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A &#39;Bar For When You&#39;re Off The Beers&#39; is opening today in Dublin (Friday 18th January). Admission is free, and drinks and snacks are complimentary and there&#39;s a nice entertainment line up too - Sounds very interesting.Taking part in Dry January? Ireland&#39;s first non-alcoholic beer bar is opening in Dublin. The Bar For When You&#39;re Off The Beers will host a number of free events from 18th-20th January.Located on South Anne Street, the event will include non-alcoholic beer tasting sessions with beer experts, DJs and complimentary snacks.The space will also include a chill out zone in the basement with a cinema screen.Pure Brew, Ireland’s only fully brewed, non-alcoholic lager from the brewers of Guinness have organised the event.Check out the full line-up:FRIDAY 18th:Comedian Joanne McNally and special guests host ‘The Chats’. The interactive comedy experience will see Joanne discuss topics at random with the audience.SATURDAY 19th:DJ and comedian Marcus O’Laoire will host a night of music, beatboxing and dancing ‘til late.SUNDAY 20th:A Sunday session starts at 12.30pm with Fearless Moves, a music-themed free fitness workout session led by fitness instructor Nathalie Lennon with tunes from DJ Conor Behan.Healthy bites (advance booking required) and an ice cold Pure Brew will be on offer.Dublin drag queen legend Davina Devine will then host a Date Night event for couples looking for love.The evening will come to a smashing end with the ultimate date night disco.The Bar For When You&#39;re Off The Beers is open to the general public (over 18s only) from Friday 18th – Sunday 20th January. Admission is free, and drinks and snacks are complimentary.There are limited spaces available for both Friday and Sunday’s event and booking is required by emailing info@guinnessopengate.com.Source:<a href="https://www.98fm.com/whats-on/non-alcoholic-beer-bar-dublin-322635?fbclid=IwAR069ejAUWIYJjglpVelSYYt860hRRM8JImfj6qwLsCtIscw0hBh-aUEV-U">https://www.98fm.com/whats-on/non-alcoholic-beer-bar-dublin-322635?fbclid=IwAR069ejAUWIYJjglpVelSYYt860hRRM8JImfj6qwLsCtIscw0hBh-aUEV-U </a>

Bar For When You're Off The Beers

Director & Ideation Manager

Pamela Doyle

Among the 1,715 University of Limerick students who celebrated their graduations yesterday was Dr Sindy Joyce, who became the first Traveller in Ireland to graduate with a PhD.Joyce, a well-known human rights activist in her own right, was one of a number of familiar faces who gowned up and received a scroll at UL, including musician and humanitarian Bob Geldof and best-selling novelist Marian Keyes, who were each awarded with Honourary Doctorates of Letters.In total there, 67 students were conferred with PhD awards.Joyce, a proud Mincéir (Traveller) is a doctoral graduate of UL’s Department of Sociology.Her PhD thesis examines how young Travellers’ movements, through access to and use of public and commercial urban space, are shaped by their ethnicity and by anti-Traveller racism.Through her analysis, Dr Joyce illuminates the boundaries that young Travellers encounter in urban spaces, and highlights how young Travellers have developed a range of tactics to negotiate boundaries and the risks associated with traversing them.Congratulating Joyce on her historic achievement, Martin Collins Co-Director Pavee Point, said her research “gives important visibility to the Traveller perspective, in this case, the perspective of young Travellers in Galway”.Mr Collins said it was rare for a Traveller to research and document their own community.&quot;Travellers, down through the years, have often been researched and documented – but usually by people outside our community. It is an important step for Travellers that we have our own academics who can decide what is important from a research point of view – and what is ethical in carrying out this research.”He described Joyce as “a great role model and an inspiration” for the community.“Her hard work and determination in her studies show that all Travellers are missing are the opportunities to succeed,” he added.Mr Collins said the “Irish Traveller Movement is delighted to pay tribute to Sindy Joyce, PhD for her outstanding achievement”.“This PhD compliments her reputation as a committed human rights defender and passionate educationalist, whose community is to the forefront of her focus.” “Given her ongoing research interests, she is a deserved education ambassador especially for anyone who advocates for equality through the difficult lens of experience.”Dr Sindy Joyce. Picture: True MeidaDuring the course of her studies at UL, Dr Joyce was awarded a number of competitive awards, including an Irish Research Council postgraduate scholarship, and the University of Limerick FAHSS Dean’s Scholarship, and AHSS Registrar’s Scholarship Award.UL President Dr Des Fitzgerald explained that “UL&#39;s graduate employment rate for 2017 primary degree-holders is now 17% higher than the HEA’s most recently-available national average figure which is 62% for 2016 graduates”.“80% of UL’s 2017 graduates are employed, 18% have chosen to take on the further study with just 2% seeking employment,” Mr Fitzgerald added.On Friday, UL will confer Honourary Doctorates on Noel and Mike Hogan and Fergal Lawler of The Cranberries as well as awarding the band’s late singer Dolores O’Riordan with a special posthumous award.Image: Dr Sindy Joyce. Picture: True MediaSource: <a href="https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/ul-student-becomes-first-traveller-in-ireland-to-graduate-with-a-phd-897683.html">The Irish Examiner.</a>

