Trends and developments in the workplace

According to www.essortment.com there have been numerous changes in the workplace due to ever-changing technology and communication in general.

Here are some of the trends being witnessed (click here for further information):

Job assessment methods:
Although qualifications remain a significant indicator of ability, companies no longer assume that, by taking on a university graduate, they are going to get someone of high calibre and intelligence. Personality and communication skills are becoming increasingly important in the workplace.

Freelancing:
There is a definite trend towards outsourcing, short term contracting and freelancing. Permanent staff, as a percentage of the workforce, are decreasing in number. As a result, the traditional sense of company identity and loyalty is, in some cases, being sacrificed in the name of cost-cutting advantages and long-term efficiency.

E-mail "overload":
Workers, today, are becoming inundated with e-mail communications. The more e-mails we receive, the greater the distraction and the faster we tend to work to try and make up for lost time.

Desk rage:
This is a recent development. Computer power has unleashed an unpleasant element into the workplace. Arguments, irritability and a sense of being out of control are all affecting stressed-out staff to some degree or another.

Aggression in the workplace:
For whatever reason, today's workforce is becoming increasingly aggressive in its attitude, in general. Employees, nowadays, identify less and less with corporate image and feel very little sense of loyalty.

Corporate image is an important factor in redeeming your staff's loyalty, motivation and confidence. Click here for info on how we can help you boost your employees again.

What I wish I had said...

 Why is it that so many of us struggle to say what we really feel, especially when things get difficult?

Here are some tips to help you to handle that dreaded conversation:

• Learn the language of the organisation–others will “hear” you better.
• If you are in an industry where speed is of priority eg trading in shares, stocks or constantly needing to meet tight deadlines – you may need to be blunt to be efficient eg: “ No, that will not work at all”. However if you are in an organisation that has a “softer–more nurturing” approach to business you will need to be more diplomatic. Eg “Here’s how I would like to add on to your idea”.
• Plan ahead what you want to say, have a couple of key points. Rehearse the conversation in your head especially how you plan to start.
• Try and speak a little slower than is your norm, keep your voice level and remember to breathe. Speaking too quickly lacks impact, makes you appear flustered and breathless merely adding to your stress levels. We should concentrate on modulating the pitch of our voice – nerves and emotions tend to make your voice high and squeaky.
• If you get emotional – back off. Little will be achieved until you have controlled your emotions. Take a deep breath and retire gracefully: “Please give me a few moments, what I need to say to you is important”.
• Don’t loose track of what it was you needed to say, but take this opportunity to see if you have been heard and understood. So many misunderstandings can be prevented if you take a step back, assess, reassess and then if necessary change your track rather than ploughing full steam ahead.

Winter Wardrobe Essentials

Can you believe it's time to bring out our Winter woolies again?
A new season is the best time to update your look.
With so much fashion in the shops and magazines
it can get very confusing. 

My top tip for this Winter is ...buy less TRENDY items, buy more STATEMENT pieces. Invest in clothes that are wearable time and again. To find out what key pieces you should opt for read on.

50’s Ladylike Charm:
Curvy girls are back in fashion -YAY!
Figure hugging dresses and skirts finished off with a belt. Choose from pencil skirts to A-lined full skirts/ shirt dresses. Jackets are cropped and fitted or long and loose. Skirts & dresses are worn just below the knee.

Rules for wearing Full Skirts:
1: Stick to neutrals.
2: Keep it slim and fitted on top – add a poloneck or a fitted blouse.
3: The low-cut ankle boot is perfect to modernise a full skirt.

The leopard Print:
Wild leopard spots are seen in shoes, scarves, handbags. Ease animal prints into the office wardrobe with neutral separates and a pop of colour eg RED.

'70s Sophistication:
• High waisted wide-leg pants.They make your legs look super slim and chic!
• Cigarette Pants - narrow cut ending at the ankle.
• Pussy bow-blouses, with billowing sleeves in silk, satin or velvet. 
• Statement collars on coats and jackets are the rage.
• Polonecks-a great basic item each winter-update it in the right colours-wear under a shift dress.

Layering:
Select waistcoats, cardigans, gilets, blouses and layer creative. The secret is not to make use of fabrics that are too bulky. Buy a COATIGAN- a knee length combination of a cardigan and a coat.

Fabulous Fashion boots:
It’s short boots and chunky heels all the way this Winter.
The Must-Have pair for this season-a neutral colour, high-heeled, lace-up shoe boot. Stay away from the thigh high “Pretty Woman” boots, sheepskin trims, studs and biker straps.
For more tips to help you in the corporate world click here