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Where Do I Find Guidance on Drug Testing my Employees in Texas?

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If you’re an employer, then one of the challenges you may face is learning more about drug testing laws and what rights you have as an employer. The reality is that the drug testing laws vary considerably from state to state, so it is important that you focus on your specific state to get relevant information. If you’re searching for more information on drug testing in the state of Texas, then there are a few places you can look to find more information. Keep reading to find out about the resources that may be available to you.

The Texas Workforce Commission
Texas drug testing laws can be confusing if you have no experience with them, for that reason it’s worth finding a reliable resource that has a lot of information about the rules and regulations. Texas is a relatively ‘employer’ friendly state when it comes to drug testing and there are a number of situations where it is possible to drug test your employees. The Texas Workforce Commission is able to support you with learning more about this, or pointing you in the right direction of where to find more information relevant to your company and industry. You can contact them by phone, or browse their resources on their website.

Your Company’s Drug Testing Policies
If you work for a larger company, then there should be a clear set of established company policies regarding drug testing policies. There are a number of situations where drug testing may be required, or preferred, such as in the case of a workplace accident, for pre-employment screening, and also in the case of suspected use or intoxication while at work. If your company does not have an established policy for drug testing, then it may be worth creating one. There are some specifics of drug testing that need to be followed, such as an alcohol sample after a workplace incident must be taken within 8 hours. Having clear drug testing policies can be helpful to make dealing with a situation easier, but it can also be good as it lets your employees know what is expected of them and what will happen in specific, clearly defined situations.

An Attorney
When looking to drug test your employees for whatever reason, it is imperative that your actions fall within the scope of your legal rights within Texas’ legislation. Because Texas is so “employer friendly” when it comes to drug testing, it’s a little less intimidating than more liberal states such as California, but it’s still important that you’re following the law. An attorney can provide specific state guidance on how to manage any drug testing within your company, but they can also be a huge resource if you find yourself dealing with an employee returning a positive drug test result. It will be important to have specialized guidance if you have to move forward with any disciplinary action based on drug testing.

Seeking further guidance for learning more about how to perform legal drug testing on your employees is an important part of ensuring that you’re working within the limits of the law. Make sure you keep up to date with any drug legalization changes that may impact drug testing laws in Texas. 

What You Should Know When You Travel Frequently For Work

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Work has changed over the last few decades although people still travel frequently for work in various roles. The positions that you will have to travel for will differ from client managers, salespeople, to corporate trainers. Being the person that is sent on important trips can help build a sense of job security. The last thing you want is to get sick when you are traveling for work. You might be stuck in the city that you are in due to COVID traveling restrictions. Thriving during these trips can help you take your career to the next level. The following are things that you need to know about traveling frequently for work. 

Eating In A Healthy Manner

Maintaining your physical health can allow you to be more productive during the trip. Healthy diets can be linked with higher energy levels that will not dip in the afternoon. Figuring out how certain foods impact you personally is very important. You might find that having more carbs in your diet helps you have more energy while sugars tend to lead to a crash later in the day. 

Plan Time For You To Unwind Mentally

A business trip can feel like there is always something to do or somewhere to meet. Planning time for yourself is important even if it is just time relaxing in the hotel room. Taking time to relax can help you find some clarity in the middle of a stressful business trip. Even getting into the hotel gym daily can allow you to reduce your stress. Extended trips need to come with some form of a routine to bring some regularity to your day. 

Taking Advantage Of Rewards Miles

Upgrading a seat can be done from time to time if you have enough airline miles. Rewards programs can be perfect for the professional that is constantly traveling for work. You can even upgrade a room depending on the rewards program that you are a part of. There is a chance that you are reimbursed for your travel with you handling the booking. This can help you accrue so many airline miles that you might never have to pay for personal travel again. 

Learning The Cities You Visit Frequently 

Learning a city each time you visit can allow you to get into a routine. Visiting a certain restaurant or attraction can be what you do to enjoy yourself. All cities have different things to offer which is something that you need to keep in mind. Visiting a city like that of Austin, Texas or Tampa, Florida can allow you to find out why they are so special. Hopefully, your company is going to send you to warm locations during the winter. Learning the area can be advantageous when in traffic or involved in an accident. Getting involved in an accident when traveling might require a truck accident lawyer or one that deals with your type of case. 

