The Recipe to Work-Life Balance Success

Feeling overwhelmed and overworked? It may be time to revisit a basic strategy for work-life balance success. Although that balance is difficult to achieve, the process is fairly simple. It’s a very simple recipe for success:

1. Organization (a to-do list or agenda)
2. Time Management (scheduling when you will get work done)
3. Downtime (time to refresh, recharge, and relax)

So which part of this recipe are you missing? Which could you improve on or tweak to be more efficient? If you’re failing on the organization portion, spend time shopping around for to-do lists, agendas, and other organizational strategies like keeping notes on your phone or a digital calendar.

If time management is where you seem to fail, consider switching around your schedule. Can your nighttime workout be moved to the morning? Can your weekly meetings be changed to bi-weekly meetings? Do you find yourself more productive in the morning or in the evening? Really assess how you can be most effective in scheduling your time.

If downtime is missing from your recipe, schedule a mandatory commitment for an exercise class, a sports league, a photography class, or a volunteer session into your life. Not only will it ensure you find the balance you need, but it will also motive you to work more efficiently during the time you have.

Image via Murray Barnes/Flickr.

Understand Our Brand: Kwikset

All About Kwikset
Kwikset manufactures and markets a complete line of door locks and door hardware including door knobs, door levers, deadbolts, handlesets, pocket door hardware and electronic keyless entry locks for residential and light commercial applications. For over 60 years, we’ve believed that innovation is our greatest asset and that the best security is smart security.

What Kwikset Has Been Up To
2018 is off to a running start for Kwikset. In January Kwikset exhibited at two major tradeshows in the same week; the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in LAS Vegas, NV and the International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Orlando, FL. CES is the global stage for innovation where Kwikset, one of the longest-running smart lock exhibitors at CES, showcased its latest smart door lock solutions that bring interoperability, security, and convenience to homeowners.

Featured products at the Kwikset booth included the Obsidian™ touchscreen electronic deadbolt and smart lock with the latest Z-Wave 500 chipset, and the brand’s Kevo™ portfolio of Touch-to-Open™ smart locks and smart lock conversion kits. During the show, Kevo Contemporary was awarded a TWICE & Residential Systems “Best of CES” Award. The Kwikset booth also featured a new smart home experience for attendees to view and explore product innovations with leading partners, including Amazon Alexa and Samsung SmartThings.

IBS brings together the industry’s most important global manufacturers and suppliers and showcases the latest products and technologies involved in homebuilding and light construction. With Kwikset as the leading residential door hardware manufacturer in the United States and the #1 market share leader to homebuilders in the BUILDER Top 100 list, the brand continues its commitment to designing door hardware that is innovative, durable, secure and stylish.

At the show, Kwikset unveiled the new Pismo™ door knob, the first door knob to join Kwikset’s best-selling Contemporary Collection. The smooth, cylindrical knob was inspired by the subtle intricacies of modern design, and is a unique door hardware solution that seamlessly upgrades any door inside or outside the home. Kwikset also displayed smart door lock solutions including the Kevo Contemporary smart lock and the Obsidian touchscreen electronic deadbolt with Home Connect™ Technology. Kevo Convert was also named as a finalist in the “Best of IBS” awards for the door and window product category.

Learn more about Kwikset then find our latest job opportunities at Rayovac then visit our careers page for advice and more information.

3 Ways to Fit More Free Time Into Your Life

When’s the last time you had a weekend to yourself? One of the reasons we feel so stressed out is that our personal lives can be just as over-scheduled as our professional lives. So when do we recharge? Never? I don’t think so. It’s time to stop feeling guilty for “me time,” “down time,” and “free time.” It’s necessary for a happy and healthy life. These three mantras can help you take back your time!

1. Just because you’re available doesn’t mean you have to say “yes.” 
   Got a free night? That doesn’t mean it’s an opportunity for someone else to claim. Take more control over your schedule by blocking off “me time” or “family time” on the calendar. It may make it easier for you to turn down an invite. Simply say that you have a prior commitment–because you do!
2. Just because you have an hour doesn’t mean you have to fill it with chores.
   I’m sure there are a ton of things you need to do this week from grocery shopping to laundry to cleaning. But let go of perfectionism every now and then and simply enjoy the free time you have. Again, it may help to schedule a dedicated few hours at the end of the week or beginning of your week for your to-do list. That way you won’t feel tempted to fill every waking minute with sporadic errands and chores.
3. Just because your to-do list isn’t done doesn’t mean you should stay up late. 
   At some point, you need to call it a night. Set a strict bedtime for yourself that includes an hour of downtime for reading, relaxing, and getting ready for bed. And follow it! Don’t let it waver–even when work or chores await! It will still be there tomorrow morning, and you’ll feel much more refreshed and productive with a good night of sleep.

Image via Susanne Nilsson/Flickr.

5 Networking Posts You Have to Read Right Now

Over the years, we’ve incessantly written about the importance of networking–and we’re not stopping! This round-up of five networking posts are must-reads if you’re looking to take your career to the next level. Networking benefits both job seekers and those who are currently happy in their position. It can take months or years for the seeds you sow to pay off, so start planting them now! Hopefully these five posts will inspire you to get going.

The Difference Between Networking and Demanding
Learn how to get what you want in a way that benefits both you and the person you’re reaching out to.

Is that Networking Event Worth Your Time…or a Waste of It?
Every networking event isn’t created equal. These three questions can help you decide whether you should attend or not.

