US Media Studios Shares News on What Matters Most to Employees

Most workers know what it will take to keep them happy and dedicated to their jobs and to the companies they work for. If only CEOs would listen and hear what matters most to employees.

It’s Not about the Money

While true that people appreciate a bonus for a group goal, and the occasional cost of living raise on their work anniversary, what matters more is gratitude. A recent report found that 60 percent of workers surveyed placed more value on being appreciated by management than a monetary reward. Gratitude plays a significant role in employee satisfaction and retention. A genuine thank you from the boss or a manager makes the world of difference for many American workers.

Say It Ain’t So

There are some bosses and managers who fall into these categories and US Media Studios hopes they hear us:

• Uncommunicative and emotionally distant bosses do not rank high on any employee’s list about good leaders.
• Business leaders who do not give credit to workers are high on the list (32% of respondents).
• Business leaders who do not give praise or express support fall closely behind not giving credit (28%).
• Business leaders that do not help employees with promotion is a major turn off for most workers (24%).
• Business leaders who view staff as replaceable (and remind them of that now and then) is another factor that compels employees to bolt (13%).

What Matters Most to Employees

Respondents (and most workers, in fact) want to feel appreciated by their managers. They want to know, in real time, that their hard work and dedication is appreciated. They don’t necessarily want to wait until the dreaded mid and year end performance review. If an employee did a good job on something today, let him or her know today. If it was a team effort, then thank the whole team.

USMedia Studios encourages business leaders to show and give gratitude and appreciation to your staff. It goes a very long way in convincing them you care.

US Media Studios Reveals Why We Do Not Get Enough Sleep

Work. A recent survey from CareerBuilder found that almost 44 percent of American employees lose sleep because they worry about work-related issues. Nearly one in four of those surveyed said they do not get enough sleep at least once a week. Another survey, from 2013, found that three in four people questioned lost sleep over work. US Media Studios also has seen more workers doing more than one person's job since the recession in 2008. Workers let go during the economic downturn have yet to be replaced, leaving less people to do more.

Technology does not help the matter either. Many people sleep with the smart phone or tablet beside the bed. Some use the alarm clock function, but still wake up when emails come in, or texts arrive.  American employees will take the time to reply to a text or an urgent email. We can also factor in the sounds and lights that go off when items arrive.

So how can we turn work off when we go to bed? Move the smart phone away from the bed. Set a time to prepare for bed and rest. Don't let anything get in the way of it. Let co-workers, managers, bosses, and colleagues know that there will be no replies after a certain time at night. Get more exercise during the day and after dinner. This eases stress that builds during the day and early evening. Go to bed at the same time every night, if possible. Find a relaxing way to wind down before climbing into bed. Pleasant dreams.

US Media Studios Digs Out the Best Tips for Winter Storms

No matter where one lives, winter storms can wreak havoc. From heavy, wet snow piling up on sidewalks, driveways and roads to heavy rain flooding street, US Media Studios digs out the best tips for handling winter storms.

Here it comes, America. A massive blizzard threatening to bury the nation’s capital under 2 feet or more of snow. In the South, heavy rain and the possibility for tornadoes is in the wind.  How do we deal with it all?

Snow, Ice and Cold Weather

Snow and the underlying ice under it can cause roads to be especially hazardous to pedestrians and vehicles. Snow can also be very heavy to shovel for even the most fit person. Shovel heavy snow in small increments. Go slowly. Work one foot at a time. After each section is clear, throw some rock salt on it to melt the ice. Then move on to the next one foot of space.

Wear warm clothing in layers.  Don’t forget to wear a hat and something to cover most of the face. This can helpful in the prevention of frostbite and hypothermia. Also, wear warm, waterproof boots when walking in the snow and on ice. If heading to work, carry dress shoes in a tote bag.

Driving in snow and on snow is no fun. Always be sure the vehicle is in top condition with proper snow tires and with at least a half a tank of gas. Keep a warm blanket in the car with non-perishable snacks like granola and protein bars. Keep smart phones fully charged if possible. Let others know the route and estimated time of arrival.

Rain, Flooding and High Wind

US Media Studios is located in South Florida where even brief periods of torrential rain can flood surface streets and limit visibility to less than two feet. Contrary to what most people believe, it is not recommended to turn on emergency lights when driving slower than the speed limit in heavy rain. This leads other drivers to think there is a problem. Instead, turn headlights on low and take it as slowly as needed.

