An out-of-office (OOO) responder is more than a courtesy—it’s an essential communication tool for municipal staff, ensuring continuity and professionalism within your local government. Whether you’re away for personal vacation, holidays, election-related duties, professional trainings, or FMLA leave, crafting a well-thought-out OOO message helps colleagues, constituents, and stakeholders know what to expect and who to [...]
As local government staff, you're likely the keepers of your community's history. You preserve records, manage landmarks, and maybe even lead tours through charming old buildings. But for describing these treasures, do you ever stumble over the words "historic" and "historical"? Don't worry, you're not alone! A recent article on Apartment Therapy showed "historic" and [...]
Updated January 2024 Do you sign off your emails? What do you end with? "Best," "Regards," or "Sincerely"? The Career Contessa offers some suggestions if you want to change it up a little. The way we end an email can encapsulate the tone of what we just wrote, and project what we want to happen next. [...]
"U ROCK" by Caro Wallis is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Whether you're a manager or a coworker, you can make someone's day with a sincere compliment. Most of us love feeling valued and appreciated. It's an easy way to lift someone's mood, and your own, too. In honor of National Compliment Day [...]
September is Deaf Awareness Month—an ideal time for local government professionals to review and strengthen how they serve Deaf and hard of hearing community members. Whether you’re planning public meetings, providing essential services, or communicating online, fostering accessible, inclusive communication is vital year-round. Ten Best Practices for Communicating with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals [...]