Fancy running your own business AND working from home? This is why it’d be good for you
90 per cent of people think they can work effectively out of the office wit the right technology
HOME is where the heart is – and for most of us, it’s where we’d like to work.
In fact 90 per cent of people reckon they could work effectively from any location outside of the office if they had the right technology, according to a new survey.
But despite the obvious benefits, just 36.5 per cent of Brits now work from home for some of the time.
The study by cloud-based communications firm Fuze has been timed to coincide with Work From Home Week. The initiative ends on Sunday and aims to promote how remote working can create a better work/life balance.
In the research, 85 per cent said flexibility in work location and hours is important to them, while 83 per cent said it is not necessary to be in an office to be productive.
Britain has got talent
THE UK has placed third in the world in a new report measuring countries’ ability to attract, retain and grow talent.
Only Switzerland and Singapore did better in Adecco Group’s Global Talent Competitiveness Index.
It is the UK’s best placing since the first report in 2013.
Adecco’s John L Marshall said: “Our flexible labour markets and openness are just some of the factors that help the UK outperform many of its peers. But we continue to lag behind in areas such as vocational training and women’s equality.
This is bad for business and for Britain.
“To make a success of Brexit, it’s important the Government protects the country’s ability to attract investment and top talent.”
Dress or impress
DRESS codes are a turn-off for 61 per cent of job hunters, giving them a negative perception of the company.
And 78 per cent of UK workers say they would feel more productive and put more effort into their appearance if there was not a dress code, according to a survey by wet weather gear manufacturers Stormline.
Let’s hope that is true as 68 per cent said they were more likely to trust a well-dressed colleague than someone in the same position who was less smart.
Occupational health expert, Sir Cary Cooper CBE, says: “Uniforms and workwear that protect or help the wearer be identified have obvious utility, but employers should trust their people to let them dress how they please.
“We must also consider the challenges of a formal dress code for people with disabilities.”
Cheers for fears
RECENT research has revealed that young people worry they will never achieve key milestones.
Learning provider Coursera found almost a quarter of 22 to 35-year- olds feel unprepared financially to move out.
Here, Rick Levin, CEO of Coursera, gives his five top tips for getting the most out of life:
- Be ready to reinvent yourself: It’s never too late to change your career path. Millennials are expected to change jobs as many as 15 times.
- Aim high for your dream job: Once you have decided what you want to do, make it happen. Set aside time each week for networking or take a course.
- Use your commute wisely: Learn a new language or do a business course from the comfort of a train or bus.
- Build a portfolio: Include examples of work and links to courses you’ve taken on your CV.
- Money matters: Ask your parents, peers and bank for long-term financial advice.