High wind can also wreak havoc on the road and at home. To avoid accidents and damage, move small objects like potted plants and yard decorations into a secure shed or garage. Find a parking spot away from flooded areas.

If stuck indoors for a few hours, be sure to have the supplies needed.  High wind and blinding rain are good reasons to stay home.  Never try to venture out in rough weather.  If one must head out, take extra towels in a plastic bag to dry off in the vehicle.  Make sure all lights and the windshield wipers are in good working order. Wear seatbelts and take your time.

Be safe this winter.

US Media Studios Explains How Americans are Prepared to Retire

It seems there is a lot of bad news in the nation about how prepared the next generations are for retirement. While many people plan to keep working through their retirement years to be able to meet monthly household expenses, US Media Studios learns there is good news comes that 45 percent of the working public is on track to live comfortably after they reach retirement age.

It is essential that retirement savings tools and resources are used to calculate how much will be needed. But here are some other tips from Fidelity to help everyone obtain what need financially to have a decent retirement:

• Save 15% of pay. If the employer matches contributions, that counts.
• Replace retirement portfolios that are too conservative or aggressive with one that allocates according to age guidelines.
• Work until the full retirement age of 66 for early boomers, and 67 for those younger than that – not age 65 as most retirement calculators figure.

As US Media Studios often reminds readers, if health and lifestyle permit, work longer, perhaps part-time, as a contractor or as an adviser. Keeping busy and active are keys to a longer life. And isn’t it better to have a longer life when the savings are there to support it?

We concede that it can be very difficult to save anything when jobs disappear, there are older parents to care for, adult children come home to live, and health challenges around every corner. The trick is to have retirement savings automatically deposited from paychecks into retirement accounts. Out of sight is out of mind and out of mind is money socked away for the time when is just that – work. And it’s time to leave.

US Media Studios Reports on the Benefits of Workplace Wellness Plans

Workplace wellness plans are popular and successful. More employers are offering them as are health care brokers and health insurance companies. But employees are the true winners. US Media Studios reports on the benefits of workplace wellness plans.

A recent Aflac survey found that employees report being more satisfying in their job with the plan in place. A strong healthcare benefits package and programs to break bad habits, lose weight, and maintain better health are all a part of making and keeping workers happy and in their jobs.

A few of the favorite healthcare perks from employers include: healthcare spending accounts, employee assistance programs, onsite medical care, onsite or company-sponsored fitness classes, and dental coverage. After all, the mouth is the first avenue food takes on its way through the digestive system.

US Media Studios also notes that most major health insurance companies also offer reward programs to incentivize good, everyday health giving employees the added perks of savings on big ticket items, gym membership, and other goodies. Does your company offer one?

US Media Studios Reviews Jobs That Received the Best Pay Raises

Average pay rates did not go up very much throughout the last several years. However, there were some occupations which did get a nice pay bump. US Media Studios reviews the jobs that received the best pay raises, and shares where the best cities are to get them.

Columbus, OH

The average wage growth in the last year was a tiny two percent. Glassdoor, the mega career website, notes that business system analysts got the highest bump with a ten percent increase in pay. Security officers and sales consultants tied for second place with a seven percent increase. Pharmacy technicians and baristas, both low annual income brackets, saw six percent wage increase in the last year. Following them in getting a raise are customer service managers, certified nursing assistants and financial analysts all with a five percent hike.

Workers that want to live where they can earn a decent living wage and enjoy a pay bump might want to consider looking into these top five cities where wage grow the best:

• Columbus, OH
• San Francisco, CA
• Virginia Beach, VA
• Louisville, KY
• Rochester, NY

US Media Studios also notes that three of them, Columbus, Louisville, and Rochester, also made the Most Affordable Cities to Live in the United States. Criteria for this included annual housing and utility costs.

US Media Studios Examines How Work Habits Can Increase Stroke Risk

All work and no rest can add increased likelihood of having a stroke. US Media Studios takes a look at how work habits can increase the risk of stroke, and offers suggestions for reducing the chances.

