New Employment Laws start today!

And on more pressing matters, this article from the Herald is a good read about the new employment laws, effective today.

It says "the new system will give greater power to employers". What is your opinion?

Happy April Fools!!!!

How's the day going so far everyone? Any April Fools office pranks or funny stories to share?

Read this article to be reminded to be careful with April Fools jokes.

Today's article claims that people who tweet at least once a day are happier.

Personally, I think these guys should find something more relevant to study, but hey I'm no scientist!

And happier then who is the question! I mean, how do you even segment and compare in this scenario?

Again, this is just my opinion, but shouldn't the answer to "You Want to be Happier? " be something like "get a hobby", "do something you love", "go on a wonderful holiday"??

What is your opinion??

Billion dollar ideas

Yes, it's the middle of the week already! So I thought to just through this question out there: what is your next billion dollar idea? A website? a new way of doing something?

But wait! Don't share it here!!! The point of the question was to make you think! And this article might make you want to act on your idea!

Mumpreneurs

This article reminded me of quite a few friends of mine who became successfully self-employed after having babies! The trend of 'mumpreneurs' is definitely also in NZ!

Do you know any mumpreneurs?

Happy Monday everyone!! Is anyone else having a crazy day??

Just sharing this BNZ Labour Market Report! Some boring, but nevertheless important info :)

Work-Lief balance is something that all of us seek but not many achieve. Everyone has, at some stage of their lives, been stricken with a "something's gotta give" feeling.

Our jobs may overwhelm us and leave us with little time or energy to enjoy what we have achieved. That's why it's really important to take a break every once in a while and try to remember why you work so hard: so you can afford to enjoy the things you love with the people you love!

This article offers a few tips for achieving Work-Life balance. Enjoy :)

I just loved this article's approach to money saving! We do often forget that time is very valuable as well (arguably as valuable - if not more then - as money!), and waste it on activities that are supposedly "money saving".

I can think of a whole list of things I do on a weekly basis to try and save money. Like going to the supermarket for most of my groceries, then visiting the butcher for my meat and finally the local Vege Shop for my vegetables. Yes, I do save (some) money. But the whole exercise is so time consuming that on Wednesday (my family's grocery shopping night) we always end up dining at Domino's....... It makes you wonder, doesn't it?

How about you? Do you have any money saving habits that might take up too much of your time?

How to stop procrastinating

When we're feeling frustrated, demotivated or bored we may fall into the trap of procrastination. Sometimes we don't even realise it!

Well, here are a few tips to break out of such bad habit:

Recession double-dip or not?

Recession double-dip or not? We think it might be a little early to tell...

However, it is undeniable that the Christchurch earthquakes will have some effect in the country's economy. Just how much effect it has had so far, according to this article, we will know on Thursday.

This article from Stuff reinforces this idea, saying that the economic recovery stalled in the second half of last year. However, economists are saying that even if the economy fell back into recession in the December quarter of 2010, it is unlikely to see the Reserve Bank cut interest rates further. This means that the NZ economy is expected to "remain in "limbo" for the first half of 2011". So be prepared!

Digital local newspapers

If you don't know this already, I only found this website today and it's just so useful I decided to share!

You can read a digital version of any Fairfax Media local newspaper, including the North Shore Times and Rodney Times. Registration is necessary, but free.

Get creative!

Feeling a bit tired, finding it hard to focus? Here is a little article with tips on how to spark your Creativity.

And here is an article on how to overcome creative blocks and distractions.

Now, get creative!

Mentors

Throughout our careers, we will find people that we'll look up to, and learn from. 

This article discusses a different approach to the mentor/mentored relationship.

100th anniversary of International Women’s Day!

Happy International Women's Day!

One hundred years ago in Copenhagen the International Women's Day (IWD) was honoured for the first time! Since then, women have achieved so much equality. 

Each year around the world, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Hundreds of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.

Organisations, governments and women's groups around the world choose different themes each year that reflect global and local gender issues.

This year's United Nations theme is:

Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women

Check the International Women's Day website for more information on events throughout the world, global initiatives and other resources.

Surviving a new job

So, has the New Year brought a fresh start to you yet? Have you taken the courage to take a step towards your ideal role? 

If you have, well, congratulations! But we all know that it's not only about finding a job, it is also about surviving the stress of a new environment, new duties, new colleagues. Here are a few useful tips.

 

Do women sacrifice more then men for a successful career?

Click here to read this article.

Really interesting article! What is your opinion?? 

Do you find Hewlett’s argument against the Nina stereotype of painful sacrifice necessarily underlying female success convincing, or do you think most highly ambitious women still have to give up a great deal more than men in their careers?

Owning up to a mistake is NEVER easy! But we are all humans, and we all make mistakes.

Here are a few tips on how to turn an embarrassing and humiliating moment into a career enhancer!