FLEXIBILITY IN THE WORKPLACE

A report released last week has recommended companies encourage a more flexible workplace. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has suggested endorsing the right of all employees to request flexible working. As technology gives us greater freedoms and makes business communications easier, tech–savvy candidates have arguably never been in a better position to capitalise on remote working opportunities.
Derek Pilcher from executive careers site TheLadders.co.uk says ‘With the economic climate in such difficulty over the past 12 months, flexible workplaces have become more commonplace. While it changes the style of working for many companies, it can also be an effective way to build a stronger and more loyal workplace.’

Flexibility is used for many reasons, by both men and women, to allow for a variety of work related and personal reasons including; having uninterrupted time to complete tasks, to avoid long or uncomfortable commuting, to care for children or family, to pursue training or further education or to take part in sports or community activities.

Flexible work involves relaxing policies on the location (working from home or on the move) and time (part-time, job share and flexitime schemes) elements of a role. During the recession we have seen many companies offering reduced working days/hours and sabbaticals in order to cut costs and retain skilled staff – rather than having to employ and train new workers when the economy recovers.

If managed properly – flexible working arrangements can cut costs through higher staff retention, reduced absenteeism and overtime, boost productivity, motivate people, increase employee satisfaction and release more potential in staff.

GAME, SET, MATCH!

With the Wimbledon championships underway this week, the best tennis players from around the world will be aiming to showcase their talents to reach the top. Rafael Nadal, the Williams’ sisters, Roger Federer and of course local favourite Andy Murray focus their entire careers on that moment when they lift the winning trophy. So what separates the best from the rest when it comes to major sporting championships and how can job seekers learn from the top players?

With six Wimbledon titles to his name, the grace and guile of Roger Federer has wowed centre court crowds over the years, but what is the biggest reason for his success. Undoubtedly, it is Federer's killer instinct that time and again sees him come up trumps when it really matters.

Federer’s victories and continued appetite for success cannot, however, be overstated. It is not down to luck. Such an astonishing list of titles is only achieved through hard work, relentless practice and yes, a fair bit of talent. It is this relentless practice that gives Federer the ingrained habit of knowing how to handle the pressure situations where tight matches can often be decided on a few key points.

‘Winning a grand slam championship is much like winning the top job for an executive job seeker - you have to be committed to this same level of relentless practice in the job search,’ says Derek Pilcher from executive careers site TheLadders.co.uk.

TheLadders has these three tips for executives looking to reach championship heights when on the job hunt:
• Have a game plan – ensure you are clued up on the industry happenings, analyse your competitors and lay out your career goals.
• Be match ready – ensure your CV is up to date and rehearse interview questions and answers so you are ready to handle the pressure of the interview.
• Put on your game face – presentation is essential in the interview process, from the way you walk in to the room down to the shoes on your foot it’s important to possess a confidence and show you want to win that job.
‘With this same spirit of both competitiveness and commitment to 'practice', executive job seekers can reach their ultimate goal,’ says Pilcher.

12, 14, 21, 36 - How long does it take to make it to board level?

Sir Terry Leahy’s announcement this week that he will be standing down as CEO of Tesco follows an impressive, 14 year tenure where he has brought the company to the forefront of the supermarket industry. His replacement Phillip Clarke first worked for the company stacking the shelves 36 years ago and has been on the board for the last 12, which poses the question – how long does it take to reach the top of the business ladder?

In a study last year, executive careers site TheLadders.co.uk found that the average term of a Board level executive in the UK is 21.7 years. After surveying its senior management members the site discovered that nearly all of its CEO level candidates had 21 years plus experience.

Derek Pilcher says ‘there is no exact time when any business person will reach board level, there are a variety of factors involved including experience, qualifications and the company. But it’s clear that you do have to earn your stripes to join the club and this is something only gained through time and hard work.’