Traveling frequently for work can be a very stressful venture if you do not plan accordingly. Take your career to new heights by killing it on trip after trip. Plan those things you can control and leave the rest up to chance. 

How to Play to Your Strengths in Business

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How to Play to Your Strengths in Business

The old business adage is that “people are the company’s most valuable asset.” Employees within a company can indeed make or break it, and they are often the key to success. But unfortunately, business success can be hard to come by. Employees who don’t play to their strengths struggle to meet high expectations, while others may even leave the company.

According to Alexander Djerassi, one-way employees can play to their strengths through self-awareness. Self-awareness allows employees to recognize their strengths and weaknesses and work to develop those strengths. Djerassi believes that self-awareness can be acquired through several exercises, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or Enneagram test. The MBTI is a widely recognized personality test that helps individuals identify their personality type. This can also be beneficial for business owners looking for employees who have similar personalities.

Another way that employees can play to their strengths is by using the environment at work to their advantage. For example, if an employee is introverted, they may benefit from working in a quiet environment, where they will not be disturbed by the noise of other people. They would also benefit from working with more extroverted people, who can help to bring out their more outgoing personality. The same principle can be applied to extroverted employees who need a more quiet environment.

Also, an introverted employee may benefit from working with extroverted people. This can be done by having a desk that is set up so that the employee can sit in an area where they will not be disturbed by anyone else. This also applies to employees who need an environment where they can have time to themselves without talking to others constantly.

Employees can also play to their strengths by taking advantage of its resources and benefits. For example, an employee working in a cubicle may benefit from using the company’s Wi-Fi internet connection at work. This could help them become more productive, as well as learn about new technology that could help them in the future.

Self-awareness is just one way that employees can play to their strengths, and there are many other ways to do this. One of these ways is using a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) as advised by Alexander Djerassi. The MBTI is a widely recognized personality test that helps individuals identify their personality type. This can also be beneficial for business owners who are looking for employees who have similar personalities.

It is important for employees to play to their strengths to succeed in business, but employers also need to recognize their weaknesses. Feeling confident in a particular area of expertise can also help you feel less threatened by other employees and can also lead you to feel more motivated. If an employee is not playing to their strengths, the employer will have little chance of success. Therefore, the employer should work hard at finding ways that the employee can play to their strengths and should also look for ways that they can play to their weaknesses. This will help both sides achieve success together.

4 Unique Ways to Improve a City’s Community Engagement

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There are various ways that you can use to give back to your society ranging from charitable causes to cleaning parks. Community engagement is a good way of building relationships and tackling issues affecting the city. Here are some ways that you can use to improve your city’s community engagement.

1- Expand Your Involvement In Politics

Politics offer you a large platform to champion your causes; for instance, if you want to propose participatory budgeting, politics is your best bet for your proposal to get influence. Taking this path may be daunting, but with the help of people with the same interest and friends, the local government may consider you. Consider sending out a survey to the community touching on your popularity to gauge whether you will go for the seat.

While political waters can be murky, it offers the best way of upping your community’s engagement. If you are an artist, use the media to showcase the city and improve its identity. For a start, consider doing an online campaign while you organize and attend events like rallies and demonstrations. You can try local politicians through letters and contact the press to bring your statement to light.

Lastly, you can raise your profile by supporting the minorities, homeless l, immigrants, and other helpless people in your city. Ask the local government for help and use your newfound influence to aid others.

2- Improve the Public and Park Places

Public and park places offer an area where the whole community can converge to address issues. Additionally, some green space enhances the scenery of the room, making urban gardens and parks a must-have. After a quick tour of your city, you can craft a few ideas that will see you transform the spaces. A popular idea you can adopt is urban gardening, where you and your neighbors work in tandem to establish a community garden.

