Ah, World Kindness Day. It makes us feel all warm and snug, every year. Hygge-like. As the international news stories tell of ever-more alarming crises, and as waves of anger seem to roll through our streets, kindness may seem like a rare occurrence these days. But that's all the more reason to uphold it. Kindness may seem scarce in the modern world, but it's also precious, and worth protecting…
We all love to say yes. It's built into our human psyche. We want to please - to feel that tiny flare of endorphins, and to see that light of satisfaction in the eyes of the person across the table. And when that other person is your boss, there's an even stronger driver to pull out all the stops. To comply with every request. To push beyond your limits…
Let’s face it, Dads: whatever your situation, choosing to have children is a really daunting prospect. Am I going to know what to do? Am I going to mess them up? How do I change a nappy? Are they going to support my favourite sports team? When am I going to spend time with them?…
It's still satisfying, isn't it? That first underfoot, autumnal crunch. It calls to the small child hiding inside each of us. But as an adult, the concept of crunch time can take on a whole new meaning. This Autumn, we've welcomed back a member of our fantastic 9-2-3 team from maternity leave. We're delighted to see her again - we've missed her fabulous sense of humour, and her innovative approach. The 9-2-3 airwaves have rung with stories of the return from our own maternity leaves. There have been increasingly enthusiastic - indeed, some might say almost frantic - attempts to pass on several attics' worth of toddler clothes and train sets…
We caught up with Hannah Porteous-Butler, founder of The People Practice Group, to discuss how flexible working can be interpreted differently by employers and employees, what can be done to start closing that gap, and what she sees as the future of flexible working.
If, like us, you've been flip-flapping over whether you can face making pancakes for breakfast this morning, then you're in good company. But the frying pan-based struggle has sparked something of a debate in our office - and it's not about the merits of lemon juice vs maple syrup. A Latvian friend recently told me that when she was growing up, the first child in a family was referred to as "The First Pancake'. A little harsh, you might think, but probably true. The First Pancake is the one that makes you feel that you're learning as you go along. The one on which you practise and improve - a hotbed of trial and error.
In many ways, your first interview after a career break, or a long stint with the same company, can feel quite similar. It's totally normal to feel a bit nervous. After all, it's a big step.
Congratulations - they loved your CV and they want to meet you! But whilst this is a great sign, the job isn't in the bag yet. If you want to do everything you can to make sure it's yours, then you'll need to invest some time in making the most of this chance. Come along with us for a step-by-step guide to nailing that interview...
Wouldn’t it be nice to present a truly authentic C.V. to a prospective employer?
You know the reasons why you haven’t worked for a period and they make perfect sense, but it’s not really the done thing to shout about the times you haven’t worked. Being a seasoned HR professional, and having had multiple periods of elected time out of employment, I would assume that you haven’t chosen to twiddle your thumbs all day… But sadly many wouldn’t.
September - with it’s “back to school” mentality and the move from the highs of summer (though surely no one is going to miss that blisteringly hot weather!?) to the chillier, jumper wearing days of Autumn. However you feel about it, it’s all to often a period of change.
Our wonderfully wise friend, Lindsey at Start to Thrive, has written us a super article about how we tackle this tricky beast. Whether it’s starting a new job, looking to change roles or maybe shipping kids off to school for the first time and looking to step back into the workplace…
