SavvySugar

15 Ways to Annoy Your Boss

SavvySugar — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:11:08 PST

Whether you're hoping to get ahead at work or just trying to build healthy relationships, it's important to understand how your boss works - what she appreciates, what she respects, and what she can't stand. Create a strong connection with your manager and avoid irritating her by steering clear of these 15 ways to annoy your boss:

Arrive late, coffee in hand. If you waltz into the office 20 minutes late, clutching a Starbucks cup, chances are it's not going to be well-received. If you're running short on time, skip the coffee shop and head to the office coffeemaker instead.
Dress inappropriately. Your boss doesn't want to feel like your parent, so she won't be thrilled if she has to regularly address your workwear. Keep things professional and remember to err on the conservative side.
Regularly bring up your accomplishments. Patting your own back is fine every once in a while, but high-fiving yourself for every little victory is sure to frustrate both your co-workers and your boss. Save the boasting for your year-end review and always note your successes with a purpose - as in, say, while negotiating salary.
Say you'll "try" instead of you "will." When you're asked to finish something, that means you're expected to finish it. Form your responses carefully, as even small tweaks can have a huge effect. Instead of saying, "I'll try to get to that," nod and assure your boss by saying, "No problem, I will get to that as soon as I've finished this."
Ask personal questions. Your boss will offer personal information as she sees fit, so refrain from asking anything too intimate. Small talk is fine, of course, but remember to maintain professional boundaries during conversation.
Tattle on other employees. Most information finds its way through the grapevine, so chances are your boss will find out about any significant scandals from someone else. Nobody likes the office tattler - and telling your boss someone else's secrets would say more about your character than theirs, anyway.
Reply to all her tweets. You may be Facebook friends, but that doesn't mean you need to "like" every status or comment on every one of her pictures. Keep the interactions minimal so that you don't aggravate her with hourly notifications that say you've commented on five more of her Instagram photos.

Keep reading for more ways to annoy your boss.

Cute Desk Accessories in Every Color

SavvySugar — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:45:40 PST

Black, gray, and white seem to take over during the Winter months, so make your days bright and colorful by adding accessories of every shade to your desk space. We've rounded up cute and practical picks in every color of the rainbow.

7 Pretty Little Post-It Notes

Emily Co — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:15:27 PST

If you're old fashioned and still use sticky notes as the main source of reminders, try some of these pretty little post-its to spice up your to-dos.

From left to right:

Jonathan Adler Sticky Notes ($10)
Crane & Co.Spectacle Sticky Note Set ($9)
Pixelated Hand Sticky Note Pads ($5)
Just Sayin' Sticky Notes ($5)
Floppy Disk Sticky Notes ($10)
On The Wing Sticky Notes ($18)
Block Sticky Notes ($14)

The Top 10 Essentials to Store in Your Desk

SavvySugar — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 01:20:04 PST

Be prepared for any 9 to 5 dilemma by stocking your desk with these 10 must-have items. From beauty mishaps to health setbacks, you'll be equipped with all the necessities to sidestep obstacles and stay focused on your work.

2012 Planners to Fit Every Personality

SavvySugar — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:29:28 PST

The first step toward a New Year is buying a new calendar. These 2012 planners will help you keep your cool as you coordinate your schedule. Whether you prefer planners that are strictly professional or packed with personality, we've found 10 notebooks to suit any style.

10 Essential Work Pieces That Aren't Totally Tired

Brittney Stephens — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:45:27 PST

Let's face it: dressing for the office can be a challenge. If you're lucky enough to work in a creative space, you may feel more pressure to keep your looks exciting (and not take total advantage of the lax dress code). If you're in a pretty corporate professional environment, it's even more likely that you'll be surrounded by ensembles that are duller than dishwater. Luckily, there are a few easy pieces that can ensure you look polished and powerful - whether you're working with a base salary or something a bit more bountiful. From an anything-but-boring blazer to a punchy pair of pants, click through to see and shop 10 pieces that will bring some serious cool to your cubicle.

Low Maintenance Plants For Your Cubicle

Leta Shy — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 03:05:54 PDT

There's nothing like a good desk plant to liven up your cubicle and brighten up a day at the office, not to mention the great feng shui benefits. And as an added bonus, office plants combat what NASA calls the Sick Building Syndrome by purifying the air you breathe. Here are some low-maintenance plants that do well in low or fluorescent office light. Click on one you like to pick it up and start feeling healthier at your desk!

Clockwise from top left: Golden Pothos ($17), Peace Lily ($40), Mini Leaf Jade Plant ($8), Sansevieria (Mother-in-Law's Tongue) ($17), Strawberry and Cream Rubber Tree ($8), African Violet ($28).

10 Things to Do With 10 Bucks: Office Edition

LearnVest — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:15:41 PDT

We're thrilled to present this smart LearnVest story here on Savvy!

Freshly sharpened pencils . . . Crisp, lined paper . . . Clean, new notebooks . . .

As work begins to pick up after the long summer lull, channel the back-to-school spirit with cute new organizers and decorations for your workspace.

We started our 10 Things to Do With 10 Bucks series because there’s nothing better than finding a spare Hamilton at the end of the month. After carefully budgeting all month, we’re okay with buying a little something fun as a treat and encouragement - so we bring you our favorite finds for $10.

In this installment, we’ve found the perfect items to inject a dose of personality into your office. From a live “money tree” to a seven-year pen, these finds will set you up for your best “year” yet. (We like using the start of the school year as an excuse for a second chance at finally nailing down those resolutions!)

Secrets to Beating Your Work Exhaustion

Emily Co — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:35:10 PDT

Although it's recommended to take a short walk to unwind from work, what you're surrounded by during your walk actually matters a lot. For example, if you're walking through a busy street filled with flashing lights and loud noises, the stroll won't really be an effective time-out.

University of Michigan researchers found that subjects who strolled through a nature setting saw a 20 percent improvement in attention and focus tests. However, participants who took a brief walk in a busy city did not see any cognitive benefits. Even spending time in a quiet room with a picture depicting nature was more effective than a city stroll. Here are more tips from The Wall Street Journal to rev up your mind during work:

Believe in your willpower. People who have a positive view about their willpower and believe they have an unlimited amount of it are able to work longer without a decrease in performance quality versus those who believe they have a limited amount, Stanford University researchers found. The WSJ says, "Both groups reported feeling tired. But researchers subtly suggested in questionnaires to some participants that they had stamina that could be replenished, and this group appeared to overcome the fatigue."
Don't drink more caffeine than necessary. If you intake more coffee than your usual amount, it might make you more stressed if you're already feeling some tension, according to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Bristol. Stick to your regular cup of joe, and if you think the taste of coffee will calm you down, try opting for a decaf coffee instead.

8 Cute Tumblers For the Office

Emily Co — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:41:25 PDT

Keeping a tumbler in your office is a good way to be eco-friendly. It can also be a fresh addition to your desk and will definitely brighten up your work space. If you're looking to get yourself a travel mug, read on to see some stylish options.