Employees may avoid asking for help in the workplace because they doubt it will be effective, new research from HEC Paris suggests. Professor Daniel Newark and co-authors Vanessa Bohns and Francis Flynn found that besides the costs – notably, the discomfort and stress – of requesting help, expectations about the outcome also determine whether we ask. This […]

Somerset House is throwing the doors open to its largest and most exclusive indoor space this autumn, previously used for exhibitions such as Valentino: Master of Couture and Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore. Running the entire length of the South Wing and situated on two floors with capacity for 800 people standing, the opening of the […]

The Crowne Plaza Felbridge in East Grinstead, Sussex is now fully open following its £3million plus refurbishment and rebranding with smart new facilities for the business traveller. All 116 bedrooms and suites have been stylishly redesigned along with the conference and meeting facilities, public areas and restaurant, transforming the hotel into one of the smartest […]

A study of UK small businesses has discovered mismanagement of paperwork is putting their security at risk, with many employees breaching data protection rules. What’s more, failure to correctly manage files is costing businesses time and money, with a quarter of those surveyed (23%) stating that they struggle to stay on top of their paperwork. […]

Research has revealed that a sizeable proportion of employees diagnosed with or treated for a mental health related condition feel they are treated differently by their manager (27%) or by colleagues (22%) compared with those who have a physical or visible illness. According to the study by AXA PPP healthcare, more than a third of […]

Research from the CIPD has shown that more than half (53%) of line managers are not trained or qualified to handle ‘difficult conversations’. The corresponding report also reveals some conflict solution techniques can be counterproductive and “kill the employment relationships”. Elsewhere in the report, it was stated that “we see discipline and grievance processes as […]

New research reveals which practical actions in the workplace are effective for improving wellbeing and performance – and which are not. Allowing employees to design their own role is one way to create greater satisfaction. Studies have shown that job type or industry sector are not necessarily defining factors of what makes a good job. […]

Venue bookers are more likely to prioritise free wifi over any other aspect, according to new research. The study revealed that a huge 86% of bookers ask if the wifi is free, regardless of the quality. Half of event organisers enquire into how many devices can be supported by the wifi at the same time, […]

Kew Palace, one of six venues cared for by independent charity Historic Royal Palaces, last night (12 April) welcomed destination management companies and corporate guests to rediscover its potential as an events venue. Kew Palace is set to undergo a ‘reawakening’ this year, with a renewed focus on hosting intimate receptions and dinners. The showcase […]

The long weekend is finally upon us! We hope you’ve all got great plans for spending time with family and friends during this much-needed break. Remember to take this opportunity to relax and unwind so you can return to work refreshed and ready to take on new challenges. Before we all mentally check out (if […]

Psychological wellbeing organisation Positive Group has revealed a surge over the past year in the number of people taking an interest in mental health programmes. The group worked with 40% more people in 2016 than the year previous, as the company believes more people are starting to learn and develop their understanding of the importance […]

Leaving the comfort of a permanent full-time job is often a daunting task. Walking out on a familiar position you could have held for years is a difficult decision, even after months of consideration. When trading in a PA job for a freelance or virtual PA position the leap of faith can be scary, but […]

Board members are being urged to connect and engage with their employees as studies reveal around 40% of British workers can’t name a single executive member. The research, commissioned by eShare, showed that nearly one in five believe their board is barely visible, with 17% saying their board is totally invisible to them. Around 70% […]

Finalists in the PA category of Pitman Training’s SuperAchievers awards have been announced, after hundreds of nominations from across the globe were submitted to the business superbrand now celebrating its 180th year in business, marking this milestone with the opportunity to give back to the PA industry – a field Pitman has assisted in transforming […]

Mums are paid 3% less per hour for every child they have compared to other female colleagues without children, a new study shows. The report by the Université Paris-Saclay also revealed that fathers pay no penalty at all, regardless of how many children they have. Examining 16 years of data from private sector businesses, the […]

An investigation has discovered the hidden costs of processing expenses, in particular those related to travel and taxis. The research, commissioned by Cabfind, believes that employees could be unnecessarily losing over an hour a month to taxi expense administration. Examining travellers’ behaviour as well as internal company processes, the on-demand travel service discovered that expense […]

The unique and unusual venue market has been highlighted as playing a key role in the UK venue industry according to new research. The report, Unique & Unusual: A Market Overview, is the first market report of its kind and suggests that as the sector continues to grow, so too will its impact on the […]

Does work feel stale lately but you still love what you do? Perhaps you’re ready to move on but want to make the most of your job until you find a new one. Either way, it’s important to take steps to be happy at work. Glassdoor recently outlined five ways to keep a positive attitude, […]