UL student becomes first Traveller in Ireland to graduate with a PhD

Director & Chief Biscuit Dunker

Sean Breen

My boss made a mistake on a project we were working on and instead of owning his mistake, he said it was my fault. I sat through that meeting feeling shocked and disappointed. Although this happened a couple of years ago. I remember the details quite well.When we left the meeting he told me, &quot;You are a good sport.” I knew I needed to start planning my exit strategy. I loved my job but I couldn’t trust my boss. He would throw you under the bus in a heartbeat to make himself look good. In spite of how good a job is, once you don’t have a manager that has your back, you will be miserable in that job.<blockquote>&quot; A bad boss can take a good staff and destroy it, causing the best employees to flee and the remainder to lose all motivation.&quot;</blockquote>People don&#39;t leave bad jobs, They leave bad bosses. A boss creates fear and makes work drudgery. Most of the time an employee has an issue with a company, it is something relating to their boss.You spend half of your life at work, and your immediate supervisor determines the atmosphere. Life is too short to spend 40+ hours a week in constant stress and misery. A bad boss can destroy everything from team morale to the actual company. A recent study says that 56% of employees would turn down a 10% raise to stay with a great boss. The corporate world is full of managers and lacks leaders. Leaders build people up. Managers pull people down. Leaders are those comfortable and secure in who they are whilst managers are competing with their subordinates.<blockquote>Studies show having a bad boss raises a worker&#39;s chance of having a heart attack by as much as 60 per cent.</blockquote>Working for a bad boss was actually more of a risk factor for heart disease than smoking, lack of exercise, or being overweight, the researchers calculated. What was it about a bad manager that increased the risk of heart disease? The stress and anxiety caused by unfeasible targets, lack of support, unfair practices and threats of punishment. If your manager doesn&#39;t like you, you are on shaky ground. You will always have to keep making sure you dot your i&#39;s and cross your t&#39;s because they can easily set you up to fail or succeed. High levels of stress is directly linked stress with atherosclerosis, the disease of the arteries that in turn causes heart disease.Never underestimate the impact of working in a toxic environment. It will permeate into every area of your life. Try to move to a different job in the same company, or another company with more competent management. On the other hand, if you do have a good boss, really appreciate them. Good bosses are capable of taking an organization and people to new heights. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bad-job-good-boss-better-than-brigette-hyacinth/">Source</a>

A bad job with a Good Boss is Better than a Good Job with a bad boss

<h1>&quot;Never stop dreaming, and never stop working hard for your dreams.&quot;​ &quot;Imagine no limitations on what you can be, have or do.&quot;​</h1> &quot;Make your life a masterpiece. Imagine no limitations on what you can be, have or do.&quot; Brian Tracy<blockquote>&quot;A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.&quot; Colin Powell</blockquote><blockquote>&quot;No matter how slow your progress, and how many mistakes you made, you are far ahead of anyone who stopped trying.&quot; Tony Robbins</blockquote><blockquote>&quot;If you can&#39;t fly, run. If you can&#39;t run, walk. If you can&#39;t walk, crawl - but by all means keep moving.&quot; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.</blockquote><blockquote>&quot;Never stop dreaming, and never stop working hard for your dreams. You never know what you can become. Life is unpredictable. You will never know as to which road can leads you to which destination.&quot; - Unknown</blockquote>I had a technical support person once.I noticed he loves going into computer code.I asked him if he is interested in moving to software development. He said he would love to but does not have needed skills.I said - all you need is love.If you love what you do, you will become good at it.Long story short - he became a great developer, and is now a principal software developer at major Internet company.<blockquote>&quot;Help others achieve their dreams, and you will achieve yours.&quot; Les Brown</blockquote> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/never-stop-dreaming-working-hard-your-dreams-imagine-you-oleg/">Source</a>

Never stop dreaming, and never stop working hard for your dreams

Take Note.Workers in the health service have been the most pro-active at claiming back their tax refunds in 2018.The findings come from the latest annual Index from <a href="https://www.taxback.com/en/">Taxback.com </a>which looks at refund applications and receipts over the last 12 months.According to their figures, employees in the hospital/health service accounted for 17% of all of their tax refunds last year, with doctors and nurses the most likely to apply.Information Technology and Engineering professionals were also among the top claimants for their company at 14% and 11% respectively.Below are the top 10 industries from which workers applied for tax back from the company...<ol><li>Hospital/Health Service - 17%</li><li>Information Technology - 14%</li><li>Engineering &amp; Electrical - 11%</li><li>Retail - 10%</li><li>Hotel &amp; Bar Trades - 7%</li><li>Builders and Related Trades - 5%</li><li>Education - 5%</li><li>Customer Service, Call Centres - 5%</li><li>Financial and Insurance Services - 4%</li><li>Secretarial and Admin - 4%</li></ol>Top occupation in each of the top 5 industries<ol><li>Health &amp; Hospital - Doctors/Nurses</li><li>IT - Software Engineers</li><li>Engineering/electrical - Private contractors &amp; Local Authority Employees</li><li>Retail - Shop Assistant</li><li>Hotel &amp; Bar Trades - Chef/Waitress</li></ol>Speaking on the findings, Eileen Devereux, Commercial Director at Taxback.com said: &quot;We are finding that more employees in the private sector, particularly in IT and tech industries, are coming forward and are much more aware of the types of rebates that they are eligible for.&quot;It’s encouraging to see increasing numbers of claimants coming from large multinationals and private sector companies. It could be the case that companies are diverting more time and effort to educate and inform workers about their entitlements and what may be due to them.&quot;<a href="https://www.joe.ie/life-style/irish-jobs-best-claiming-tax-refunds-654906">Source</a>

