliver results with fresh designs and new concepts that capture consumer interest. Theres pressure to break new ground, but dynamic energy drives progress at startups. Pride in growing the company and sharing in its ups and downs creates a tight-knit team. The perks Money isnt one, but plenty of other perks keep employees happy flexible working hoursworking from homeshorter work weeksa casual atmospheregym and other health facilitiesemployee discounts and free servicesfree food (and sometimes drinks) The long-term benefits include sharing in the spoils if the company thrives. That could mean a senior position and/or employee stock options. Bill Harris, the former CEO of PayPal, says that businesses know they have the power to attract the best talent through employee equity. Job satisfaction Employees share in the birth, growth, and success of the company. Thats why its an attractive career path for this generation. They want to belong to something special. When the company does well, they can be proud of their contributions. The Not-So-Good The workload is heavy Expect to work long hours, with few holidays and vacations. Startups must capitalize on trends quickly, and early growth is vital. Employees work around the clock to make this happen, so stress and burnout are possible. Job stability/security Youll love your job, but you may not keep it long. Research by UC Berkeley Stanford and other contributors suggests that over 90% of startups fail within their first three years Tech startups, in particular, face the threat of technological advancements and new inventions wiping out their business. Startup founders have a brilliant idea and secure enough seed money to start a venture. But that doesnt make them experienced leaders. A lack of strong mentors affects job stability. You dont earn much Investors dont dangle a huge salary in front of aspiring entrepreneurs. They pump funds into operating costs, product development, and growing a customer base. In most cases, salaries are lower with startups than with traditional companies. What social life? You might have fun at the office, but you work hard too. Employees work under extreme pressure to avoid losses, so dont count on having much of social life. Work-life balance is tough, and exhaustive hours at the office can take a toll. Startups fight to survive even when they reach great heights and are more establish ed. Technology changes fast, competition is fierce, and small missteps can have big repercussions. Thats why many startups struggle after going public. Ask questions in an interview that clarify expectations. You can find a job with a startup through many job sites, and you can use a startup salary calculator to compare options.