Long work weeks, those over the standard 40 hours, face a stronger change of developing a stroke, according to a large study from a respected medical journal. While we know that entrepreneurs can put in an extraordinary amount time to their business, time should be set aside for rest and relaxation. The study also noted that workers that cross the 40 hour mark, even by one hour, have a better chance of heart-related medical issues than those that do not. Long work hours do not necessarily mean better work or increased productivity. Often, the more hours one works, the less productive they are due to tiredness and stress. Stress leads to stress-related health concerns, which added with poor lifestyle choices can result in stroke symptoms.

Below are some steps to take every day if one finds themselves working over 40 hours per week:

Stand up and move around when working, if possible. Bend the legs, arms, neck and torso.

Take a brisk walk outside three times a day to get blood flowing.

Lower stress during the day by counting to four, release breath and repeat four times. Don’t answer email or phone calls during that time. This resets the body’s stress hormone back to normal.  

US Media Studios also suggests eating nutritious meals and snacks and drinking plenty of water. These too will also help keep stress levels down and health up.

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US Media Studios Reviews the Best Cities for Families in the US

Overland Park, Kansas

America is great, big, beautiful country and within it, there are great cities for families. US Media Studios reviews them.

From coast to coast and locations in between, where we choose to live depends on a few important factors: where are jobs are, the cost of living, safety, health and education. Below are the five top cities (of the top 10) in the United States for families as rated by WalletHub from criteria derived from several sources:

Overland Park, Kansas – Lots of family-friendly activities, good healthcare options, safe, education is better than average

Plano, Texas – Good education system and healthcare, plenty of family-friendly things to do, it is safer, clean and affordable.

Virginia Beach, Virginia – A beautiful coastal city on the East coast with slightly higher than average income from the rest of the state. It is also a clean and safe city with good schools and plenty to do.

Lincoln, Nebraska – A great, affordable city to live in with kids with good schools, healthcare and fun stuff to do as a family.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota – This city is not only beautiful, but it’s also quite affordable, US Media Studios learns. It ranks very well in childcare, safety, health and education. Plus, there is a plethora of exciting options for families.

No matter where we live in the United States, we can always find something good about it from the weather, close proximity to outdoor fun, or a host of other reasons.

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USM Studios Weighs in on the Top Employee Trends of the Future

What’s ahead for businesses and the people who work for them? USM Studios peers into the future to find out what employers and employees might contend with in future workplaces.

One of the top workplace subjects going into the future is the generational mix in the workplace. Companies will have a variety of ages, experience levels and knowledge levels to tap. Workers from different backgrounds can help each other adapt and learn new ways of getting specific tasks done. Another key component of businesses in the future will be managing off-site workers such as contractors, freelancers and others. As people aim to work from a more desirable location, such as the home or shared office space, employers may find telecommuters are loyal and work just as hard as in-house staff. But are more happy employees overall. Learn more about these employees, how and when they work best and give them the opportunity to fly.

Social media will also be a major factor in businesses of any size. BYOD (bring your own device) policies will become more standard as the older methods of assigning equipment to employees goes out the proverbial window. USM Studios,Inc. believes BYOD will be the equipment policy of the future, as some younger, technological companies are already in “bring your own” mode. Which way do you think your company will go?

USM Studios Inc Ponders How to Take a Break from a Career

(we're still in the office)

It happens to the best of us from CEOs to stockroom personnel: we need a break. While paid time off for vacations is appreciated, sometimes we just need something a little more. USM Studios ponders how to take a break from a career.

A career break might sound a little nerve wracking especially if one if afraid of not having a job to come back to after the leave. But there are periods in life when we need to just get away, do something out of the norm, and forget about work and career for longer than a one or two week vacation. How about a career break then?

A career break can help answer the questions we raise every day such as “is this the right path to take in life”, or “what do I want to accomplish in life?”  The trick to answering these questions is to unplug from devices so work and others do not interfere.

A career break can open new doors. Travel to another state, another region, country or continent can open doors not seen before. Take a break to explore. Maybe a new career will sprout.

Ask if a one or two month sabbatical can be taken. USMStudios, Inc. notes these are possible even if not paid. Sabbaticals allow the employee to take a career break, but come back refreshed, ready to work in their job which was saved for them and more loyal.

A career break, whether taken on our own or with an employer’s blessing, is a great way to redefine what we want in life.  And even more so for those who feel they will need to work well past retirement age in order to maintain their lifestyle.

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