These are the Irish jobs which are the best for claiming their tax refunds

Caption: Minister for Education Joe McHugh and Minister for Business, Innovation and Enterprise Heather Humphreys were at the launchBy Sinead HusseyThe managing director of a leading forklift manufacturer has said he believes there is a need to review the perception of apprenticeships in Ireland.Combilift’s Martin McVicar was speaking at the launch of a new apprenticeship programme aimed at filling the skills gap faced by Irish equipment manufacturing firms.Mr McVicar said with many firms reporting shortages of qualified skilled employees, this new apprenticeship will become a key contributor to the recruitment for many indigenous and international companies based in Ireland.Among those in attendance at launch were Minister for Education Joe McHugh and Minister for Business, Innovation and Enterprise Heather Humphreys.Mr McVicar also said young people completing their second level education are often encouraged to prioritise third level college degrees, to the detriment of other options.He said that despite an increase in the number of applicants for apprenticeships there is a perception among parents and careers advisers across Ireland that it is a &quot;fall-back option&quot;.&quot;The idea that apprenticeships are only for those students that do not achieve high grades has to change,&quot; he said.He added that career advice and decisions that are driven by school league tables &quot;are not serving our children or our country&quot;.&quot;The pressure to get a third level degree with the hope of a good job at the end is not always beneficial to students or our economy,&quot; he said.He said this apprenticeship offers a rewarding and challenging career path from the day the apprentice starts.This apprenticeship is aimed at school leavers who have completed their Leaving Certificate, or mature applicants who wish to pursue a career in this area.The Advanced Certificate in Original Equipment Manufacturing is a three-year Level 6 apprenticeship was developed by the engineering companies in conjunction with education and training boards in Cavan and Monaghan, Limerick and Clare.Source; <a href="https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2019/0114/1023094-apprenticeships/">https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2019/0114/1023094-apprenticeships/</a>

Combilift executive says perception of apprenticeships needs to change

<h1>New apprenticeship scheme seeks to close skills gap in manufacturing</h1><h2>Manufacturing firms argue apprenticeships should not be seen as ‘fall-back’ to university</h2>Colin GleesonA consortium of engineering and manufacturing companies has launched a new apprenticeship scheme to fill a skills gap faced by equipment manufacturing firms and boost exports.A survey of more than 700 employers carried out last year by education authorities found graduates from apprenticeships and post-Leaving-Cert courses are rated as highly as those from universities and third-level colleges.The advanced certificate in Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) is a three-year level-six apprenticeship, and is supported by Enterprise Ireland.It was developed by the engineering companies in conjunction with education and training boards in Cavan, Monaghan, Limerick and Clare.Martin McVicar, managing director of forklift manufacturer Combilift and chair of the consortium, said the apprenticeship scheme would drive the Republic from an exclusively knowledge-based economy, to one which has a stronger emphasis on skills.“We’re all exporting companies,” he told The Irish Times. “We’re very sustainable from an economic point of view. We’re not relying on a domestic market.“It’s an apprenticeship programme for engineering skills for the future. It incorporates electronics, hydraulics, robotics, and software. We believe an apprenticeship is a really fast-track way of learning compared to the traditional academic approach.“The great advantage of an apprenticeship is that the individual is studying at the college and is also in the workplace so they’re putting what they’re learning into practice. The skill is more embedded.“We need more serious focus on developing skills. This is crucial as many firms are reporting shortages of qualified skilled employees, which are capable of designing, assembling and trouble-shooting machinery for the future.”Mr McVicar said there ought to be a greater emphasis placed on encouraging young people to complete apprenticeships.“There are jobs and strong career opportunities throughout the country and internationally for those who complete this apprenticeship,” he said. “It is time that we promote the apprenticeship route with the same enthusiasm which we do for degrees.“Young people completing their second-level education are often encouraged to prioritise third-level college degrees to the detriment of other options.“Despite an increase in the number of applicants for apprenticeships there is a perception among parents and careers advisors across Ireland that it is a fall-back option. The idea that apprenticeships are only for those students that do not achieve high grades has to change.”There were just over 201,000 people working in the manufacturing sector in Ireland in 2016, according to the Central Statistics Office, making it one of the largest sectors of employment in the State, after retail and the health-services sector.Source; <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/business/manufacturing/new-apprenticeship-scheme-seeks-to-close-skills-gap-in-manufacturing-1.3757237">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/manufacturing/new-apprenticeship-scheme-seeks-to-close-skills-gap-in-manufacturing-1.3757237</a>