One of the Most Neglected Systems for Resume Online

One of the Most Neglected Systems for Resume Online The Ultimate Approach for Resume Online Hiring Managers Hiring manager is the closest link to the work seeker however, you may just address them towards the close of the recruitment approach. Employers are constantly searching for positive vibes to select the department or company at the zenith. Recruiters can likewise be full-time employees. Recruiters A recruiter is usually hired by the enterprise to fill in the positions. Therbeie are businesses who post available job positions on the web, but require applicants to visit the organization. When you have to create a resume or compose an employment letter, it can be beneficial to begin with a template. It is crucial for your resume to exude professionalism because fruchtwein employers are seeking that characteristic. Summary Every entrepreneur wants to see her or his business grow. HR professionals are usually too occupied with different details of the business to center on employee productivity. Discover how HR on-line job methods get the job done. If youre running a business, it is normal that you wish to see it grow exponentially and make an amazing reputation for itself. Keep a look out for the sort of hashtags employed by your competitors scouting for job applicants. The bigger your company grows, the greater the danger of slipping up and losing it all. In all instances, companies pay a good deal of money to discover top talent. Sometimes, they will look at your job experience as a basis of their judgment of your skills as a worker, so you should give your best right from the start. The absolute most important part of using hashtags for recruitment is to be specific and prevent spamming. When applying for employment in a big business you may find they use specialized software to help weed out candidates. There are lots of free services that may evaluate your resume on the grounds of its overall look and content. As an entrepreneur, if you dont keep an eye on such technology and update your organizations members also, you are not going to have the knowledge you have to make wise decisions for your enterprise. The Fight Against Resume Online Fortunately, there are various publishers around whove created incredible resume templates for htte nicht viel gefehlt editing and formatting in Word. All you need to do is simply edit the document to include your private details. There are lots of free resume templates readily available online but sometimes it can be very challenging to select the best one that is most suited to you. Double check to be sure that everything on the last version of the resume is about you. The Argument About Resume Online Going back to work can be an extremely exciting time, but its also a time that can definitely make you nervous. You can also make your own telecommuting position by talking with your present employer about work-at-home possibilities. Attempt to keep the resume no lon ger than 1 page, especially if youre asking for an entry-level job. Getting specific of what you want makes it increasingly likelythat youll secure the job. Resume Online at a Glance Resumizer free resume creator allows you to preview your resume at any stage in the creation practice. Its obvious choosing an excellent font would not just save a location in you resume, but will also highlight the most crucial info in your CV. There are lots of beautiful resume templates out there, but nevertheless, it can be simple to feel as a lot of the greatest cost a ridiculous quantity of money, require special design programs in order to edit, or both.Keep in mind, after youve finished personalizing your resume, youre not prepared to fill out an application yet. Resume templates are one method to guarantee structure behind your resume. The whole assortment of resume templates is composed of a selection of creative resume designs. Our creative templates make it possible for you to stick out from the crowd. The seminars and training programs youve attended can also be added to your resume especially if theyre about the work functions of the work position that youre applying for. You are able to realize your future inside them. Also be sure to tailor the document to the job youre applying for. Furthermore, you can incorporate any evening programs which youre enrolled in. Always bear in mind no one is going to employ somebody whos feeling sorry for himself or herself. If you believe it sounds unfair, theres nothing you might do. Theres no doubt that a resume which is both cohesive and professional will have a much better likelihood of standing from the crowd even supposing its made utilizing a template. Ensure you didnt miss whatever could cost you the job that you dream about There are a lot of employers looking for posted resumes so they can make the very first move. The more eyes you receive on your resume the more odds of locating the correct job. All y our life, youve been thinking about what sort of career you wish to pursue and the way you would like to do well on your very first job. Make an intelligent move ad get hired for your fantasy job

Notes on Writing a Resume for Every Job in Simple Step by Step Order

Notes on Writing a Resume for Every Job in Simple Step by Step Order Writing a Resume for Every Job - Dead or Alive? Experience ought to be relevant. When you have your resume for that specific job complete, review the strengths and skills that youve highlighted together with your accomplishments. Why Almost Everything Youve Learned About Writing a Resume for Every Job Is Wrong It is crucial to read the work description as carefully as possible, searching for possible instructions you need to follow. Every job differs and needs a special set of qualities. A work application procedure is a step-by-step practice. Every object of information on your resume needs to be important. The Downside Risk of Writing a Resume for Every Job A hiring manager is just likely to devote a couple of seconds looking at your resume. Learn their terminology and be sure your resume consistently utilizes the appropriate terms. If you are working to get the interest of a business proprietor, phi lanthropisch resources director, or hiring manager, you need to make certain youre covering the three biggest points theyre looking for. If your resume doesnt have an expert appeal, it wont set you apart from the competition. Essential Components of Resume It is an established actuality that resume is your job application for obtaining a job in any specific company. Only incorporate the information that is related to the work position. If jobs are scarce however you may need to do a more active job search than youre utilized to. If you wish to receive a job in a well-known company, do your very best to fulfill their standards and to present yourself accordingly. Each and every work position demands some fundamental educational qualifications. Do all 5 each time you make an application for a job that fits with your perfect job criteria and youre bound to discover the perfect match. Compose a resume that may help you to locate a well-deserving job. The job of an associate is among the accountable job positions and demands a well qualified and knowledgeable candidate. The Little-Known Secrets to Writing a Resume for Every Job Simply following some basic strategies and making certain adjustments could be sufficient to make your cover letter much superior than before. Resume consists of distinct sections, all which are equally important. Utilizing the exact same letter for each employer isnt intelligent. You have to make sure your letter fits the job. Next, be ready to write a different cover letter for each and every job that you apply to. Cover letter ought to be custom written for every single job which you intent to apply.