We’ve made it through the second week of 2017! Let’s hope it’s smooth sailing from here on out. Although, next week brings Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year according to researchers. It doesn’t sound great, but a little bit of positivity can help us through it. So let’s take a look at our top 10 stories of the week, which features a lot of great tips for the year ahead.
1. 7 ways to update your CV in 2017
Are you still following an antiquated set of guidelines for your CV? Those who have stuck to formatting meant for the days when CVs were always printed run the risk of being overlooked by potential employers. Here are some top tips for updating your job search for the digital age.
2. How to handle a boss who doesn’t notice your hard work
Recognition for your hard work is one of the top factors that can make you happy. Yet for some PAs, praise is hard to come by. Online career resource The Muse has outlined five reasons your boss doesn’t notice you and how you can overcome the challenge of receiving gratitude.
3. Cut out these annoying phrases at the office for your New Year’s resolution
Traditionally, New Year’s resolutions are often set as personal goals to better ourselves, ranging from visiting the gym more often through to learning a new language. For 2017, Kit Out My Office wants colleagues across the UK to come together and set a New Year’s resolution for their team – to stamp out the most annoying phrases and improve morale.
4. How to say no at work
Sadly, menial tasks and grunt work often fall on PAs simply because people don’t know who else to turn to. While most probably don’t mind helping out, there are times when you’ve got more important work to do. If you find it difficult to squeeze everything into your busy schedule, here are a few tips to respectfully say no to taking on extra work from talent coach Lelia Gowland.
5. App of the week: Polaris Office
Back when we started this weekly feature, I reviewed Pages, which integrates beautifully with iCloud services. I’ve since discovered an alternative app that offers its own cloud storage and supports Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as Adobe PDFs. It’s available on PC, Mac, iOS and Android.
6. Psychopathic boss? He could turn you into a bully
Having a psychopathic personality doesn’t always mean you’re destined to become a serial killer, but a new study shows narcissistic bosses could turn their employees into the office bully.
7. Update your skills at the office* show
The office* show is the UK’s largest event for PAs, EAs and office managers, taking place from 1-2 March at Olympia London. It brings together a world-class training programme and exhibition dedicated to the executive support professional.
8. Why a career MOT is more than just a choice
Jessica Williams, founder of Sidekicks has revealed her tips for a New Year Career MOT. Jessica worked as a PA to various high-profile businesspeople for 10 years before founding Sidekicks – a leading-edge recruiter that challenges biased attitudes to hiring such as hiring pregnant staff, encouraging flexible working and appearance/gender/ethnicity blind shortlisting.
9. Holiday hangover? How bosses can keep employees motivated in January
Christmas is over, the decorations have come down, the New Year’s celebrations are a distant memory – welcome to January. It’s a long, dark month, so it’s hard to find some feel-good factor to cling to – particularly with employees coming back to work after a relaxing Christmas break.
10. Trying a new activity or learning a new skill benefits brain and body
At this time of New Year’s resolutions, active holiday expert Neilson released the results of a 2016 survey that reveals the average UK adult hasn’t tried a new activity or hobby in five and a half years, despite 80% feeling positive effects on their wellbeing when they do.
