Money Isnt Everything! Four Game-Changing Job Benefits - Your Career Intel

Money Isnt Everything Four Game-Changing Job Benefits - Your Career IntelFor many job seekers, finding a better job means finding a higher paying one. The assumption seems logical, but making it might actually lead to slower advancement and lower job satisfaction in the long run. Too many of us over-value salary and under-value other job benefits. A job that challenges and inspires you, engages you socially, and provides work-life balance adds worth to your paycheck and fosters long-term success.With over fifteen years experience as an executive recruiter, Ive learned that salary is just one of several factors to consider in finding satisfaction at work. These four significant employment benefits can make the difference between a job you like, and a job you love.Your company invests in your future. When you take a new job, you are investing yourself in that company. Your company should reciprocate that investment. Professional development opportunities, such as corporate training sem inars, college tuition credits, and networking opportunities, can be invaluable down the road. Join a company where there is room to grow. Consider whether a lower salary up front might lead to more rapid advancement later.Your bro is a great place to spend the day. Dont underestimate the value of corporate culture. A huge salary is great, but it might elend be worth it if you dread going to the office. Look for a friendly and collegial atmosphere, fostered through collaborative work opportunities and inclusive social events. When you visit the office, do employees seem genuinely to like each other? Are they friendly to newcomers? Is the office open and inviting, or a warren of airless offices? Companies that take pride in their offices are usually committed to a great social environment also.Your job maximizes perks and minimizes hidden costs. Its easy to overlook hidden costs when evaluating a new salary. Job expenses such as daily transportation, wardrobe, or food and drink price s can add up quickly. On the other hand, job benefits like comprehensive health insurance, gym memberships, transit passes, catered meals, and childcare can add substantially to your overall salary and to your work-life balance.Your work-life balance is valued. Flexible hours, generous vacation days, and lifestyle perks such as lunchtime fitness classes make employees happier and more successful. Are you chasing a higher salary at the expense of your social life, family time, and personal goals? If so, that raise might not make you happier. Look for a job that you can commit to one hundred percent without losing sight of other priorities, and youll probably be more productive (not to mention happier) in the long run.You should be motivated to do great work by your workplace and your colleagues, not by your paycheck alone. While everyone wants to make more money, its important not to be penny wise and dollar foolish. Often, to compromise on salary for a job that gives you room to gro w, invests in your potential, and values your happiness is to make an investment in your future.What employment benefits do you most value? Have you ever chosen better perks over a higher salary? Please share your stories.