New apprenticeship scheme seeks to close skills gap in manufacturing

Excellent and unique Education and Mentoring Programme specifically designed and delivered by The Entrepreneurs Academy in conjunction with AIB for Women in Enterprise.28th January, 2019 - Cork31st January 2019 - Dubin12th February, 2019 - Limerick27th February, 2019 - Waterford Lead Yourself, Lead Your Business, Lead your FutureFollowing on from the success of last year, The Entrepreneurs Academy are delighted to announce another AIB Women in Enterprise Programme.AIB WIE – MasterclassLed by three expert facilitators, this intensive half-day, highly engaging and interactive masterclass is packed with practical advice and hands-on tools, which you can immediately implement into your business.Please register your interest and they will send you details on Masterclass. Places are limited so don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity for ambitious female entrepreneurs.AIB WIE – Growth AcademyFollowing on from the Masterclasses there will be three Growth Academies, which include 6 full-day workshops. Each academy is open to 20 ambitious female entrepreneurs, who are AIB business account holders. Expertly led by the Entrepreneurs Academy lead trainers, each intensive workshop will take a deep dive into leadership – leading yourself and others.  Register Your Interest: <a href="https://entrepreneursacademy.ie/aib/">https://entrepreneursacademy.ie/aib/</a>For further information, please email sarahlyn@entrepreneursacademy.ie<h2>Is this course for me?</h2>This programme is suitable for you if you are:<ul><li>A female owned or led business</li><li>Ideally in operation for longer than 18 months</li><li>Have growth ambitions for your business and a business plan</li><li>Better suited to those businesses whose revenue or projections are in excess of €150,000 per annum</li></ul>The Academy is subject to an online application process <h2>Course expectations</h2>Led by three expert facilitators, this intensive half-day, highly engaging and interactive masterclass is packed with practical advice and hands-on tools, which you can immediately implement into your business.Please register your interest and they will send confirm with you details on Masterclasses for 2019. Places are limited so don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity for ambitious female entrepreneurs.<h2>Course outcome</h2>Following on from the Masterclasses there will be three Growth Academies, which include 6 full-day workshops. Each academy is open to 20 ambitious female entrepreneurs, who are AIB business account holders. Expertly led by the Entrepreneurs Academy lead trainers, each intensive workshop will take a deep dive into leadership – leading yourself and others. The first Growth Academy will take place later in 2019.

AIB Women in Enterprise Programme - Fully Sponsored

According to a recent Irish Independent article and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection more than 700 people have been on the dole for more than 20 years, despite major Government efforts to get them back to work.Figures reveal a total of 8,633 people have been on the Live Register for more than 10 years - representing 4pc of the total.Of these, 6,407 have been registered for between 10 and 15 years and another 1,503 between 15 and 20 years. The remaining 723 have been on the list for more than 20 years.They represent under 1pc of the total Live Register, according to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection figures.A department spokesperson refused to say how long the longest-term claimant had been on the dole or the number on it for more than 30 years for data protection reasons.Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Social Protection, Willie O&#39;Dea, said it was hard to believe some people could be on the dole for more than 20 years, given the criteria they must be actively seeking work.&quot;The Government has spent a great deal of money bringing in private contractors Turas Nua and Seetec and spent €70m to €80m on them and their main job is to identify those who are long term unemployed and find them suitable work,&quot; he said.&quot;In the overall context, it&#39;s a small number but it still seems to be a significant number when employers are saying there is very little spare capacity in the jobs market and we are near full employment.&quot;He urged Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty to ask regional managers in social protection to provide details of people in this category and interview them to assess what the problem is.Brid O&#39;Brien at the Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed said many factors contributed to long-term unemployment, including ageism and the authorities&#39; lack of engagement with claimants.&quot;The system left a lot of people alone, either because of their background, or address, or maybe they could have had personal issues like mental health or drug use,&quot; she said.She said in some cases, individuals experienced discrimination looking for work because they had a Traveller background or &quot;postcode-ism&quot;, in terms of where they lived, went against them.&quot;Some employers do not entertain you if you are unemployed for a long time so they don&#39;t even get a chance to do a job interview,&quot; she said.She said a more personalised approach and supports were needed for those on the long-term list. Some 58pc, or 116,249 people, are on it up to a year.There are a further 22,050 on it for between one and two years, representing 11pc, with 6pc on it for two to three years.In a statement, the department said Government policy focused on supporting the long-term unemployed, particularly its JobPath service.Source: <a href="https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/20-years-on-the-dole-700-people-still-picking-up-benefits-despite-demand-to-look-for-work-37694477.html">The Irish Independent</a>

More than 700 people have been on the dole for more than 20 years

We often equate success with talent. But the reality is, talent and technical skills alone is not enough. We all have seen talented people squander their success by making poor decisions.<h3>Here are 10 behaviors that require zero talent yet have a huge impact on our success:</h3><ol><li>Being on Time - Many people have a habit of being late to meetings, work and appointments. For most people, time is money and they hate for their time to be wasted. Being on time takes zero talent and shows discipline. It gives a good first impression.</li><li>Work Ethic - Cutting corners may seem like the easy way out but it always leads to dead-ends. Doing your work with honesty and dedication will take you to new heights. Take pride in the quality of the work you’re doing.</li><li>Effort - Give your everything when you do something. You shouldn’t regret afterwards that you didn’t make enough effort to make things happen.Always do your best.</li><li>Body Language -Your body language speaks volumes about you. Be aware of your body language and make sure it is saying the message you want to communicate.</li><li>Energy (Motivation) -There can be days in which our energy levels are low, we don’t feel motivated and we don&#39;t want to get out bed. Never go my feelings. Stay focused. Focus on your goals. If you know your &quot;Why&quot; it will be easier to stay motivated.</li><li>Attitude - A positive attitude can go a long way in a workplace. Having a positive attitude is essential to do creative work. Your attitude determines the course of your life. When you’re negative, you act as a roadblock in the path of your success.</li><li>Passion- The enthusiasm you show when you are passionate about something is easily noticeable and can rub off on others. Being passionate about something also gives you the ability to endure in times when things may not be going your way.</li><li>Being Coachable - Be always open to learning. You can never know everything. To increase your chances of success, you need to be a continuous learner.</li><li>Doing Extra - Doing something extra will not cost you much but it will definitely add a lot to your character and make you stand above the crowd. &quot;There are no traffic jams along the extra mile.&quot; - Roger Staubach</li><li>Being Prepared - “Failing to plan is planning to fail”. Always be prepared, formulate a plan before you do something. Being prepared reduces significant amount of possibilities of failure.</li></ol><blockquote>Success is the sum of small efforts - repeated day in and day out. - Robert Collier</blockquote>Which skills are you lacking, and where do you occasionally fall short? Most of the big opportunities that we get in life come as a result of the little choices we make every day. Poor choices can potentially harm your future success. In life, your competition isn&#39;t other people. It&#39;s the negative thoughts you think, the time you waste, the procrastination you allow, the unhealthy food you eat and the personal development you ignore. Look in the mirror. That&#39;s your competition.Soft skills are absolutely invaluable in every organization, and each will boost you towards greater personal and professional success! We can&#39;t control what life throws at us but we can control how we react to it. Start making wise choices. Small steps every day. It will not only help you achieve success but it will also help to sustain it.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-things-require-zero-talent-can-still-lead-success-hyacinth/"> Source</a>

