How Should Businesses Deal with Merger Redundancies?
When companies merge or get bought out, employees on both sides of the transaction start to sweat. The problem when businesses come together to form some kind of conglomerate is that there are bound to be redundant positions, which means that somebody is going to get fired, and probably several somebodies. Further, this occurrence is not relegated to the ranks of lowly laborers; mid-level execs are even more likely to get the axe because they are highly paid and often expendable (whereas those in the upper echelon will make deals for golden-parachute clauses or simply opt for some kind of buyout on their contracts). Although these layoffs are standard practice they can still be harmful to morale and detrimental to a brand identity (not to mention difficult for the employees that lose their jobs). So what can companies do to reduce redundancies, preserve the bottom line, and keep up their image (both public and private)? Read more
The Impact of Household Insecticides
Nobody likes the idea of sharing their home with some of the many insects and pests that roam the Earth and seek out shelter and sustenance in warm houses. Not only are these creepy-crawlies, well, creepy and crawly; many of them also come with the potential for bites and stings that can itch like crazy (and even cause more serious harm) and the possibility of infestations that could damage and devalue your home. So the obvious solution is to get rid of them by any means necessary. And while the traditional method of exterminating insects is to spray chemical pesticides, there are several reasons why you may not want to take this tack. Read more
Tips for Young Entrepreneurs: Surviving in a Difficult Economy
You’ve decided to start your own business, but you had no idea how hard it would be in today’s economy. While most start-ups have a hard time finding solid ground, it can be a thousand times more difficult in economic turmoil. Sure, you could give up and try again later, but you don’t have to. Even in a bad economy there are things you can do to make it until things get better. Here are just a few tips for young entrepreneurs for surviving in a difficult economy.
Banning Smoking in UK Cars: The Arguments For and Against
Last week plenty of newspaper columns were overtaken with arguments regarding whether or not smoking should be banned from vehicles on UK roads. It was revealed that the British Medical Association (BMA) is pushing the Government to be "bold and courageous" and make puffing cigarettes in cars illegal for the sake of the population’s health.
Are Organic Supplements Better than the Rest?
Many people looking to reduce their carbon footprint and lead a healthier lifestyle are turning to organic food options to stock their fridge, freezer, and pantry. They’re choosing produce and grains that have been grown and manufactured without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides not only because the entire process pollutes fewer ecosystems, but also because it means they’re ingesting fewer harmful toxins. And they select organic meats because they are free of hormones and antibiotics, not to mention these animals are often fed organic grains, allowed free range, and treated humanely. Some people may even go so far as to switch to organic linens for clothing and home purposes. But if you haven’t considered switching to organic vitamin supplements, you could be undoing all your hard work. Read more
The Trouble with Labor Laws in the Shipping Industry
Following the industrial revolution and the emergence of a labor force, countries across the globe came to realize a need for labor laws that would protect a workforce often subjected to unsafe and unfair conditions by money-hungry industrialists willing to treat people as commodities. Although regulations for the labor force were a long time in the making, generally spanning several decades and evolving as needed, eventually legislation was enacted to protect unions, stop child labor, and set minimum wages and maximum hours for workers. And yet, within the shipping industry, which spans international borders, it can be difficult to regulate and enforce these labor laws. Read more
The Drawbacks of Holiday Shopping
The holiday season is a time for family togetherness and for celebration. Often it revolves around traditional religious ceremonies (for a number of different religions), feasting, and more recently, the giving and receiving of gifts. Unfortunately, consumerism has come to permeate this time of year to an almost unreasonable degree, so that people participate in an orgy of spending that practically puts them in the poorhouse. Of course, aside from the wasting of money, there is also a glut of pollution and waste that enter the environment thanks to the massive production and shipping of consumer goods for the busiest shopping season of the year. However, there are ways to save both money and the environment while still creating the memorable family gathering that you look forward to every year. You simply need to pinpoint the wasteful hallmarks of the holidays in order to combat them. Read more
Should Healthier Employees Get Better Benefits?
There are many changes happening in the arena of health care and medical insurance these days (and more on the horizon). But one thing that doesn’t seem likely to change for the better is the cost employers will have to pay to provide benefits to their employees. In fact, some might find themselves paying more due to the fact that health care reform could require every business to provide these benefits (whereas now they have some options depending on the size of their business and other factors). But it seems they are keen to find ways to cut their costs, and one of the best ways is to encourage good health habits amongst employees. Read more
Black Friday: Bad for You and the Environment
Most people see Black Friday as both a trial and a chance for triumph. The busiest shopping day of the year may deliver massive crowds to contend with, but the savings on consumer goods are directly proportional to the hassles faced in obtaining them. Unfortunately, most people enter into this orgy of spending without facing the realities of the situation. You may think you’re saving money by hitting the sales on Black Friday, but in fact, you’re likely to end up spending a lot more than you intended. And the amount of damage done to the environment from this one day of excessive shopping is nothing short of horrifying. Read more
Avoiding the Madoffs of the World
Ponzi schemes like the one perpetrated by Bernard Madoff are both illegal and unethical, not to mention totally reprehensible. Divesting unsuspecting victims of their hard-earned money through a scam is nothing more than highway robbery and when it occurs at this level, with trusted individuals at the helm, it is even more disgusting. While there is a system in place to stop this sort of blatant theft from occurring, it clearly failed in this instance. And for anyone who was burned by Madoff, or even those that watched the debacle unfold from a distance, it may be hard to trust financial advisors and investment firms from here on out. But just because the system is broken doesn’t mean individuals looking to make their money work for them have to miss out. Here are a few tips to help you avoid the Madoffs of the world. Read more