The Secret to Generating Passive Income Is This

The Secret to Generating Passive Income Is This Looking for abedrngnisher income stream or streams? Perhaps a passive income stream that requires little to no work while you focus on your full-time job? A passive income stream sounds like a good idea, and you can probably find passive income idea after passive income idea on the internet from people who are very convincing of get-rich-quick schemes that require no work at all.Generating passive income automatically leads to thoughts of pyramid schemes, blogging, surveys and apps that farm your personal data.Thereseverything from opening a different kind of savings account, to starting a blog with affiliate marketing as your income stream, to investing in the stock market (even if that sometimes means cutting your losses). People throw tons of ideas out there to help you earn money through some passive income online and add to your full-time job income.So whats legitimate and whats not?The truth is that no savings account, blog with s pecial affiliate marketing techniques, or mutual fund will be quite as successful a passive income source as the real estate investment. You can earn money the traditional way and add to your income streams buy purchasing real estate, as making passive income through real estate investment provides a realistic and accessible way to put mora money in the bank without worrying about your identity being stolen.But you have to be smart about this passive income source. Isnt that time-consuming and expensive? You can find a traditional brick and mortar building to fix up and rent out to genesatz passive income, but once you have a few units, the return on investment flows back in. Besides, theres mora than one way to generate passive income through real estate investing.Investing in Real Estate the Traditional WaySuccessful real estate investment requires solid strategy. Youll need to consider the condition and maintenance of the property, cash flow and potential tenants. Every neighborh ood holds potential from fringe neighborhoods to up-and-coming and mora established, wealthy ones.Calculate the effects on expenses, profits and expected income high returns will come with increased risk. Remember, smaller monthly profits arent necessarily a bad thing if the property sits in an established neighborhood it offers higher appreciation as the years pass.Do you plan to target a particular type of client, such as a convenience store or restaurant, or will you invest in housing? Consider each tenant wisely, and take a thorough look at geschftlicher umgang plans if going commercial. Riskier tenants leave you with less income and expensive repairs.Avoid investment properties with skyrocket vacancy rates. Look for potential stability over high appreciation in this case since your expenses wont make the investment worth the effort.Always Assess Property Condition With InspectionNever assume you can assess property conditions on your own. Before purchasing any property, you need an inspection from an independent and professional inspector.A property may appear renovated superbly on the surface, but you could find out after hastily buying it that bad plumbing and wiring mean you face code violations. A quality inspector will estimate the remaining life of the roof, structure, hot water supply and HVAC system.Managing Your Investment PropertyAs youve learned by now, theres nothing passive about getting your property ready, but the passive income flows in once you have everything established and your property is ready for management. Begin your research on property managers to oversee your polished investment theyre present in every city and rural area for both residential and commercial properties.Think of property management companies as the middlemen who directly deal with applicants and tenants. They save you the headache that comes with staying on top of marketing rental properties, collecting rent, pursuing evictions, settling complaints and handli ng repair and maintenance issues. A quality management company will provide experience and know-how to elevate your investment successfully, and youre not considered to be an employer since rental property managers are independent contractors.Rental property management companies offer many advantages, but you may feel torn about hiring one if focusing on expenses. The central idea behind generating passive income revolves completely around as much of a hands-off approach as possible. Youll benefit more from hiring a management company if you own multiple rentals and units, but you should also consider behauptung factorsLimited time Remember, to earn passive income, focus your time on locating new properties and financing their renovations to boost your revenue. Meanwhile, the property management company can look after your existing investments.Money Can you afford the fees? Youll hear quotes from five to 10 percent of rent revenue, but in a down market, it may be easier and less exp ensive to manage it all yourself for a little while. Still, five to 10 percent isnt unreasonable for the services provided.Convenience You may have the know-how yourself, but you feel overwhelmed with endless management tasks when you should search for other properties or take time to enjoy life.Affordable housing compliance Do you participate in an affordable housing program? The regulations and details get complicated quickly. In such programs, the landlord accepts financial assistance via a tax credit, grant or low-interest loan when renting out some units to those who earn below a particular income level. To continue receiving this assistance, the landlord must comply with specific rules a rental property manager will be more familiar with and quickly