Life at Work
National Apprenticeship Week: meet Anthony
We recently spoke to Anthony Baston, Pertemps Leicester Branch Manager, about his experiences carrying out a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Management.
Hastings Direct Case Study - Sharmon Pearson
We’ve taken a dive into the careers of some of client Hasting Direct’s #HastingsHires for advice to others on their careers. Here we talk to Sharmon Pearson, a Customer Representative.
Blue Monday : Look after your mental health at work
Nobody looks forward to Mondays. But Monday 15 January, or Blue Monday, is the worst of them all as it’s officially the most depressing day of the year. Apparently, a mixture of rubbish weather, lack of vitamin D, debt, failed New Year’s resolutions and missing the festive fun of Christmas becomes all too much and leads to feelings of unhappiness.
Hastings Direct Case Study - Zenobia Brand
We’ve taken a dive into the careers of some of client Hasting Direct’s #HastingsHires for advice to others on their careers. Here we talk to Zenobia Brand, a Digital and Change team PMO Support Analyst.
5 steps to getting a pay rise
Feeling those itchy feet about your current salary? Follow our guide on how you can put yourself in the best position to approach your boss with a case and get the discussion about your pay on the table.
1-minute mindful exercises to practice daily
If you feel like your mental health is starting to suffer, finding time for a self-care routine can help reduce stress and give you much-needed time to recharge. Here’s five mindfulness exercises you can start today which will take a minute or under – we promise!
Worried about your job security? Here’s how to manage your anxiety
During these uncertain times, it is understandable that people may be feeling anxious about their job security. The Coronavirus has had a knock-on effect on the world’s economy which is likely to be felt for a while yet.
The importance of communication in today’s working world
Communication is a fundamental part of our day to day lives. It is an essential tool in achieving productivity and maintaining strong working relationships within the working world
Prevention tactics to avoid ‘bore out’!
You’ve heard about ‘burn out’, but what about ‘bore out’?
Looking after your mental wellbeing while working at home
For some people, the ‘new normal’ might be adjusting to life working at home which can expose all kinds of emotions such as bouts of loneliness due to a lack of team camaraderie or feeling frustrated. Remember, it’s perfectly OK to feel this way and everyone reacts differently to different circumstances. Here’s our top tips to help you keep yourself mentally healthy:
Keeping yourself motivated when working from home
The Coronavirus pandemic sent the UK into self-solation, many of us have either been furloughed or are now working from home.
The worst things about remote working
Following the Coronavirus outbreak, millions of people have been forced to work from home; something of a hot topic
The benefits of flexible workers
Flexible working is changing the way businesses operate, we are shifting away from the traditional 9 to 5 working hours into a more accommodating arrangement.
How to upskill when you’re Furloughed
We have witnessed significant change following the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
7 ways to work effectively from home
As more businesses have implemented working from home policies in these unprecedented times, there are plenty of tips you can adopt to work effectively from home.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle at work
We all live hectic lifestyles - juggling children, chores and work and it’s easy to lose sight of what makes us feel physically and mentally healthy. We’ve picked out a couple of key things you can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
You have the skills to recruit
The skills you have gained throughout your career so far have equipped you perfectly for a career in recruitment – currently among the most highly rated jobs in the UK.
Mental health: How to help a co-worker
Although conversations surrounding mental health at work have increased over the years, mental health stigma still remains an issue. If you discover a co-worker is struggling, here’s how you can help them:
Ugly truth about racial discrimination
Racial discrimination is covered under the Equality Act 2010 and employers must not unlawfully discriminate on the grounds of race.
Five types of employee leave
With so many types of leave available, understanding how leave works can be a real headache! Although you should always consult your contract for clarification, we’ve gathered the five most common types of leave to help you understand.
The Equality Act: What you need to know
The Equality Act came into law in 2010 by the UK government protecting people from discrimination, harassment and victimisation within the workplace and in wider society.
True romance – why loving your job is so important
The Beatles wrote the famous line ‘all you need is love’ and that’s especially true with your job. Here’s why loving your job is so important:
Going green: Become more sustainable at work
The fight against climate change comes in all shapes and sizes but with one common denominator – saving the plant (no pressure). Whether you’re a professional at going green at work or you’re keen to make your workplace more environmentally friendly.