Improved parks will give the community many opportunities to engage in civic activities. Through helping to improve public spaces and utilizing the existing ones, you will be making a massive assist to the livability, safety, and vitality of your community.

3- Improve Your Neighborhood

A livable neighborhood translates to trust and knowledge among the neighbors. You can organize a neighborhood watch as a way of checking out on each other. Alternatively, you can kick off a project like greening a space or cleaning up the streets. Other ideas include festivals, meetups, or even starting a neighborhood newspaper. You can also promote your city by supporting local artists and purchasing from local businesses to boost sales.

4- Improve Your Street

It requires little to no hassle to start putting up some strategies to better the environment of your street. For instance, you can organize a play street for kids to play some football or a basketball court to hoop. You can also prepare a dinner for your neighborhood to give people a chance to interact and get to know each other.

You can open a free library to encourage reading habits among the young generation; You can set up a clothes and books exchange using an old phone booth. Take advantage of social media and create a WhatsApp group for the neighborhood. If it does not work, make flyers containing the email link so that more members can join. You can improve engagement in the community by acting as a role model to the young generation and discouraging gang and gun-related activities.

How to Determine Your Budget for a New House

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Buying a home is one of the most significant achievements in life. It will help you save a significant amount of money, which you can spend on different projects. You will also enjoy tax deductions, and you can also use your property as collateral when applying for a loan. However, you can face financial problems after purchasing a home, especially if you can’t repay the loan you acquired to fund your project. That is why it is advisable to take some time to plan your purchase to prevent disappointment down the road.

Evaluate the Amount of Money You Spend Monthly

The first strategy to help you determine your budget for a new house is evaluating the money you spend monthly. Start by calculating all the cash you spend on utility bills and food. Then, add up all the money you use monthly on medication and other expenses. That will let you know the amount of money you can spend on a mortgage. If you have enough money left after setting aside enough money to give your family a comfortable life, it might be advisable to apply for funding from a reputable institution.

Consider Applying for a Mortgage

After knowing the amount of money, you can spend on monthly installments, research the different mortgage loans available to decide the most favorable, depending on your salary. Then, visit different reputable mortgage companies to find out the one that offers the most favorable terms. Working with a lender that offers lower interest rates might be advisable because it will save you a significant amount of money in the long run. In addition, loan officers will consider the amount of money you can manage to pay at the end of each month when deciding the loan to offer you.

Consider Any Tax Breaks

The recent law amendments have reduced some of the tax deductions you can enjoy when buying a house. However, you can still enjoy many tax breaks because the law amendments also added some perks to save you a significant amount of money. Therefore, it is advisable to research the available perks and take advantage of the tax cut to save money when buying your house.

Look for HOA or Other Fees

When budgeting for a new house and starting the house hunting process, it’s important to consider how much of your budget you are willing to allocate for HOA fees or any other type of fees. If you realize you don’t have money in your budget for additional fees, it’s best to look for houses without these added fees. However, you should look at what additional fees cover. For example, joining an HOA might actually save you money because it could cover recreational amenities that will cut down on your entertainment expenses or landscaping for your yard or the common neighborhood areas.

Consider the Amount of Money You Will Be Spending on Renovations

When budgeting for a new house, it is advisable to consider your money on renovations. That will enable you to know whether your salary can finance the refurbishment you require, or you have to seek additional funding. Although renovations will help to keep your home in tip-top condition and improve its value, it might not be advisable to buy a home that requires expensive renovations.

Budgeting is one of the essential procedures when buying a new house. That is why it is advisable to consider the tips above before starting the home hunting mission. They will enable you to make informed decisions, preventing financial problems in the future.

Paid to Be Perfect by Heather Mathes: on self-care, body positivity and mental wellness

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Heather Mathes’ upcoming book, Paid to Be Perfect, is not only a book about herself and her habits, it is also very relevant in our current society.

The book echoes several hot topics and subjects. During the last few years, the words of “body positivity”, “self-care”, “wellness” and “mental health” have been at the forefront of social medias. Especially on Instagram and TikTok, where more and more self-care accounts are multiplying. Due to the recent rises in mental illness due to the pandemic, many people are being advised to explore their own spiritual growth and to discover inner peace.

