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Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Wednesday, February 21, 2024
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Time management tips for professionals
LIST OF ADVERTISERS NAME.....................................................PAGE Trustwell Living at Rock Run Place Memory Care................................................... 2 Airgas USA, LLC................................................ 2 Silver Cross Hospital ......................................... 3 Grundy Bank...................................................... 4 Village of Channahon ....................................... 4 Emediate Cure .................................................. 5 LyondellBasell MIO Complex.......................... 6 City of Crest Hill ................................................ 6 K9 Tailshakers .................................................... 7 Alden Estates of Shorewood........................... 8 Cornerstone Services...................................... 10 Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers.......... 11 Channahon School District 17....................... 12 St. Mary Immaculate Catholic School........... 12 St. Mary Immaculate Parish ........................... 12 Hometown National Bank ............................. 13 Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care ....................................... 14 Comfort First Heating & Cooling, Inc........... 15 Trinity Services, Inc. ........................................ 15 ExxonMobil ..................................................... 16
Time management involves figuring out how much time to spend on specific tasks and controlling one’s schedule to be as productive as possible. Managing time effectively can improve professionals’ quality of work, and a boost in productivity can make them more valuable to an organization. This is not the only benefit of managing time better. Establishing and following a schedule of tasks can reduce stress. Gallup’s 2021 State of the Global Workplace report found workers in the United States ranked highest for daily stress levels of all groups surveyed. Some 57 percent reported feeling stress on a daily basis. Learning time management skills can help alleviate that anxiety. These tips for time management can get professionals on the road to being more efficient. • Make lists. Rather than keeping ideas or tasks in your head, jot down notes that you can organize into a schedule later. You can write them down on paper or in a digital notes application. • Prepare a task plan. Each evening before you leave work or first thing in the morning the next day, map out all the tasks you have and when they will be done. High priority tasks should be done first, followed by medium- and low-priority jobs. • Avoid multi-tasking. Studies have shown that doing two or more things simultaneously tends to lead to none being done at full capacity. The more you multi-task, the more the end results will suffer. Clifford Nass, a cognitive scientist at Stanford University, found that when putting his students through a series of tests, high multi-taskers were bad at filtering irrelevant information from the relevant, something that multi-taskers should seemingly be especially good at. Nass also found that high multi-taskers had diminished powers of mental organization and extra difficulty switching between tasks. • Manage distractions. Distractions can put you on the path to procrastination. That is why you have to try hard to minimize distractions, whether
it’s coworkers who interrupt or digital devices. Set “notification-free” times during the day when phone or computer notifications are turned off. You also may want to block incoming emails. This way you will have a window of distraction-free time to devote to a particular task. • Time your focus. According to a study from researchers at the Department of Informatics, University of California, Irvine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to refocus when you’ve been distracted. Remaining in a focused state is essential. Set a timer so that you stay focused on a task for a particular period of time, such as 25 minutes. You’ll get more done before you take a break. Similarly, Parkinson’s law states that work will expand to fill the time that’s available for completion. Set time constraints for certain tasks so you will work more efficiently. Time management is a useful skill for anyone. There are many different resources available to help individuals strengthen their time management skills.
Special Top Winner Recognition Pages ....9-12
Proud to be a
2023
SM-AT240205_162115
Top Workplace! We do whatever it takes to make our Employees and Residents Happy! Join our team today! 3315 Executive Dr., Joliet | Trustwellliving.com | 815-725-2364
Thank you
for making Airgas USA a winner in the Herald-News Will/Grundy Top Workplaces in 2023.
Industrial Company/Logistics We are Proud of our Employees!
SM-CL2141201
AT R O C K R U N P L A C E MEMORY CARE
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• An extraordinary workplace that inspires • An inclusive environment that empowers
• A supportive atmosphere that feels like family • And, exciting opportunities to advance your career
Want to join our team?
Visit silvercross.org/careers or scan this QR code
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Experience Silver Cross.