Dealing with those post-Christmas blues
Now that the Christmas hype has come and gone, the reality of a cold and rainy start to 2020 can quickly turn your Christmas spirit into a new year nightmare. If you’ve got all the symptoms of the post-Christmas blues, our advice is the antidote.
What Christmas classics can teach you about work
Now that the UK is fully in festive fever, we’ve been looking at some all-time classic Christmas movies (for research purposes we promise). Although there is still a little way to go before the big day, here are five work related lessons we’ve been taught by our favourite Christmas classics.
Christmas party survival guide
It’s the most anticipated diary date – the work’s Christmas party! Although it’s a time to celebrate, it’s also rife with blunders, from forgetting names to overindulging in the free bottles of champers! Here are some essential tips to survive the evening and have an epic time:
How to deal with tricky Christmas customers
This year has been tough for many people and a little extra kindness goes a long way. To help you cope with potentially difficult shoppers this holiday season, consider these five tips:
Dealing with harassment in the workplace
Harassment is a serious issue in any workplace and although significant steps have been taken in recent years to put a stop to workplace bullying and harassment, there is still a long way to go. We’ve put together some advice to help tackle harassment at work:
A day in the life of … a Delivery driver
Discover what a day in the life of a delivery driver during the UKs busiest period is like:
Boss your first day
You’ve landed the job, congratulations! On your first day you will fill out forms, meet new people whose names you won’t remember, and familiarise yourself with new surroundings. Here are some tips to help you make a good impression and thrive instead of survive the first day.
Bad habits to ditch at work
Everyone is guilty of developing some bad habits at work because of factors like deadline pressures, stress and management - to name a few! You are probably unaware of these habits and the impact they can have on your team and even your career. Fear not, the first step to finding a solution is recognising the problem. Are you a culprit of these common workplace habits?
Planning for your pension
In the dark about pensions? With so much jargon and confusion over facts and figures, it’s easy to get confused. Here’s our tips on how to plan for the future and reach your saving goals.
Talking about mental health at work
Less than half of employees said they would feel able to talk openly with their line manager if they were suffering from stress. Although awareness of mental health is increasing more than ever before, approximately 1 in 4 people will experience mental issues according to statistics produced by the Mental Health Foundation. Your work life could be one contributing factor that is affecting your mental health. Remember; while important as it is for you to talk about these issues, your employer also has a responsibility to support and safeguard all employees.
What to do if you don't get on with someone at work
You don’t have to like everyone at work. However, if tensions are affecting your everyday life, it might be time to act.
What to do if you feel stuck in your job
Out of around 2,000 people who said their job makes them sad in our survey, 29% said it’s due to feeling they are stuck in a dead-end job.
How do I get a pay rise?
Want a pay rise? Unhappy with your benefits package? So are 23% of people we surveyed.
Bored at work?
So are a third of people we surveyed...
Working with a good team makes people happy at work
70% of people say their job makes them happy, according to research by Pertemps.
How to land a promotion at work
Looking to bag a promotion this year? Here are a few handy tips to help you climb the corporate ladder in 2019.
New Year, new me: be your most successful self in 2019 with these easy steps
They say it takes 21 days to form a habit and ninety days to form a lifestyle. While we all want to be our best selves, we don’t always have the time or the patience to take up yoga or learn a second language. However, there are a few little steps we can all take to be our best and most successful selves in 2019.
9 ways to stay motivated at work during the summer
Caught up in work this summer? If so, we’ve got some tips to help you stay motivated while your colleagues are on holiday .
Types of bad bosses and how to handle them
Do you have a bad boss? See our tips for dealing with the manager from hell.
Nine things only you and your best work bud do
When most of your week is spent at work, it’s handy if you get on with your colleagues. After all, we probably spend more time with our co-workers than we do your own family, so having a few pals at work can make the world of difference. Sometimes, we hit the jackpot and find a real best friend at work. They’re the person you actually want to see outside of office hours and miss when you go on holiday. So, what’s so great about having a best buddy in the office?
Should I stay or should I go? 5 questions to consider when you're thinking of leaving your job
Deciding to leave a job can be a difficult choice to make. We've put together 5 important questions to ask yourself before you make the jump...
Seven of the happiest jobs in the world
Everyone wants a job that fills them with joy. Waking up in the morning should hurt a little bit less knowing you’re getting up for a job that makes you happy.