address.Commercial Properties Offer Great ROIStill struggling over whether to invest in either residential or commercial properties? If invested in residential already, you may overlook the advantages of investing in commercial rea l estate next. Moving outside your comfort zone offers advantages, especially for your walletGreater income What costs more to rent commercial properties or residential properties of a similar size? The answer is obvious If you purchase a multi-family home, there are more units to rent than in a single-family home. More units mean more returns on investment Youll see a better ROI if you buy a property with five rentable units instead of a property with one. Raising the rental rate over the lease period is also an option with commercial properties.Appreciation The value of commercial properties appreciate over time, and when the market is right, you can sell the property. You may risk losing out on more passive income if you sell since appreciation means more chargeable rent when signing new tenants to a lease.Longer lease terms Commercial properties, such as retail or geschftlicher umgang office spaces, typically have tenants who sign multi-year leases, limiting the time you or the property manager need to check in or advertise for new tenants. Youre more likely to retain your tenants should you include an acceleration clause If they break a five-year lease, the balance immediately becomes due.Fewer expenses Depending on the lease, you may pay less out of pocket when renting out commercial properties. Sometimes, tenants will sign to pay property taxes and all utilities in exchange for the flexibility to decorate and design the property to their pleasing. Some limitations or guidelines may be negotiated if the tenant dreams bigger than youd prefer. Negotiation is part of business, and in this case, it works to your mutual benefit. A talented agent is vital in these exchanges.While its not kind to generalize, business tenants tend to be less difficult to deal with than residential tenants since an organization puts its reputation to its name when signing a lease. Commercial properties offer great returns on investment with better appreciation value over time, l onger lease terms and few expenses.Residential rentals also offer sustainable perks but more hands-on management residential owners will have less space to advertise for and worry about filling when a tenant vacates. Sometimes, its down to preference.Peer-to-Peer Lending and Real Estate InvestmentMany real estate investors may seek out a bridge loan to gain assistance with a renovation project, but rather than going to a bank, they turn to peer-to-peer real estate lending since the loan amount comes directly from someone who knows about the business someone like themselves.Sometimes, these investors only help finance the loan while others take on ownership positions with commercial properties, pointing to an equity upside. By participating in this role, these investors gain access to commercial properties such as shopping centers and self-storage facilities that they may not otherwise access. Such equity investments provide these peer-to-peer lending real estate investors with t he tax benefits minus the associations of management.Lending for Rehabilitation, Purchase and MoreMany major financial institutions dont fit well with real estate investments and only fund the purchase of the building. What about the renovation? Peer-to-peer lending platgestalts in real estate present perfect alternatives, with investors who understand the project and provide funds that would normally have to come directly out of pocket. These funds come through rehabilitation loans as repairs are made on buildings.On such platforms, such as Realty Mogul and Groundfloor, investors may contribute as little as $100 to assist with rehabilitation and purchase, among other needs. The individual needing the loan provides information such as property location, budget for rehabilitation, purchase price and their net worth and income, for example. Underwriters take a look at the application and communicate with the investors to approve the funding.Passive Investors Access New and Diverse Pro jectsPassive investors gain access to potential projects they want to get a feel for, and peer-to-peer lending platforms provide an excellent pipeline to expertise. Real estate companies also review listings and maintain close relationships with financial institutions, and these platforms give passive investors the opportunity to invest alongside real estate companies to participate rather than miss out.Lower Amounts to InvestCommercial properties involve extensive areas featuring office, shopping and apartment buildings with multiple units, and small investors struggle to compete with larger investors who can offer $100,000 or more on a multi-million dollar project.Peer-to-peer lending platforms provide passive lenders with the opportunity to access these projects and contribute lower amounts. When small investors pool money, they diversify investments and add their power and participation into the mix.No Closing Issues and BanksPassive investors gain the expertise of real estate c ompanies who have dealt with closing and the property reports. Active borrowers seeking funding from peer-to-peer lenders may also have connections with service providers that speed the closing process up. No one likes paperwork.No Management NeedsThe joy of passive income centers around letting others take care of management needs. Who wants a call in the middle of the night about a tenants property flooding? When you spearhead property management, youre constantly on-call and have to deal with delegating every little detail and chore.Once legal documents are signed, tenants continue