Heather Mathes includes these three topics in her book, in the following order: nutrition, skincare, and mental wellness.

Nutrition

Nutrition takes the biggest part out of these three topics. The author expands on it, as she firmly believes that a better nutrition will naturally help other aspects of life.

She is far from being the only author or influencer who wants to pay more attention to her nutrition. As a matter of fact, whether it is for the environmental aspect or their own health, a lot of people are changing their diets towards more vegetables, less meat, more organic produce, more variety and balance.

This change is hard to ignore as we see the consequences of the food industry and the ultra-processed food products, both on the human health and on the environment. They include eating disorders, conditions such as diabetes, food waste, and plastic waste.

Skincare

The next part is about skincare. Along with fashion, skincare has immensely benefited from the rise of Instagram. Skincare brands communicate non-stop via their accounts and anyone who is passionate can build a community and a following.

Just like those beauty influencers, the author shares her tips, her routine, her favorite products and tools. She describes her skin concerns, what each product does for her, and the financial costs, so that the reader has enough information to take what they need from her own experience.

Mental wellness

The part on mental wellness is very relevant in our society. Indeed, light is being shed on mental illnesses and mental self-care. A growing number of people are talking, discussing, informing others and themselves about this subject. It is a good thing that this topic is less and less stigmatized and censored.

As she is not a doctor, Mathes only touches upon the less serious aspect of mental wellness. Nonetheless, she reminds us key tips such as prioritizing our mental health, asking for and accepting help, or protecting ourselves from toxic events or environments.

The affirmations and tips can be seen in other self-improvement and wellness books or social medias, but I think we will always need to hear them.

Positivity

On a more general view, affirmations of wellness and body positivity can be found throughout the book.

Her own definition of the “perfect” she tries to achieve is rooted in the body positivity mindset. Indeed, she explains that her idea of the “perfect body” does not follow a precise weight, size, or shape but can be defined as the body in which one feels the most comfortable and healthy. Her idea of self-confidence is accepting that each person has their own and personal perfect body, that should not be compared to other people.

Mathes explains that flaws and imperfections are what makes us unique and perfect in our own way. That there will be inevitably some days where we won’t work out or where we will indulge in a sugary treat; but it is alright.

In a nutshell, this book totally speaks to the readers of its time and deals with relevant topics from the author’s point of view and experiences. Order a copy now on Amazon.

Facts About San Francisco’s History

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Facts About San Francisco’s History

Did you know that San Francisco is one of the most historic cities in the United States? If you’re interested in learning more about its history, then keep reading. In this blog post, Jonathan Osler gives some of the most interesting facts about San Francisco’s past.

1. The Famous San Francisco Fog Has a Name

Many names over time have known San Francisco’s famous fog. The name “fog” was first used to describe the thick mist that sometimes covered the city. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that scientists began studying the phenomenon and gave it a scientific name: marine air temperature inversion. This occurs when warm ocean water rises through the cold bay waters. At different times throughout the year, the wind blows across the bay’s surface, creating an area of low pressure. As a result, the air above becomes cooler than the surrounding environment. When this happens, the air begins to sink towards the ground. Because there is less oxygen at higher altitudes, the air gets thicker, creating clouds. Scientists believe that the fog doesn’t dissipate as much as other fog because the moisture content is so high.

2. The Chinese Fortune Cookie was Invented in San Francisco

San Francisco is home to the fortune cookie factory that invented the snack. It was started in 1905 by William Shurtleff, who had moved from New York City. He created his brand of cookies and decided to create fortunes inside them. Thus, the fortune cookie was born.

3. The Golden Gate Bridge Was Meant to be Black and Gold – Not Red

When the idea for the Golden Gate bridge came around, people wanted to make sure it matched the colors of the Bay Area flag. They also wanted to make sure that the bridge didn’t look like any other bridges out there. So, they chose black and gold as the main color scheme. As a result, people often refer to the bridge as the “black-and-gold arch.”