If you have your sights set on reaching the top, here are some tips from TheLadders to help you achieve your goal:
1. Dedication. Clarke and Leahy are prime examples of how dedication can get you up the business ladder. Job hopping from one position to the next for more money or a title does not always reflect favourably on the individual.
2. Network, network, network. Online and offline, a good network is invaluable.
3. A profile. PR yourself and your work. Win accolades for your business and demonstrate your worth. Sir Terry Leahy has shown his leadership success by quadrupling the size of Tesco since coming in to power, making it the most dominant supermarket in 75% of British postcode regions not to mention nearly £1 in every £7 spent in Britain is at a Tesco store.
4. Be brave! Senior executives who have made big career moves when they were young, have often managed to hang on and be part of a company’s big succession plan.
5. Ensure you have a good knowledge base from different businesses and industries.
6. Work across different industries, taking-on different positions to show you know how a business works from all aspects of the chain.
7. Having a broad range of skills. This means that you will be well equipped to handle most situations thrown at you.
8. Listen. To your teams, to your peers, to your predecessors. This is not a natural skill for an entrepreneur which is why the best ones work alongside a CEO.
9. Stick at it! 14, 21 or 36 – they are all big numbers but it’s important for any executive to stay in their role for more than 10 years to really move up and reap the benefits.

HAYFEVER SEASON CAUSES COSTS TO THE WORKPLACE

Sniffy noses, bloodshot eyes, itchy skin and sneezing are all clear signs that the hay fever season is in full swing, and with an estimated 21 million allergy sufferers in the UK the warm weather can wreak havoc on workplace productivity.
Sick days and lost productivity resulting from hay fever is estimated to cost UK businesses up to £7billion. Those who do manage to make it to work often find that their work quality suffers and they feel miserable stuffed up and congested as they struggle to get through the day.

Here are some top tips from executive careers site TheLadders.co.uk to ensure that the pollen doesn’t pollute your workplace.

Prevention is key - It’s important to get into a routine of monitoring pollen counts and keeping your home dust and pollen free - through frequent vacuuming and washing before bedtime to remove the pollen from the day and in the morning before you get dressed, you can reduce exposure to your allergens. This means a reduced frequency and intensity of hay fever symptoms and a better day at work.

At work, take a few minutes to wipe down the area around your desk and remove your coat to somewhere else in the office before you sit down. It may sound unnecessary but pollen gathers on clothes, hair and exposed areas of skin on your way to work and can then irritate you all day.

Be prepared – ensure you keep some hay fever medicine handy at work. Sometimes even popping out at lunchtime can expose you to a high level of pollen. Make sure you are stocked up on the decongestants, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs or other hay fever medication you require for your symptoms and keep a supply in your handbag or briefcase. Most importantly make sure you take non-drowsy medicine – you don’t want to be caught snoozing in an important business meeting.

Alternative work options – If hay fever symptoms keep you away from the office, don’t call in sick, ask to work from home. Employers may be sympathetic but if your boss doesn’t suffer, he or she won’t understand. Explaining your symptoms and offering to work from home will be appreciated by your boss and colleagues.

Hay Fever isn’t for life - But it will be around for most of the summer. If you are plagued by the symptoms each year and it does significantly affect your work and life, then plan ahead and consult a specialist so that this time next year you are working to your optimum best.

WHAT WILL THE NEW GOVERNMENT MEAN FOR EXECUTIVE JOB SEEKERS?

Despite a week of uncertainty, a new government has been decided, with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats forming an unlikely partnership. The good news for executive job seekers is that this is likely to provide stability to the burgeoning employment market and reinforce the confidence being shown by hiring managers in recent months.

But will a settled parliament really provide more opportunities for high–profile candidates? Derek Pilcher, managing director of TheLadders.co.uk speaks to Philip Shaw, chief economist at international banking specialist, Investec.

‘Looking ahead over the next year, it is likely that the country will experience a recovery in the economy, which will have a positive effect on the state of jobs’ says Shaw whose firm is listed on the Stock Exchange. While it may have appeared like doom and gloom during the downturn, the last 12 months hasn't seen unemployment reach three million people like previously predicted.

Will cuts impact those jobs in the public sector? ‘We are not expecting anything particularly cataclysmic. We think that cost cutting in the public sector will be centred on trying to control wages and mass layoffs are unlikely.’

Shaw believes the private sector will see growth, with jobs being created slowly but surely over the next 18 months as the UK emerges from the recession. Ironically, one hurdle jobseekers may have to leap is how well organisations have dealt with the downturn. He says that many companies have deployed innovative measures to hold on to their staff members rather than make them redundant, which could slow the growth of jobs in the short term. But Shaw suggests this will not stop unemployment levels falling as the year progresses.

