Like most tech companies, we are a casual bunch at LifeSize when it comes to dress codes.  In fact we don’t even have a corporate policy on it since we trust our employees to do the right thing which includes how you dress for the office.  I have noticed that most people play it safe and dress sensibly based on their job.  Sure, you will see more folks wearing in shorts and jeans in the engineering department while our sales team fancies business attire since they are usually with customers.  Occasionally, we have an employee who pushes appropriate boundaries which is why I thought it would be good to highlight this great article about Summer Office Attire .  It’s good food for thought as we head into the hot summer months.  Wouldn’t you agree?

My mom always said a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. It’s good logic. And over the last two years, I think most candidates would agree that it’s the rational approach to a job search. Just take the first offer given because you may not get another.

However, I would argue that times are changing based on the recovering economy. In the last few months, I have noticed that more candidates are actively interviewing and evaluating a variety of opportunities across multiple companies simultaneously. At LifeSize we have over 50 active job openings globally and every region has noticed a shift in candidate activity. It’s clear that the market is heating back up and more companies are hiring.

Unfortunately, I see candidates dropping from consideration for a position because they took the first offer they received. Ironically this happened last week when we were about to extend an offer to a candidate. She could have chosen between two fantastic jobs but instead pulled herself from consideration after completing two rounds of interviews with us. She invested so much time, yet did not wait to see if she received an offer.

As a recruiter, it disheartens me to see candidates make rash decisions without understanding their options. Most people change jobs about every 4-5 years. A new job is a big commitment. So don’t limit yourself or your job search. Consider all of your options before making your decision. If a company is pressuring you to take a job, ask for a little more time to evaluate the position and consider all your options. You don’t need to succumb to scare tactics that force you into a decision. Ultimately it’s your future, your career, and your choice.

As nothing that grows stays static, companies will make logical decisions everyday that affect employees, products, and their market. Change is inevitable and a part of doing business. Though riding the wave of change implies going with the flow on situations that appear beyond our control, embracing change indicates positive ways to turn these transitions into happy experiences.

Recognizing change as another step in the evolutionary growth of your career, and working with these ebbs and flows, will help during uncertain times. Naturally, employees will question, what does this mean for me? Particularly as this is happening more and more frequently in our society. Once the initial shock has worn off, recognizing why change is ultimately an important part of your growth can help you move forward in making healthy decisions that will impact your work life.

Gathering information necessary for navigating your new environment will help ease your stress and put you on firmer ground once again. Ask about your company’s employee assistance programs; work with human resources on benefit questions you will have; assemble a thoughtful list of issues that need to be addressed during transition and integration; highlight your value to the company and understand roles and goals; and trust in your team. Continue to keep the lines of communication open and transparency throughout the organization.

I see change as an integral part of growing up. Some people welcome it and others try hard to avoid it. But it is in your best interest to understand its nuances. Certainly as an employee, the expectation of hard work paying off in a huge way is undeniably there. However, having a realistic view of how business works and what is necessary to give birth to innovation and expansion should also temper your view.

Let’s face it, the workplace has become an evolving reality - one where best practices are being re-written. But you too can take part in this discourse by understanding the necessity of embracing, and adapting, to change.

Exciting times ahead!