4. San Francisco Used to Be Much Smaller

San Francisco used to be smaller when it was founded. According to some historians, the original settlement only covered 2 square miles. That meant that there were only 5000 residents! Over time, though, the city grew larger and eventually became bigger than London. Today, San Francisco covers 446 square miles.

5. San Francisco Started as a Mission

According to Osler, San Francisco originally started as a Spanish mission located on what is now called De Anza Boulevard. It was completed in 1776. Then, after Mexico gained independence, the missions were closed. But the land remained under the control of the Catholic Church. Starting in 1835, the Mexican government bought the land, intending to turn it into pueblos de Los españoles (villages of the Spaniards). All of these villages later merged into one big town.

6. San Francisco’s Chinatown Is One of Its Most Historic Neighborhoods

Chinatown is one of San Francisco’s most historic neighborhoods. It was the only place where Chinese immigrants could live freely for years. However, many of them lived in substandard housing because they were banned from living anywhere else. The community then got its name when the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 went into effect.
I hope you enjoyed learning about 6 facts Jonathan Osler provided about San Francisco.

How To Get Company Staff To Bond Efficiently

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Company staff that are bonded will communicate and work better with each other. Understanding the personalities of one another is going to be of paramount importance. Fostering this type of bonding starts during the hiring process as some people are just not a fit in terms of company culture. The following are tips to get staff to bond efficiently. 

Virtual Happy Hours

The traditional happy hour has been canceled for some companies. Don’t discount the importance of people unwinding together. Getting to know people when you are new in the office usually happens through happy hours and other activities. A virtual happy hour can be what people need to vent to one another. Working from home comes with a new set of challenges when it comes to children interrupting important meetings. Sending out monthly gift cards for a delivery service can be a perk people look forward to. People miss socializing with coworkers which can make remote work a challenge for some. 

Encourage 1 On 1 Meetings When Possible

1 on 1 meetings between staff cover business but also some personal details about a person. You want staff to get to know one another professionally and personally so they can work together in a more productive fashion. Remote businesses need to have introductions personally with each person they meet. This will make future meetings more productive and people less hesitant. Checking in with everyone including contractors a few times a month is important. 

Fun Team Bonding Experiences

Taking the team out to the driving range or to play laser tag can be a blast. Looking into laser tag near me online can even show you bulk deals for an entire party. People like to have fun and compete. This is even something that children can be incorporated into instead of employees getting babysitters for a company outing. Bowling is another activity that can allow people to bowl as some people can be funny outside of the office. Paintballing is another option if you have a staff that enjoys this as it can be fun even without experience. 

Taking Company Trips

A trip to a conference can allow staff to get to know one another. Taking a trip just to bond is something that other companies opt for. Seeing a supervisor in a new light can make you more comfortable going to them for help. These trips can be a blast although you need to make sure certain individuals don’t drink too much. Even staff that take out clients for entertainment purposes can bond together. Seeing one another outside of work can enlighten people to a true personality rather than how they portray themselves professionally. There are some teams that meet annually on a paid trip to have fun then have some important game planning meetings for the upcoming quarters. 

A company that truly enjoys working with one another will shine in the morale department. You want a happy and competent staff to ensure overall productivity for yeast to come. 

How to Choose the Right Credit Card for Your Lifestyle

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To easily choose the right credit card for your lifestyle, you need to know the card’s annual percentage rate (APR), whether there are any fees, what rewards are available, and at what pace you may earn them. The speed at which you receive cashback and incentives varies greatly between cards, and you want to maximize those.

Check Your Credit
According to your credit score, you will be able to narrow down credit card offers that are eligible for you. The higher your credit score, the higher your chances are of getting accepted by cards with awesome perks. On the other hand, if your score is unsettling, you can figure out the issue and look for ways to improve it. You could boost your score by paying bills like utilities and streaming services, thus getting credit. Additionally, you could pay your bills on time, maintain low balances, or you could try opening new accounts.