paying rent, and the sponsor fine-tunes the operations. The income aspect of commercial properties makes this investment not as volatile as other assets, such as stocks where price movement greatly affects return rates. Longer lease terms also help offset any economic fluctuations and income impact, proving to be more stable and conservative in the long-term than a new passive investor might assume.Inv esting in Private and Public REITsMany investors allocate 25 percent of their portfolio to real estate to diversify their portfolios smartly and boost income. Many buy and rent out properties while others like to participate in the lending role or invest in other related stocks and funds. You may choose to own shares in a Private REIT over a Public REIT, known as real estate investment trusts (REITs). With these, you invest in a brick and mortar diversified portfolio, such as retail or multi-family assets, starting small at five to 20 percent.At first, investing directly into commercial property will be hands-on as you elect to ready and rehabilitate properties, whether you choose to take on the property management aspect or hire a contractor.Strategizing the purchase of REITs over purchasing a property may be more appealing since its liquid and consumes less time and money. It may also prove more volatile, as its linked to the broader stock market. REITs typically focus solely on r eal estate through the purchase and operation of properties but pay hardly any federal income tax. Still, REITs are obligated to pay 90 percent of gross income as dividends to investors, an underlying difference from bonds and stocks.REITs provide an accessible option to include real estate in a portfolio, particularly for tax-protected accounts such as Roth IRAs and 401(k) plans. While subject to interest rate shifts, they provide a way to diversify your portfolio, including real estate with regular stocks.For the passive investor, REITs are easy to invest in and track. Some examples include American Tower Corporation highly diversified, Host Hotels and Resorts a hotel REIT, and Senior Housing Properties a senior housing REIT. Diversifying your portfolio with REITs while generating passive income as a brick and mortar residential or commercial building owner can majorly boost your income, especially in retirement years as the income continues to increase.Tax Benefits and Reduced LiabilityDirect participation in commercial real estate investment offers tax benefits through deductions connected to interest expense and depreciation value, for example. Such tax benefits may be claimed at property sale, but in the interim, investors may access the distributed funds typically tax-free. Investors who desire less active participation prefer peer-to-peer lending options in real estate marketplaces, which still allow them to reap tax benefits.Several options exist for the real estate investor and owner looking to sell an asset while minimizing their tax liability, from 1031 exchanges and home-equality loans to the deduction of mortgage interest, depreciation and property taxes. Capital interest gains tax becomes deferrable when you reinvest property sale proceeds into another one your heirs inherit the property and may make a sale without needing to pay tax on the lifetime appreciation. Here is a quick overview of a few tax benefits1. DepreciationRecover costs thro ugh deducting depreciation as an allowance for reasonable wear and tear and obsolescence. Investors use the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) method whereby fixtures and appliances depreciate over five years while structural improvement and residential rental properties depreciate over 27.5 years. Depreciation typically results in net loss on the investment property, even with cash flow, but such losses and expenses are then reported on Schedule E tax form 1040, deducted from your ordinary income.2. 1031 Exchange1031 exchanges are named after Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code and allow for tax deferment through the sale of an investment property and use of the equity for the purchase of another like-kind property at a similar or higher value. The exchange must be done within 180 days.3. Mortgage InterestAn owner deducts the part of their mortgage referable to interest contributions on their tax return. The payments made will be higher at the start of the mor tgage and decrease as it gets paid off.The Growth of Real Estate Investment ContinuesInvesting in real estate has grown from the traditional purchase and flipping of brick and mortar properties to encompass aspects of peer-to-peer lending, allowing investors of all sizes and interests to get involved and diversify.Some have a strong interest in landlording while others prefer a hands-off approach hiring property managers or investing in REITs, for example. From residential properties to net-leased commercial properties, real estate contains various niches.Single-family residential properties may provide more security to someone who prefers hands-on involvement in day-to-day maintenance while not having to worry about looking for someone to take over a previously inhabited commercial property, like a Dollar General. While investment may require more intense involvement, properties with excellent locations offer high returns over the long-term, and the saatkorn may be said of commerci al properties to a degree. Though, commercial properties will offer a better ROI over the long term.Methods of generating passive income through real estate depend on personal preference, goals and circumstance like any other investment. There is no one correct strategy. Meanwhile, the growth of real estate investment as a lucrative form of passive income continues through investor innovation.