The Secret to Networking Success and Why it Works
Here’s a philosophy that may help you actually like networking–and get way more out of it than you ever dreamed.

Out of the Box Networking Strategies
Not all networking involves one-on-one conversations and in-person events. Learn other ways to expand your network.

Networking Tips for Those Who Hate Networking the Most
It’s true! Networking doesn’t have to be miserable. These tips can help you get over your fear or dread.

Image via Ivan Emelianov/Flickr. 

Spectrum Brands Gives Back

Here’s just a highlight of the outreach activities that our employees have been a part of at company facilities around the world. Together, we are making a big difference in our local communities. A big thank you to all of our employees who contributed to these fantastic projects over the holiday season.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia 
Every month, factory staff and workers donate their own money into a collection box in the company cafeteria. The donations benefit organizations that help persons with disabilities and the Kantha Bopha Children Hospital. Recently, the team also had a blood drive to help the people in need.

Noblesville, Indiana 
For Christmas, the Noblesville plant sponsored a local family, and through the generosity of both Spectrum Brands and our local employees, we were able to provide gifts for all of the family members, food, and some much needed household supplies, such as a new kitchen faucet, auto care supplies, a George Foreman Grill and small chest freezer.

Moorpark, California 
The Moorpark facility partnered with our friends at Gelson’s to support the annual toy drive for the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (Oncology Dept.). We were honored to be able to take part in making Christmas a little brighter for the brave kids fighting cancer.

Edwardsville, Illinois 
The Pet facility in Edwardsville donates items to various K-9 charities supporting both active and retired K-9 heroes. Through a local STL K9 connection, we were able to assist the large K9 team of 21 active & 21 retired dogs in Jacksonville, FL.

Blacksburg, Virginia
For Christmas, the Blacksburg plant “adopted” the extended care unit of the local, Salem Virginia, Veteran’s hospital. Our employees wanted to make sure every veteran in the unit had a gift. Gift bags were 100% donated by employees. A donation to the Montgomery County Christmas Store (serving needy families in our area) was also organized. Thank you so much for your generosity and giving spirit Blacksburg Employees!

 

We’re Hiring in Edgerton, Kansas!

Save the date! We’re hiring Equipment Operators and Warehouse Workers in Edgerton, Kansas on 2/17 and 3/3. Stop on by between noon and 3 PM either day for on-site interviews at 31100 W 196th St in Edgerton. We’re looking for truck operators, order pickers, dock stockers, and more. 

There are many great reasons why you should consider applying for a job at Spectrum Brands:

• Great pay! We offer great pay at $14/hour for Equipment Operators and $13/hour for Warehouse Workers.
• Vacation and Sick Time accrues from day one. 
• Benefits start on day one.

If you’d like to save some time, apply online in advance by clicking here: http://ow.ly/5hXX30igo9o. Hope to see you soon!

3 Steps Every Job Candidate Must Take

Time for a new job? Time to get your head in the game! Ideally, before you even apply for a new job, you’ll have the three following steps completed–or at least begun. But it’s never too late to start stepping in the right direction during your job search. These three steps can help you take control of your destiny and give you confidence throughout the interview process.

1. Clean up your online presence.
   Read our post on how to clean up your act online. It involves googling yourself, locking down your social profiles, and really putting yourself in a recruiter’s shoes. What does your online image portray about yourself? How can you make it even better? Don’t give anyone a reason not to hire you.
2. Give your interview wardrobe a makeover.
   Well-fitting, polished, modern interview attire is an investment in your career. Don’t feel guilty buying a new outfit–and remember that includes shoes, a bag, and a haircut. You always want to present your best self in an interview. So treat yourself!
3. Be a customer. 
   It’s one of our sure-fire ways to stand out in an interview. If you’re already a customer or user of the company you’re applying to, you’ll be a much better interview candidate. You’ll understand the brand, the customer, and the competition which gives more depth to your answers–and your questions.

Image via elycefeliz/Flickr.

What To Do When You Don’t Know What to Do

Not everyone is lucky in love when it comes to their career. If you’re feeling burnt out, uninspired, or lacking confidence in your current position, it may be time for a change–or at least time to start thinking about a change. Finding the perfect career for your interests, abilities, and lifestyle could take years! And the correct answer may change again and again throughout your lifetime. It’s no easy task but these tips can help.

1. Go on informational interviews.
   Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a book editor? A retail manager? A marketing assistant? Set up an informational interview. Grab coffee or schedule a phone date with someone in the industry who’s willing to share their expertise and advice. If you’re lucky, you may be able to shadow them for a day. Sure, it’s a time commitment for both of you but the knowledge you gain is priceless. A “No, that’s definitely not for me!” is just as helpful as a “Wow, I’d love to do that!”
2. Assess yourself.
   What are your strengths and weaknesses? What inspires you? Where do you want to be in 10 years? Be truthful. The answers to these questions can help you find a more focused direction. Take a quiet afternoon to sit down and really focus on your future. Online assessments can help. Or ask friends and family members for their input if a self-assessment is too challenging for you.
3. Hire a career coach.
   The career path you chose when you were 18 or 22 might not be the right career path for you right now. It’s hard to assess your own wants, needs, and desires. A career coach can help. They can analyze what you’re looking for out of your life and how you can best get it. They’re more likely to think outside the box and push your boundaries farther than you’ve ever considered.

Image via Niklas Freidwall/Flickr.