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Top 10 stories of the week

Father Christmas

Weโ€™ve been out and about this week, joining Essex PAs for the latest NESS networking event at the beautiful Boreham House โ€“ where Vanessa Vallely from We Are The City gave a riveting presentation on personal branding โ€“ and PAs in the retailing sector at the Retail Week Live PA breakfast โ€“ which is offering PAs in retailing a complimentary place at next year’s conference on 8-9 March when they book their boss onto the event. While we rest up for the last couple weeks before the Christmas break, letโ€™s check out our most read stories.

1.ย 5 business lessons from Father Christmas
Given the time of year, thereโ€™s one person in particular that we can look to for inspiration, and that is Father Christmas. Virtual assistant service ava has taken a closer look at the work that Santa does, and chosen five of his best lessons that businesses everywhere should be following.

2.ย 5 event trends PAs should know about in 2017
With a little foresight and years of expertise in this fast-moving industry, the team at Apex has identified the key trends youโ€™ll need to know about if youโ€™ll be planning corporate events over the next 12 months.

3.ย App of the week: Balanced
Nobody ever said a task list has to contain only work items. Smartphones are great for personal use too, and Balanced aims to help users achieve a more balanced life.

4.ย 9 signs you have a poor work-life balance
We write a lot of articles with tips for achieving a better work-life balance, but some people have a hard time recognising they have a problem. Millennial blogger Rachel Ritlop outlined nine signs you have a poor work-life balance in a recent article for Forbes. Take steps to rebalance yourself if you notice any of these.

5.ย Whoโ€™s in line for what pension?
The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) has published new research analysing the incomes different UK generations can expect in retirement.ย โ€˜Retirement Income Adequacy: Generation by Generationโ€™ reveals that automatic enrolment will deliver a real improvement in the retirement outcomes of millions of people in the UK, but there is still room for improvement.

6.ย Research reveals what we really mean when we say โ€œIโ€™m fineโ€
A survey into the emotions of the nation has revealed that Brits are apparently feeling โ€˜fineโ€™. A study of 2000 people has found that the average adult will say โ€˜Iโ€™m fineโ€™ 14 times a week, though really just 19% mean it.

7.ย 38 is the ideal age to take a sabbatical
If youโ€™re considering taking a sabbatical from the stresses and strains of modern life, 38 is the ideal age to do it, a study has found.

8.ย One for the boss: 4 key business trends for 2017
Itโ€™s been a turbulent year for businesses in the UK. Our eventual departure from the European Union, coupled with events elsewhere in the world, means that companies must be prepared to navigate uncertain and possibly treacherous waters as we head into 2017. Phil Foster, Managing Director at business energy comparison site Love Energy Savings has spoken to a host of experts to get their take on the key business trends to look out for in the New Year. This is what he found.

9.ย It takes more than 8 years to become part of the furniture at work
It takes the average employee eight years and four months before theyโ€™re seen as part of the furniture at work, it has emerged.

10. 2.24 million women in the UK have more than one job
New research from on-demand staffing app Coople reveals British women have never been busier. The findings show a significant proportion of working women juggle more than one job, as well as the bulk of the housework.