Top Resume and Cover Letter Template Tips!

Top Resume and Cover Letter schablone Tips You shouldnt need to pay for a titelblatt letter template. Reading through our sample student and internship deckblatt letters will provide you with a clearer idea of the way to compose your own. When you must create a resume or compose an employment letter, it can be handy to get started with a template. The cover letter can be regarded as an accessory so far as curriculum vitae is concerned. It is very important to customize each letter for each and every job someone applies to. The very first thing you ought to be aware of is that much enjoy a resume, a cover letter ought to be brief, easy, and simple to read. What to Expect From Resume and Cover Letter vorlage? Closing paragraphThe closing paragraph ought to be pretty straightforward. Cover letters are forms of further documents in accordance with your objective. The letter should explain to your possible employer exactly why youre sending it and what interest youve got in th e business. For instance, a cover letter is an excellent place to speak about a career shift or explain a long gap in employment. Resume and Cover Letter Template Secrets That No One Else Knows About There are several sorts of cover letters. As a consequence, your cover letter needs to demonstrate that you take patient care seriously. When youre finished creating your cover letter, you can choose how you need to obtain the file. Youre able to use a cover letter for absolutely any federal or private industry application that you are able to mail or fax. Utilizing a cover letter maker is possible inside your Internet browser. When the cover letter creator loads, its then feasible to pick from templates and commence inserting important details necessary to finish the letter. The template has the proper spacing and will describe just what information ought to be inside the paragraph. Its possible to find cover letter templates throughout the web. Resume and Cover Letter Tem plate Sometimes all you will need is a timeless style template thats clean, clear and right to the point. There are many free, reliable templates readily available online.

The Difference Between Commercial and Fine Art

The Difference Between Commercial and Fine ArtThe Difference Between Commercial and Fine ArtBy definition, all species is the expression of emotion and imagination. It begins with a concept or idea and blooms in the artists hands. There is no difference between commercial art and fine art in this respect both come about in the same way. The difference lies in why the artist is creating it. Commercial vs. Fine Art You would not expect to see commercial art in a museum. Its created to sell something, typically a product. Fine arts purpose is to create an aesthetic object thats appreciated for its fine and unique qualities. Fine arts purpose is simply to exist and thereby offer enjoyment to others. It doesnt compel the viewer to go out and do something or purchase something. Fine art is respected and critically acclaimed. Commercial art might be appreciated and acknowledged, but its not going to hang in the Louvre. Commercial art tends to utilize acquired skill, whereas fine art req uires inborn talent. Commercial art includes advertising, graphic design, branding, logos and book illustrations. Fine art includes paintings, sculptures, printmaking, photography, installation, multi-media, sound art, and performance. A Historical Perspective The difference between commercial art and fine art was pretty clear up until the mid-20th century. Commercial art included television and print advertisement campaigns, as well as mass-produced images. Fine art consisted of one-of-a-kind unique objects such as paintings, sculptures and works on paper that were exhibited in galleries and museums. Then the art movement known as pop art subverted and merged those diverse aims in the 1960s. Pop artists such as Andy Warhol mass-produced images using the tools of a commercial artist. Warhols silk-screened Brillo Boxes is amemorable example of how commercial art merged with fine art. Andy Warhols Brillo Boxes Philosopher Arthur Dantoexplained why Andy Warhols Brillo Boxes is artwhile the supermarkets Brillo boxes are not. Although the two boxes look identical, Danto wrote, Given two things that resemble one another to any chosen degree, but one of them a work of art and the other an ordinary object, what accounts for this difference in status? Danto realized that art such as Warhols Brillo Boxes was much more than just an object to be visually perceived. It needed a system to define it as art. It is the role of artistic theories, these days as always, to make the art world, and art, possible, he wrote in his famous essay, The Artworld. In other words, it is the art system of galleries, curators, art critics and artists which help define what is fine art and to differentiate it from commercial art. The Crossover Artists often use commercial techniques in todays contemporary art scene. A prime example is video artist Pipilotti Rist, whose videos resemble music videos. Her work is nonetheless exhibited in art galleries and museums. Even though todays a rt world combines elements of both commercial and fine art,art schools still maintain a division between the two. Students must choose between majoring in fine arts or commercial graphic arts when pursuing degrees.

Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon

Navy and seestreitkraft korporation Overseas Service RibbonNavy and Marine Corps Overseas Service RibbonDeploying overseas or outside of the continental United States (OCONUS) is part of the job in the Navy and Marine Corps. If you are permanently assigned to a duty station in a foreign country as a member of the Navy or Marine Corps team, you are eligible for the Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon. This is bedrngnis the same as deploying overseas on a ship. However, if your duty station is on board a ship that is permanently kusined in an overseas port, you will also be eligible for the Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. The United States Department of the Defense and the Department of the Navy present military awards to members of the United States Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps under the authority of the Secretary of the Navy. These kinds of military decorations can also be awarded to members of other military branches, so long as they are performing duty under Navy or Marine Corps command. The Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon is a small, 1?-inch-wide rectangular pin awarded by commanding officers. This ribbon has a thick, red stripe in the middle, moving outward in pairs of stripes yellow, ultramarine blue, yellow, and light blue. There are dozens of ribbons in this particular style, but the colors and widths of the stripes are what differentiate them. Some ribbons have just three stripes others have up to 15. United States military medals and ribbons must be worn properly on chests, lapels, and collars of clothing. Traditionally, the Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon is worn between the Army Service Ribbon and the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon. A 3/16-inch bronze star will denote subsequent awards. Eligibility Requirements Authorized in 1986, the Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to any member of the Navy or Marine Corps upon the completion of one year of consecutive or accu mulated duty at an overseas shore base duty station. For inactive members in the reserves, the award is authorized after 30 consecutive days or 45 collective days of overseas active duty for training, annual training, or temporary additional duty at overseas duty stations, deployed units, and units homeported overseas. Overseas, domiciled inactive reservists must complete 30 consecutive days of annual training or inactive duty training, or a combination of 45 accumulated days of annual training or inactive duty training in a billet with an Overseas Naval Reserve Unit or as a member of the Overseas Peacetime (Contributory) Support Program. Active duty constitutes a period of more than 90 days. The term overseas is defined as duty performed outside of the 50 United States. However, service in Adak, Alaska, qualifies military members for this award. Serving aboard CONUS-based, deploying ships, squadrons, units, or with the FMF (regular or reserve) does not qualify an individual for the award. Travel time and weekend training do not count toward eligibility. The Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon can be awarded posthumously, and the process is handled on a case-by-case basis.Additional service tours overseas are denoted by bronze stars for each individual overseas tour.A silver star is worn with the ribbon in lieu of five bronze stars. Former Restrictions Up until 1999, service members could not receive the Overseas Service Ribbon and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon for the same amount of time. But after 1999,the Chief of Naval Operations allowed service members to receive both ribbons for the same tour of duty. Retroactive to 1974 The Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon was made retroactive to achter monat des jahres 15, 1974. Anyone in the Navy or Marine Corps who had qualifying service performed between August 15, 1974, and January 1, 1979, may be credited toward the initial award of the ribbon. Restrictions For active duty pe rsonnel, no more than 14 days may be waived. For inactive reservists, there is no waiver. Living overseas for a tour is what many people who join sign up for.World travel is one of the many perks of joining the military and depending on what branch of service you choose, you can live is some of the most beautiful and culturally diverse places in the world.Learning a foreign language, making new friends with the locals, and experiencing a different culture is a priceless experience that you get paid for when in the military.