10 Things That Require ZERO Talent But Can Still Lead To SUCCESS.

With multiple devices scrambling for your attention, how can you improve your digital wellbeing both in and out of the office?Is one of your resolutions this year to improve your digital wellbeing and unplug from your devices a little more?Chris Flack is the co-founder of Irish company UnPlug, which aims to empower people to develop positive tech habits, sustained focus, enhanced communication and higher-quality downtime.UnPlug also features in a new digital wellbeing course as part of Google’s Digital Garage. Flack spent the first 15 years of his career working in large tech consulting firms. “I noticed the impacts that technology was having on my own behaviour and the teams I was working in,” he said. “In 2016, I joined forces with Aidan Healy, a psychologist by background, to develop a range of programmes to support individuals and organisations [to] work smarter in an always-connected world.”Flack said that UnPlug has a strong focus on individuals producing a high quality of work by improving attention span and organisational culture as opposed to simply pushing harder. “I think society is starting to move away from extremes such as ‘churn and burn’ as they are not sustainable.”Even though we all know that being ‘always on’ is bad for our mental health, technological advances and the ability to be always accessible make it hard for employees to escape from work.A 2018 survey from the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development found that 74pc of HR professionals see the positives of technology for the flexibility it provides employees. However, 87pc said that this technology has created an environment where we struggle to switch off.“There’s a parallel work culture of ‘busy being busy’ which is accelerated and enabled further by our technology,” said Flack. “For example, it’s very easy for us to react to notifications and emails all day, and ‘feel’ very busy; however, we might not actually get that much done.” He also pointed out that technology is neutral and it’s up to both employers and employees to manage how we spend our time, both through working policies and individual boundaries.“By creating these simple boundaries, we ensure that we are more focused on the task at hand, whether delivering quality work or spending quality time with family,” he said.<h2>What can employers do for digital wellbeing?</h2>Government policy is already starting to make a difference for society. In France, the right to disconnect has ensured that employees can take control of their use of technology outside of office hours. In Ireland last year, an employee was awarded €7,500 based on demands to use email outside of office hours.But Flack pointed out that this is not a simple conversation, since every organisation and person has different technological needs. “Before you make any change, you need to assess your current situation. What is your current tech usage? How did you form your tech habits? Why might they be hard to change?”He added that a simple takeaway for employers is to get their employees to measure how much and what types of technology they’re using with Google’s digital wellbeing tools. “We have worked with several organisations who have used similar tools to assess how much tech people are using in and out of work to propose change, to ensure quality focus at work and downtime at home,” he said. What can individuals do to help switch off?While employers have a role to play in the ‘always on’ culture, individuals have to take responsibility for their own digital wellbeing, too. Flack said sometimes physical boundaries can be one of the best ways to start. “If you struggle with tech in certain parts of your life – for example, when spending time with loved ones or when going to sleep – then create a physical boundary. For example, remove phones from the dinner table or bedroom.”However, he said it’s important to make this a slow change to form a more solid habit, rather than start off too extreme. “Maybe a few days of the week at first. Habits are formed through reward, and so we need to experience and enjoy the change first – there are better ways to spend your time than playing Angry Birds in the bedroom!”Speaking personally, Flack said his own compulsive relationship with technology developed from constant task-switching, so he has taken steps to reduce this. “I minimise how many tabs I have open by using a tool such as the free Chrome add-in, xTab. I use Google’s digital wellbeing tools to only have access to work tools at work and social tools at home.” He also works in focus periods of 25 minutes rather than continuously switching between tasks.Finally, at UnPlug, the team practises what it preaches. “We have rules-based systems in place within the team so that when people are on holiday or not working, it’s covered by someone else and … we have a no-device policy in our meetings to encourage focus and empathy.” <a href="https://www.siliconrepublic.com/advice/improve-digital-wellbeing-unplug">Source</a>Image: © kintarapong/Stock.adobe.com