Identify The Type of Credit Card Needed
Opt for a credit card that is suitable for your individual needs. In general, there are three types of credit cards: those that get you rewards, those that improve damaged credit, and those that save up money on interest. It is best to write down what you wish the card to accomplish. Then, you will be able to narrow down the credit card you need. For instance, if your goals are unidentified, you might choose a card that does not suit your needs. A good example, if you own a retail store, it would be best to get a store credit card instead of a business credit card.

Shop Around for Credit Card Offers
When you have identified the credit card type that best suits your needs, shop for the best credit card offers. It is essential to factor in the interest rates and fees. There are several types: APRs, annual fees, late payment fees, and foreign transaction fees. If you cannot choose a card, you could always submit one or multiple pre-qualification forms online. Although it is not guaranteed to be approved, this will not damage your credit score.

Narrow Your Choices
The simplest way to narrow down your search is by asking yourself the right questions. Questions like: will I build my credit with this card? Including annual fees, how much money will I use to open an account? How excelled is this credit card? How fast do I get rewards? And so on. Once you research the credit cards in question, you will be able to narrow them down to at least three or so cards suitable for you.

Apply for The Card with The Highest Value
Step four is easy, but picking the winner from the remaining cards may prove to be quite a difficult task. Especially if they are similar, pay close attention to their differences. For instance, expiration dates on rewards, lower required spending, debt payoff planner, etc. Such details will help you choose from your top three or four.

After completing the process, take care of your credit card and avoid placing it next to magnetic fields. The card’s strip is affected by both the duration of time it is exposed to the magnetic force and the intensity of the magnet. To avoid unnecessary interests and penalties, it is wise to pay your bills on time and in full. This also helps to stack up credit. In case you are trying to establish credit, it is advisable not to use too much of the available credit.

How to Reward Valuable Employees

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How to Reward Valuable Employees

Recognizing and rewarding valuable workers’ contributions goes a long way to motivate them and build a positive working relationship between them and the employees. It gets demoralizing when an employer fails to recognize their workers’ good work. There are many ways and methods of rewarding valuable workers, and managers often get confused about choosing the most effective. Here are some of the effective ways to reward valuable employees.

Personalized thank you note

One might not understand how a simple thank you note written by the manager can effectively reward their efforts. This method makes them know that their actions are valuable and have affected the employer. According to educator Jonathan Osler, a thank you note has zero costs. Still, it can go a long way to achieve the motivation and recognition an employer wants to pass onto their workers.

Time off

Valuable employees need some time off to refresh and gain new energy to achieve more. Everyone, including the most enthusiastic employee, would fancy some time off to relax and hang out with their family and friends. The employer can reward their valuable workers and their families with a fully catered vacation, which will significantly strengthen their relationship with the company. Adding a day or a week to the employee’s leave can also be a great way of rewarding them.

Money

Money is a magical motivator. Rewarding valuable workers with an extra salary will make them feel recognized and put more effort into their duties. However, physical money is not the only way to reward a valuable employee. Gift cards can also serve the purpose. However, monetary awards should not be the only way to reward employees. They should be part of the entire appreciation program.

Field trip

An outing for the employees can be a great way to improve the workplace culture. To reward valuable employees for their outstanding work, one can take them for a group outing. This outing should include activities that everyone can participate in and enjoy. An outing could be a sporting event, a public park, or even a local conference that will allow them to interact, network, and learn.

Skill development

Skill development has always been a concern, especially to the young employees; Jonathan Osler comments that they worry much about their career future. Skill development is also necessary for all workers, especially with the technological advancements emerging in today’s world. Offering skill development programs to valuable workers can be a great way of recognizing their contribution to the company and their potential to achieve more.

Magazine and social media features

Featuring valuable employees in the company newsletter, blog or magazine is a good way of recognizing their efforts. These features show how the company values their top-achieving employees, portray a positive picture to the public and motivate workers to achieve more to receive such recognition. Social media recognition is another way of rewarding and motivating valuable employees. Especially singing their praises on LinkedIn helps build their career profile and opens them to the world of opportunities.

These are some practical ways employees can reward their valuable and successful employees. Recognizing employees’ efforts should not be a difficult task. Simple, rewarding actions can achieve more for the company through motivation and more dedication from the workers.