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BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS COMPANY Top Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce
FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS Top Jacob Henry Mansion Estate
One of the Top Automated Forms & Graphics Inc Ragusa’s Promo Advertising
One of the Top Emediate Cure K9 Tailshakers
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COMPANY THAT GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Top Bliss Hair Studio, Inc.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION/SERVICE Top Hometown National Bank
One of the Top Emediate Cure CITGO Petroleum Corporation
One of the Top Heartland Bank and Trust Company Grundy Bank
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The Village of Channahon thanks our employees for making it the 2023 Top Municipal Workplace! 24555 S. Navajo Drive, Channahon, IL 60410 • www.channahon.org
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TOP WORKPLACES Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Wednesday, February 21, 2024
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HEALTHCARE COMPANY/FACILITY Top Emediate Cure
LARGE EMPLOYER (100+ EMPLOYEES) Top Silver Cross Hospital
One of the Top Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care Alden Estates of Shorewood
One of the Top Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care
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INDUSTRIAL COMPANY/LOGISTICS Top ExxonMobil
MANUFACTURING/PRODUCTION COMPANY Top CITGO Petroleum Corporation
One of the Top Airgas USA, LLC Caterpillar, Inc.
One of the Top LyondellBasell MIO Complex Lion Electric Joliet
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The City of Crest Hill thanks our employees for making it one of the 2023 Top Workplaces!
Solutions for a better tomorrow Delivering a catalyst for positive change, our commitment to sustainability, excellence, and collaboration shapes a future where solutions are not just practical but poetic. Together, we embark on a journey that transforms challenges into opportunities and aspirations into reality. Join us as we make more of every moment. To learn more visit us at lyb.com. Morris Plant
SM-CL2142689
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Salary is just one component of the package that businesses may offer their employees. Though salary is important, an honest comparison of companies can benefit from a look at the larger picture — and that includes an analysis of what companies offer in addition to financial compensation. Some people feel that certain perks outrank salary on their professional priority list. The Society of Human Resource Management indicates 92 percent of employees feel employment benefits are important for overall job satisfaction. They’re also a driving factor when candidates read job postings. Certain benefits are standard offerings, while others take perks a step further. The following are some of the benefits job seekers may encounter in job listings and during the interview process. • Health insurance. Offering health insurance is mandatory in certain areas, while in others it is up to the employer. Insurance costs may be taken care of by an employer, while in most cases employees have a portion of those costs deducted from their
paychecks. Health benefits also may be extended to employees’ family members. Large organizations may allow employees to choose their health insurance provider, while small firms may only contract with one company. • Flexible health spending account. A health care spending account, sometimes called a health savings account, enables employees to set aside a portion of their incomes before taxes are deducted. That money can be used for qualified health purchases. Employees submit receipts for these health needs, which can include copayments, over-the-counter medications or first aid equipment, and then get reimbursed up to the amount they had deducted for the year. HSAs are one way to reduce tax burden. • Paid time off. Often referred to as “PTO,” this is a benefit that enables employees to schedule personal days off from work. Typically, PTO accrues each pay period by a set number of hours. PTO may occur in place of or in conjunction with separate vacation time. PTO can be a negotiating point with
TOP WORKPLACES Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Common workplace benefits prospective employers who do not have wiggle room on salary offerings. • Retirement savings. Employers may offer pensions or other retirement savings plans such as 401(k) and 403(b) accounts. Employees contribute a percentage of their salaries and employers may make matching or discretionary contributions. • Flex scheduling/remote work. Many employers recognize the advantage of allowing employees to work from home all or a portion of the week. An alternate work schedule also may be offered to help employees. With an alternate work schedule, employees may eschew the traditional 9 to 5 schedule for an 8 to 4 or even 11 to 7 schedule. Flexibility is something employees covet, as it can help them achieve a work/life balance. These are just some of the benefits professionals can consider as they search for a new job. Additional benefits include bonuses, stock options and tuition reimbursement.
VOTED 2023 TOP
RETAIL COMPANY &
SMALL EMPLOYER
TO WORK FOR IN WILL GRUNDY COUNTIES VOTED 2023 ONE OF THE TOP
FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES & SERVICE INDUSTRY COMPANIES TO WORK FOR IN WILL GRUNDY COUNTIES
K9 Tailshakers
K9 Tailshakers - Family owned for over 17 years!