How to improve your digital wellbeing at work

Do you believe workplace dress codes are an outdated practice or a necessary element of professional life?While dress codes may have relaxed in recent years, there are still plenty of companies who have them at many different levels, and they could could be impacting you more than you realise.After all, if you work at a company that has a dress code, it doesn’t matter how relaxed the rest of the world is getting. But how exactly do dress codes affect employees at work? Are they becoming outdated or will they always be a part of the working world in some way?Recent research from online human resources service XpertHR shows that office workers are getting more chances to dress the way they want, even in situations where formal dress codes normally exist.A survey of almost 500 employers’ policies showed that more than half tear up the rules regarding dress codes for certain dress-down days such as casual Fridays or charity support days.While many organisations, particularly in the financial sector, still adhere to a fairly strict formal dress code policy, this is changing.Last summer, Goldman Sachs, one of the largest banks in the US, announced that it has relaxed its traditional Wall Street-style dress code for its computer developers in a bid to attract top talent. According to Reuters, the bank told its tech division to “exercise judgment in determining when to adapt to business attire”.<blockquote>‘I believe staff should be judged by the output of their work and not how they dress’– LENA GORE</blockquote>Does this dramatic shift in policy mark the start of a whole new world for workplace dress codes? Siliconrepublic.com spoke to several professionals from different industries to find out their feelings on the topic.<h2>Relaxing dress codes</h2>Lena Gore is the sales and marketing director at Find Me A Gift. She said, looking around her own office, she would describe the dress code as casual, although some employees dress very smartly and don’t look out of place. “We used to have a member of staff who turned up every day like she had stepped out of a ’40s movie set, but that was just considered ‘normal’ for her,” said Gore.“I think staff should be able to wear what they want to work and not be pressured into forking out for specific workwear. However, if we need to attend external meetings where first impressions count, then a smart outfit would be most appropriate. Internally, I believe staff should be judged by the output of their work and not how they dress.James Lloyd-Townshend, CEO of Frank Recruitment Group, said that following a recent employee satisfaction survey requesting more comfort at the office, the company has relaxed its dress code and gotten rid of mandatory ties and suit jackets.“Making jackets and ties optional is a welcomed change, particularly in the summer months when formal business wear can be uncomfortable in a warm office,” he said. “We’ve had a really positive response across the organisation and are happy to make changes to suit the needs of our employees.Jane Leung is the chief investment officer at Scenic Advisement, an investment bank for private markets. She believes full suit dress codes are definitely becoming outdated in the US and increasingly in Asia and Europe, too.“That said, my view on dress codes is that people should dress to be their best selves, and that does mean being comfortable and genuine to yourself, but also dressing to show respect for your colleagues and clients,” she said.“If you’re expected to be in a suit for example, you can find something that is true to yourself, yet respectful to them. Something that looks put together and thought through, though it doesn’t have to be a boring, traditional suit.”<h2>Strong opinions</h2>Debra Corey is the group reward and engagement director at Reward Gateway. After writing a piece about workplace attire earlier this year, Corey found that people are incredibly passionate about what they wear. “I couldn’t believe how many people from all walks of life jumped into the conversation and debate, which was heated at times, to put forward their viewpoint.”She said there was a variety of differing opinions, from those who believed you could only achieve trust and respect through wearing formal work attire, to those who believed that informal dress could make people more creative and innovative.“The takeaway from both of these is that some people feel that clothes can help them either act in a certain way or be seen in a certain way, although there was no agreement as to what exactly these ways were,” she said.“The one point that almost everyone agreed with was the concept that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to dress code. People said that although they had a personal preference, they felt strongly that everyone should be given a choice and decide what’s right for them.” <a href="https://www.siliconrepublic.com/careers/workplace-dress-codes">Source</a>Image: © Sensay/Stock.adobe.com

Are workplace dress codes still important?

Motivational quotes should be taken with a pinch of salt – or sometimes not at all.I’m always a little wary of ‘new year, new you’ content that sprouts up in January. When I write New Year’s resolutions aimed at helping people boost their career, I try to avoid anything that sounds like I’m telling people to work harder.I started the new year off with advice on getting into a positive mindset because I think, no matter what your goals for the year are, a good outlook will be of great benefit.I do these things because, every year, the big ‘motivational’ quotes come out from the woodwork.While the intentions of these quotes and the people who post them may be inherently good, I think they can sometimes put additional pressure on people to ‘achieve their best life’ and the underlying message is that if you’re not doing what the pretty font on the motivational poster says, you must be failing.With this in mind, here are a few motivational quotes or pieces of career advice I hate, and why you should take your foot off the pedal and take each of these with a large pinch of salt.<h2>‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life’</h2>A version of this quote has been knocking around for years and attributed to various people including Mark Twain, Marc Anthony and Confucius.As someone who really does love what I do, I couldn’t agree with this quote less. I’m well aware that the innocent backbone of this is, ‘Do what you love and work won’t be as difficult’, but the truth is that work is always work. Even dream jobs have their difficult side and anyone who looks at someone else and assumes that doing their dream job means they’re not working really hard is incredibly naive.With this in mind, it’s OK if you go into work every day and it still feels like work. It’s OK to be excited for the weekend or occasionally feel like you don’t want to go in on a Monday. It doesn’t mean you’re not doing what you love and it doesn’t mean you need to go and find a different job.<h2>‘Life’s too short to do things you don’t love doing’</h2>Once again, there are plenty of versions of this – too many to even remotely nail down an accurate original source – but the point is similar to the above quote. Once again, I’m not blind to the nice, motivational intention. After all, you only have one life and you should spend it doing things you love, right?That’s far easier said than done when we live in a world where bills need to be paid, responsibilities need to be met and financial security is important.People should certainly look at that quote and evaluate ways to bring more of what they love into their lives. But, for those who can only do so much of what they love and need to give a certain amount of time to things they don’t, you’re doing well, too.<h2>‘Pursue your dreams and everything will follow’</h2>There are so many versions of ‘follow your dreams, no matter what’ that this was the best way to sum them up. This is the kind of motivational quote I believe is most similar to that of a weekly horoscope. Feel free to take what you need from it in times of self-doubt, but take it with a pinch of salt.Some people have walked into work one day, quit their day job and put all of their energy into making a success out of their dreams – and it has worked out. But, again, due to bills, responsibilities and the need for financial security, most of us don’t do that. And that’s OK.If you need the motivational boost, please enjoy these inspirational words. But remember, if you can’t devote massive amounts of time to your dream today because you have to study or meet friends or make dinner or even simply unwind from a stressful day at work, that’s OK.Motivational quotes are great for those who feel they are a genuine benefit, but sometimes all the motivation you need is to know that you’re doing just fine. It’s important for us all to remember that just because we don’t feel like we’re ‘killing it’ in the eyes of the motivational quotes, it doesn’t mean we’re not successful in our own right.With all that in mind, here are three quotes I find a little more realistic:“Success is the sum of small efforts – repeated day in and day out” – Robert Collier“A positive mindset alone in the absence of hard work will get you nowhere” – Ken Poirot“I cannot do everything, but I can do something. I must not fail to do the something that I can do” – Edward Everett Hale <a href="https://www.siliconrepublic.com/advice/motivational-quotes-career-advice">Source</a>Image: © BillionPhotos.com/Stock.adobe.com

