Most reality programmes focus on celebrities and their antics, but what about the people behind them? The new documentary series Like a Boss follows celebrity assistants to find out what it’s like to support the stars. Debuting on Oprah Winfrey’s US TV channel Oxygen this week, the show shifts the focus from celebrities and high-profile […]

So your CV has been picked out from the hundreds your prospective employer received. Now comes the hard part. Job site Glassdoor has searched through thousands of candidate testimonials over the last year to find the top 10 toughest interview questions. Topping out the list is retailer Topshop (no pun intended) with: “Which magic power […]

Researchers have found that cycling, walking and even taking public transport to work have been linked to lower levels of body fat. The findings suggest that even a small amount of physical activity during your commute carries health benefits. The study, carried out by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, looked at data […]

Managing the relationship with your executive can be a difficult task if you don’t have the right tools. Adam Fidler strives to provide PAs with everything they need to be more effective in their jobs during his interactive session at the next PA Life Training Day. Adam’s session follows on from the popularity of his […]

We are looking for contributors to provide information for our Regional/International News pages (see page 9 in our March/April edition). If you are aware of any interesting upcoming events that you’d like to let others know about then this gives you the perfect platform to do so, plus it offers a great opportunity to showcase the many PA […]

A new report from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) shows that fewer than half of companies have increased the number of women on their boards. The research reveals that despite a recent push to get more women in UK boardrooms, only 47% actually placed more females in top-level positions over the 2012/12 to […]

The swiftly expanding serviced apartment provider Skyline recently announced the opening of its latest acquisition – the newest building located in the prestigious Canary Wharf and Docklands area. Lincoln Plaza by Skyline is a serviced apartment development offering stylish, sophisticated and highly desirable living accommodation for family, leisure, or corporate travellers in a location boasting […]

There are few things more quintessentially English than a sunny June afternoon at Royal Ascot. So for some, it may come as a surprise to discover a staunch Frenchman taking the fine-dining reins at the Panoramic Restaurant for this summer’s meeting. However, Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc has a considerable and celebrated history with the racecourse […]

With 33% of exhibitors new for 2016 and a further 26% increasing the size of their stands, exhibitor commitment at this year’s Meetings Show is already significantly higher than 2015. In particular, The Meetings Show, taking place from 14-16 June at London’s Olympia, has responded to research that highlights the primary reason for buyer attendance […]

Aviva’s Working Lives report shows both employers and employees have continued to welcome the Government’s decision to introduce auto-enrolment for company pension schemes. Three in five employers (61%) in Q1 2016 agree with making the workplace the focus for automatic pension savings – a slight increase from 58% in Q1 2013. Approval rises to 74% […]

A third of people aged over 50 who are employed in the private sector are now planning to retire later than they previously hoped, Aviva’s latest Working Lives report reveals. The 2016 report – which comprises research among UK private sector employers and employees – has a particular focus on workers aged over 50, following […]

According to research commissioned by the government, three quarters of pregnant women and new mothers have experienced discrimination at work, with one in nine losing their job as a result. The Guardian reports that the research found there has been a huge spike in pregnancy discrimination since 2005, when only 45% of women said they […]

When it comes to fostering an environment that employees can thrive in, there are a few key things to consider, according to an expert panel interviewed by The Guardian. Here are the highlights. Show off your strengths Attracting the right talent is all about presenting a welcoming and trusted brand. User-generated content such as online […]

After receiving hundreds of entries, PAs from across the country and indeed from across the globe have been recognised as the best in the industry in Pitman Training’s SuperAchiever Awards 2016. The nominees have now been shortlisted to reveal PAs from Croydon, Manchester, Bristol and South Africa to be in the running for the hotly […]

Research shows that we make decisions about others within seconds of meeting them, so first impressions are paramount. Luckily, Positive Impact Coach Deborah Ogden will be on hand at the next PA Life Training Day to teach attendees how to create a strong personal brand. Deborah’s session, titled “First impressions, impact and influence”, will teach […]

Original research from recruitment firm Robert Walters has revealed that women in secretarial and support roles are the most likely to pursue training or further education during a career break (often to have children, but also for a host of other reasons), with 43% saying that they had compared to just 23% of women in […]

It has long been known that back pain is a major cause of work absence in the UK, but how many employers are aware that four in 10 believe work has caused it? In a recent survey by backpainhelp.com, 38% of people in the UK claimed that work caused their back or neck pain and […]

When you spend the majority of your time at work with your co-workers, it’s important to be able to get along with them. Here, Carol Williams from iMindQ presents her top five tips for building positive relationships with your colleagues. 1 Listen up – When you’re having a conversation with your colleagues, really listen to […]