Boarding Training Daycare Grooming Retail
K9 TAILSHAKERS
9204 Gulfstream Rd, Frankfort, IL 815-464-TAIL (8245) K9TAILSHAKERS.COM
SM-CL2139079
to our readers for voting for us.
Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Wednesday, February 21, 2024
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MUNICIPALITY Top Village of Channahon
RETAIL COMPANY Top K9 Tailshakers
One of the Top City of Crest Hill Village of Plainfield
One of the Top True North J. Joho Boutique
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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION Top Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care
SCHOOL/SCHOOL DISTRICT Top Channahon School District 17
One of the Top St. Mary Immaculate Parish Cornerstone Services
One of the Top St. Mary Immaculate Catholic School Joliet Catholic Academy
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TOP WORKPLACES Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Wednesday, February 21, 2024
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THANK YOU FOR VOTING US A TOP WORKPLACE!
WINNER! One of the
Best Nonprofit Organizations Top Workplace For:
People with Special Needs Seniors Veterans
WE’RE HIRING!
COME WORK FOR ONE OF THE BEST NONPROFITS IN THE AREA
• Flexible Schedules • Free Health Care for Full-Time Employees • Full- and Part-Time Positions!
SCAN TO LEARN MORE!
Be part of an INCREDIBLE team that makes a difference in the lives of others every day by taking a moment to check out career opportunities with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers! From RNs, CNAs, and Patient Care Technicians, to Respiratory Care Therapists, Physical Therapists, Laboratory Medical Technologists, Environmental and Nutrition Services Associates, we have opportunities for a vast range of backgrounds and skill sets, along with a competitive and comprehensive benefits program. Take the first step toward becoming part of our amazing Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers’ family by going to
morrishospital.org/careers.
TOP WORKPLACES Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Find Rewarding Careers Here
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Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Wednesday, February 21, 2024
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THANK YOU
to the Channahon School District 17 Students, Staff, School Board, and Community for making this award possible.
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WORKPLACE FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Top Cornerstone Services
One of the Top K9 Tailshakers Bliss Hair Studio, Inc.
One of the Top Easterseals Trinity Services, Inc.
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SMALL EMPLOYER (UNDER 100 EMPLOYEES) Top K9 Tailshakers
WORKPLACE FOR SENIORS Top Cornerstone Services Trustwell Living at Rock Run Place Memory Care Walmart Supercenter
One of the Top St. Mary Immaculate Parish EZ-Air, Inc. • • • • • • • • • •
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TOP WORKPLACES Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Wednesday, February 21, 2024
SERVICE INDUSTRY COMPANY Top Comfort First Heating & Cooling, Inc.
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WORKPLACE FOR VETERANS Top Cornerstone Services One of the Top Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care Honest Abe’s Tap & Grill • • • • • • • • • •
to everyone who participated in this year’s Will /Grundy Counties Top Workplaces! Proud to be voted Top Nonprofit Organization in Will and Grundy Counties in 2023 Pain and Symptom Management
Increased Quality of Life
Struggling with failing health or a tough diagnosis? We an help. With over 40 years of experience, Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care provides unwavering guidance and support for you and your family during your most difficult days. Hopsice Care Serious Illness Care Pediatric Care Grief Support Services Massage and Music Therapy We Honor Veteran Program
Care is provided in the home, assisted living residence, skilled nursing facility or our inpatient unit in Joliet.
Medicare, Medicaid and most insurances cover services.
REACH OUT TODAY!
We will come to you and make a plan for how we can help.
250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet IL 60431 l lightways.org l 815.740.4104
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For voting Trinity Services one of the Top Workplaces for 2023 – Work Place for Employees with Special Needs
Trinity Services offers the highest quality services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities and mental health needs.
Work for Trinity Services! Help people with disabilities and mental health needs flourish every day! Trinity Services offers full-time positions starting at $20.25 per hour, along with paid training and benefits. Offering part-time and less than part-time (less than 20 hours) starting at $21.50. Apply today at trinityservices.org/careers.
To learn more go to www.trinityservices.org.
TOP WORKPLACES Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Wednesday, February 21, 2024
THANK YOU…
Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Wednesday, February 21, 2024
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