The ‘motivational’ quotes to ignore this year–and what to focus on instead

There are many generalisations about millennials; that they are entitled, lazy or unwilling to put in the time to master a job.The truth is that millennials are pushing for change – change in how companies set up work, and change in how leaders engage them at work. Some of the current workplace problems occurring today include:<ul><li>Digital transformation: Some companies are lagging behind with technology solutions and upgrading systems to meet modern client and employee needs</li><li>Leadership ability: Many leaders do not have the skills needed to lead diverse teams</li><li>Speed and agility: Many leaders and teams are struggling with how to keep up with fast-paced changes in the marketplace</li><li>Attracting and keeping top talent to keep the business moving and driving forward</li></ul>These problems are common across multiple industries. The good news is that millennials are seeing these problems as opportunities.Millennials are eager to help their leaders and teams with digital transformation, and this is an area where companies can leverage their knowledge and skill.Millennials have enthusiasm for leveraging technology to solve problems and they are looking for opportunities to help with digital transformation.In regard to leadership ability, what millennials lack in experience, they have in abundance with a ‘shared leadership’ mindset.Millennials are hungry for leadership training even if they are not in a leadership position. Millennials’ attitudes about leadership are very different than traditional approaches.They also have a healthy attitude about leadership as being an action that guides change and collaboration. They do not see leadership as an autocratic action, rather they see it as a ‘shared’ process among team members.For example, a millennial leader navigates between multiple communication channels to connect with his or her team. Whether group-texting the team or using IM on Facebook, a millennial leader is willing to use modern methods to communicate with his or her team.In fact, research into the future of work is showing that email will be obsolete, and millennials are leading this change.The future of sharing work will be through increased uptake of cloud-based solutions for document sharing, storage and access.As millennials continue to be the majority demographic in the workplace, we will see more of their influence on creating the future of work.Additional ways that millennials are solving workplace problems include:<ul><li>Providing creative ideas on how companies can leverage technology to enhance client services delivery</li><li>Providing creative ways for companies to keep millennials engaged in the workplace, such as flexible hours, remote work and project work</li><li>Providing input and context for companies to set up more ‘job-share’ and ‘shared leadership’ opportunities</li><li>Reverse mentoring: Millennials mentoring upwards to the senior leadership team to provide context, insights and ideas on strategy and business</li><li>Providing impetus for change in structures and processes within the organisation</li></ul>In the next five years, the workplace is going to look radically different than it does today, and much of that is due to technological innovation.However, the real changes will happen as a result of millennials pushing for change in how work is set up, how work gets done, and how work can be both rewarding and provide growth.The future of work will consist of a diverse reality where workplaces will have a combination of remote workers, office workers, job-share workers, rotating project workers, outsourced workers and more. The policies and structures of the past few decades no longer support the shifting attitudes about what work is and how it’s done.Millennials are the key to ushering in the new workplace as they have the creativity, the flexibility and none of the hardwired traditional attitudes about workplaces.All of the generations benefit from the changes that are coming for the future of work. In my opinion, the millennials are the ones that will force the changes needed to get there. <a href="https://www.siliconrepublic.com/careers/millennials-future-of-work-cheryl-cran">Source</a>Image: © Jacob Lund/Stock.adobe.com