Abstracts Now Being Accepted for New Joint Power Energy Event

Abstracts Now Being Accepted for New Joint Power Energy Event Abstracts Now Being Accepted for New Joint Power Energy Event Abstracts Now Being Accepted for New Joint Power & Energy EventNext summer, four of ASMEs major conferences come together in San Diego, Calif., to create an event of major impact for the Power and Energy sectors ASME Power Energy 2015. Organizers of the four conferences, which will address fossil and nuclear power generation, solar, wind, fuel cell applications and much more, are currently accepting abstracts for the event. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 3. ASME Power Energy 2015, to take place from June 28 to July 2 at the San Diego Convention Center, will encompass the following four meetings the ASME Power Conference, presenting state-of-the-art power engineering solutions in plant operations, maintenance and construction with cutting-edge technology the ASME Conference on Energy Sustainability, showcasing innovative technology and RD efforts tha t offer a path to renewable solutions the ASME Nuclear Forum, featuring the fruchtwein recent developments in the nuclear power industry and the ASME Fuel Cell Conference, offering the latest technology research and solutions for fuel cells. The unique event, which aims to bring together more than 1,000 experts from the energy community, will feature high-level, high-impact keynote sessions, 45 technical tracks consisting of more than 800 paper presentations, and up to 100 energy companies in the exhibition area, as well as workshops, student competitions, poster presentations, receptions, special demonstrations and countless networking opportunities for those who attend. To learn more about submitting an abstract, the areas to be covered by the programs various technical tracks, and additional information about the four conferences, visit http//go.asme.org/powerenergy, or contact Brandy Smith, program manager, at smithbasme.org.

Thank You Cards, #8220;Holiday Trees#8221; and the Workplace

Thank You Cards, 8220Holiday Trees8221 and the Workplace Thank You Cards, 8220Holiday Trees8221 and the Workplace Showing AppreciationMaking an effort to ensure that those around you know that you value them, is very often forgotten about. Its so easy to start taking people for granted without even realizing youre doing it.A leading reason for dissatisfaction at work is lack of recognition. That is a shame for several reasons, but specifically because it is insanely easy to remedy and prevent. A lot of issues in the workplace can be complicated, or they might take ample resource to fix. This particular, all too common issue of lack of appreciation in the workplace is one that simply needs to be recognized and worked on.Here are a few easy ways to show appreciation at workHave a stack of Thank You cards on hand. Theres nothing like a hand written note to show someone that you valued their help or input.Tailor those holiday gifts to their passions. A generic gift card doesnt exactly show that much thought was given. What they say is actually true, Its the thought that counts.Food. Everyone likes food. Bring in some bagels, baked goods or spring for a few pizzas. Its such a simple way to put a smile on everyones face.Whatever effort you make toward showing your team appreciation, if its not genuine, it will fall flat. An iPad from a crappy co-worker is still just an iPad from a crappy co-worker.Time OffThere are about 173 valid reasons that workers will need time off this month. So whos going to man the ship? The issue of time off can turn into a resentful HR nightmare quite quickly.Take control of the situation with a few of these tipsRequest offs and a draft schedule should be completed way ahead of time to allow room for changes and compromises.There should be one way to turn in request offs. No sticky note/emaille/self-service portal jumbles. A defined process is best.Work it out together. Make some trades and compromise among yourselves.Mobile hot spots are great for getting work done on long trips. Time out of the office doesnt necessarily always mean time off. You never know who might actually want an excuse to turn down an invite to their cousins boyfriends white elephant gift party.Embracing DiversityPlease remember that Christians and atheists arent the only two groups of people in the office. Further than that, remember that religion isnt the only aspect of diversity that should be embraced during the holidays.Dont give non-religious folks or those without children the shaft when it comes to time off or flex time. They deserve the same allowances.Embrace diversity by learning about one anothers beliefs. Soliciting context about a workers beliefs and values (with boundaries, of course) can improve office cohesion.Allow for travel time. Not everyones family lives 10 miles away.Dont be the a-hole who insists on calling it a holiday tree. Be natural and genuine with your appreciation for diversity.Enjoy Your Time at WorkWhen we were children, this was the fruchtwein carefree, wonderful time of the year. Now that were adults in the workforce, this is the most stressful, hectic time of the year. Dont forget to stop and smell the poinsettias. As soon as you leave work, youre running around shopping, running errands and picking people up from the airport. It sounds crazy, but while youre at work, relax. Youre exactly where youre supposed to be. Have fun with your co-workers, and save the chaos for 5 oclock.