High–profile executives may also have cause for celebration as the economist predicted "over the medium term that the recovery [will create] new jobs" in this end of the market as well. Expanding on this, he explained that the UK's tax structure will have an effect, but he said forecasts that major players will move abroad to overcome charges is unlikely, which will ensure Britain's top talent stays here and finds work.

So, all in all, it appears that 2010 and 2011 will prove to be fruitful for those who are seeking a job. Mr Shaw's comments support the opinions of other leading industry experts who are becoming more optimistic of the fruits an upturn will bear, following the harsh winter of the recession. Now it remains for executive job seekers to make sure they are prepared to reap the rewards of the recovery too.

SCORE A GOAL WITH THE BOSS

With the Football World Cup kick-off only a few weeks away, many employees will be keen to show the support for their country by cheering on their team during the games, wearing their national colours and even heading to the tournament in South Africa, and UK bosses have revealed showing your team pride in the office can help your career prospects – but be warned you don’t cross the line or you could be red-carded.

A survey of 900 UK bosses by management careers site site TheLadders.co.uk found that 54% believe supporting a common team with your peers and boss can help with career prospects, whilst nearly half (47%) think sharing a favourite team can open doors within a company.

Eighty-four percent of respondents in the survey agreed that football matches are a great conversation starter and way of getting noticed in the workplace, and by supporting the same team, 20% have themselves scored seats with the boss to match games.

However, of those surveyed, some also believe that supporting a team can hinder your career. Fifty-eight percent agree that as a rival supporter you can become the butt of office jokes. Forty seven per cent reveal that you also become a rival to the boss if he or she support a different team with 42% saying this can lead to the “Ronaldo complex” - being excluded by peers and seniors.

Beware you don’t become a hooligan fan though as this won’t go down well with the office coaches and management team. Fifty five per cent of senior management senior management quizzed said wearing football “kit” (and cluttering your desk with football souvenirs) can get you relegated.

Derek Pilcher, Managing Director of TheLadders.co.uk says, “The Football World Cup presents a good opportunity to create light-hearted banter with your colleagues and peers. It is a good way for you to build interpersonal relationships especially if you support the same team as the boss. But be careful you don’t overplay your game, letting your team’s performance affect your behaviour in the office could put you at risk of office relegation.”

HOW A ‘HUNG PARLIAMENT’ CAN REFLECT THE JOB SEARCH PROCESS

If like our political system, your hunt for a good job has resulted in a “hung parliament”, and you don’t seem to be winning enough votes to scoop the prime position, you may need some help with swinging the interview in your favour.

So how do you make sure you differentiate yourself from other candidates for the job? Derek Pilcher from executive careers site TheLadders.co.uk says that there are a number of tried and tested tricks to ensure that you are the stand out from the competition.

‘In order to avoid the position that our political parties found themselves in last week, candidates need to ensure they succeed by a landslide. It’s essential to demonstrate your excellence over the opposition in a variety of ways,’ says Pilcher.

He explains:
1. Your ‘manifesto’ is vital - Your CV is the most important document that you own and could be the difference in making the recruiter's vote 'swing your way'. Ask yourself; is your CV really as effective as it could be in showcasing your skills for the job? Recruiters and hiring companies are only going to contact you if your CV is the one that connects with them.

There are a number of ways to improve your CV. For example we know that our recruiters tend to search by keywords more than anything else. But be warned, don’t overload on buzzwords. It’s a fine balance. Look at the Top 50 Keywords Recruiters Search For to give you an idea of what recruiters on TheLadders.co.uk are currently searching by and review your own CV accordingly.

You may feel that to really present your skills and competencies and could do with a professional eye looking over your document. A CV Service is useful for those looking for significant support or to have a CV written totally from scratch.

2. The ‘debate’ - Make sure that you are fully prepared for anything that a potential employer could throw at you at the interview stage. You will need to be somewhat of a politician in the sense that at times you might need to use a bit of spin to explain why your weaknesses can be seen as opportunities and therefore potentially be portrayed as strengths.

3. Prepare a strong argument - Even if there is another strong candidate in the first interview, you could well get a second chance at the second interview to prove you are the person for the job. Now is the time to really prepare yourself. Make sure you accentuate your experience and focus on how previous jobs and your attitude and personal qualities make you the best person for the job.