Millennials are solving today’s workplace problems

Managing customer complaints is always a challenge and nowadays it&#39;s even worse, as customers amplify their dissatisfaction on-line to the masses. But what if they slate your team unfairly and publicly complain about individuals by name without any real foundation? Well a Hotel Manager in Doolin handled this very situation with the most creative response - I bet it boosted staff morale greatly, this guy&#39;s a legend! The reviewer, Lovnhawaii, posted a number of derogatory remarks about the hotel which included comments about the receptionist, the Wi-Fi and the ‘grumpy ole men’ working in the hotel.The Manager&#39;s response:“Dear Lovinhawaii,Thank you for staying with us at Hotel Doolin on your recent trip to Ireland and for posting your feedback. We were very disappointed with the content of your review.However, after investigating the particulars of your stay in detail with all team members I was even more disappointed to learn that the content of the review was not an accurate reflection of what actually happened.From the title of your review, other readers would think that you inadvertently stumbled into Hitchcock’s Jamaica Inn and that Hotel Doolin was full of brigands and cutthroats, that our staff wear eye patches and pantaloons and are hiding behind the pillars in the lobby, cutlass clenched between our teeth, waiting to jump out and pillage passers-by.You say the hotel is deceitful and dishonest and that one of our staff members, Emma, is a liar when, in fact, it is your good self that is being liberal with the truth.Emma did make a mistake on check-in with the rate, this was spotted the following morning by one of our more senior receptionists and was rectified before you checked out so that you never paid € 240 as you stated above.Also, the duty manager met you the following morning, apologised for the mistake and gave you a further reduction on your rate.We are 100% certain that Emma made a genuine mistake, as sometimes people do, and we feel it is very unfair and irresponsible of you to call her a liar and dishonest on a public forum.I’m sensing a lot of anger in the review above and I know that you probably didn’t mean to let loose all that anger on us.Hey, sometimes people just need to vent. Sometimes at night when I come home from a long day’s work at the hotel, I check to see if everyone is in bed and then I go out into the field at the back of my house and scream into the darkness. I let it all out, like a wolf on a moonlit mountain.I feel better after that and nobody gets hurt. I’m not saying howling into the night like a wolf will work for you, I don’t know your circumstances, you may have neighbours that’ll think it is weird, but there are other ways of channelling rage that don’t have to involve Hotel Doolin and slandering Emma.With regards the Wi-Fi, yes, the Wi-Fi in the west of Ireland is the worst in Europe, there is nothing we can do about this for the moment, although I think we are getting high-speed broadband in the area pretty soon. in the meantime, to anybody else reading this review. DO NOT COME TO DOOLIN IF WI-FI IS MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU THAN HUMAN INTERACTION, YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED.There are three men over the age of forty working in the hotel. Only one of them was working on the night you stayed, so we didn’t know how to deal with the ‘grumpy old men’ in your review, until my assistant manager came up with the only viable solution.We’ve decided to execute all three of these men to ensure that no other guests will have to endure the horrific ordeal you went through that evening in the bar.Paul, Martin and Luis will be blindfolded and shot in the back of the head at Fitz’s cross after mass this Sunday. There will be trad music, cocktail sausages and face-painting for the kids and I can organise a pair of complimentary tickets for you if you wish to attend.I know this will not make up for what happened to you but we hope it will go some way towards showing you that we take your feedback seriously.You see, even though you hurt us deeply with your review, we’d still like to be friends, we’d love if you afforded us the opportunity to change your opinion of us and hope that you will return to Doolin someday.In fact, each year on the 30th February we have a party for our valued past customers who think we are liars, we all hold hands and dance around a campfire and sing songs that help us forget about the past and look with hope towards the future. We’d love if you could make it (that lying cheating ruffian Emma won’t be there, we promise).”

Hilarious Response by Manager to Nasty Tripadvisor Review!

These are just some of the companies hiring right now.<h3>Bank of Ireland</h3>We are always looking for bright, ambitious people wanting to make a difference in a bank that puts its customers at the heart of everything it does. You don’t need to know everything about banking - we can teach you that - but you do need strong business acumen and the right attitude. If you work for us with that same pride, you’ll find our bank is a super place to build a career.<a href="https://careers.bankofireland.com/work-with-us">check all available positions</a><h3>Adare Manor Hotel </h3>The new Adare Manor has opened following the largest refurbishment, restoration and expansion of its kind in Ireland. Our vision is to enrich and expand the majesty that has made Adare Manor one of the most magical resorts in the world, while creating an ultra-modern, best-in-class working environment.We are always looking for people who want to play their part in helping us write the next chapter of this magical story. People whose passion for excellence and innovation will leave a lasting impression on our guests.Could this be the magical opportunity you’ve been waiting for to help shape the future of one of the leading hotels in the world?<a href="https://adaremanor.talentplushire.com/jobs/"> check all available positions</a>Grant Thornton
We offer a fantastic opportunity to kick-start your career with our Summer Internship Programme.An internship with us will provide you with an opportunity to sample Grant Thornton culture and get a real-life insight into what a grad career with us would be like. Our paid Summer Internship Programme offers opportunities across all service lines (Audit, Tax, Advisory, Financial Accounting Advisory Services). Internships are available in our Dublin and Kildare offices and run for five weeks, with intakes in June and July.You will gain valuable insights, practical experience and knowledge that will allow you to experience different areas and aspects of our business. It provides an opportunity for you to experience first-hand if this is the career for you. We embrace diversity at Grant Thornton and we are open to students from all degree disciplines. You should be in your penultimate year of studies on application.<a href="https://www.grantthornton.ie/careers/undergrad-programme/">Apply for our 2019 Summer Internship Programme.</a>Closing date for applications is February 2019.<h3>BD</h3>Talented associates at all levels and in all disciplines are recruited to join BD because they are inspired by our purpose, enjoy working in a collaborative and engaging culture, and are driven by the challenge of developing innovative solutions for global issues — all while charting a career path that enables them to consistently bring the best to the business and their personal lives.<a href="https://bdx.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/EXTERNAL_CAREER_SITE_IRELAND">check all available positions</a><h3>Capita Customer Solutions</h3>With public &amp; private sector clients, we are leaders in the BPO &amp; contact centre market. We deliver solutions in the areas of; multilingual services, customer service &amp; sales, credit mgmt, finance &amp; admin. We recruit highly skilled &amp; motivated people. We take pride in developing &amp; empowering them both professionally and personally because great people are the key to satisfying client expectations.<a href="http://www.capitacustomersolutions.ie/careers/vacancies/">check all available positions</a>If you&#39;re looking for a new job go to <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/jobs">JOBALERT.IE</a> for more available positions

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