The benefits of contract work
Are you considering contract work? At Pertemps we have dedicated teams of specialist consultants on hand to help place candidates in contracting jobs for some of the biggest clients in the business including DHL, GIST, Royal Mail and Tesco - to name a few!
Seven signs you need a holiday
Ah, summer. Endless sunny days and warm nights. BBQs. Seaside holidays, ice creams and Pimm’s. What’s not to love? Summer might feel like a distant memory now, as those dark nights draw closer and the woolly jumpers make a re-appearance. But, don’t forget, it’s not only summer-time when you should take a break from work. If you’re feeling tired, stressed or unmotivated, it’s probably time to consider taking some time out. Here are seven signs you’re in desperate need of a break.
Getting through a meeting-filled day
We've all been there. Picture the scene: it's half 8, you get to work and check your diary. Meetings all day. Only an hour or two in-between to eat, answer emails and actually get on with projects you need to finish. So, how do you manage your time when your day is full of meetings that you could really do without? Here's our tips…
Colleagues on social media: good or bad idea?
Colleagues on social media: good or bad idea?
Dealing with burn out at work
Burn out is described as being in a state of chronic stress, which can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, detachment and feelings of ineffectiveness. You may not notice a burn out until the symptoms become severe, so ensure you stay clued up on the signs
How to survive the night shift
Whether you're a nurse, a factory worker, LGV driver or a police officer, at some point you're probably going to work a night shift. Love it or hate it, working nights is an inevitable part of being in many industries. If you're a newbie to the nocturnal lifestyle or an old-timer still struggling to get used to nights and need some tips on how to cope through the wee hours, read on for our advice.
How to beat the post-Christmas blues
Going back to the grind after the Christmas period can be a drag. It might be a welcome relief from the tinsel and leftover turkey sandwiches at home for some, but for others it means back to dark, early mornings and traffic jams. There’s no need to worry post-Christmas this year though; we’ve got some blues-busting tips ready to raise your spirits after the festivities are over.
Summer party survival guide
The summer has finally decided to show its face. The BBQ's are out, the sun is shining and your boss has announced that whilst the weather is good and spirits high, it's time for a party. Although a summer party is a time for management to celebrate the company’s accomplishments and thank all employees with a splash of glitz and glamour and fancy food, it’s also rife with blunders, from forgetting names of fellow colleagues and clients, to overindulging in the free bottles of champers! Here are some essential tips to survive the summer party and have an epic time:
Five things to gain from your Christmas temp job
Thousands of people across the country embark on temporary work during this time of year and take advantage of the extra opportunities. Here are five advantages of temp work and why you should think about giving it a go…
How to deal with an angry boss
Sometimes bosses can be irritable, which is a given in high-pressured jobs. Everyone gets angry sometimes, but if your manager’s bad mood is a common occurrence, it can affect the whole team and bring morale down. If you aren’t sure how to handle their random outbursts, which you probably bear the brunt of, try not to worry. It can be difficult, but remember it’s nothing personal. Here’s how to remain unaffected by your manager’s bad moods, especially when you aren’t in the best mood yourself!
A day in the life of a...PR & Communications Executive
Ever fancied a career in the fast-paced PR industry? Getting your foot through the door in any sector can sometimes be hard, but breaking into the PR world can be a particulary tough nut to crack – not only does it require the gift of the gab and top communication skills, you’ll need to keep up-to-date with the latest news and developments in the industry. Our very own Alison Hart, PR and Comms Executive at Pertemps HQ, has the full low-down on what it’s like to work in-house…
What to do if you’re bullied at work
As adults all over the UK claim to be victims of or have witnessed bullying in the workplace, it’s clearly not just a playground phenomenon.
Feel the fear and do it anyway
Forget ghosts and ghouls this Halloween; the thought of talking to your boss about what you really want at work is enough to give anyone nightmares. Awkwardly bringing up that pay rise you’ve been thinking about or asking for help with a particularly difficult project can fill the best of us with dread. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. We’ve put together our top tips on handling scary situations that might come up at some point in your career. Read on and we’re sure you’ll pluck the up the courage to address those tricky talks in no time.
Dealing with SAD at work
The clocks go back this weekend which means an extra hour in bed – bliss! However, for many that extra bit of kip doesn’t always trigger happy thoughts. In fact, turning the clocks back can fill many with dread.
How to handle conflict in the workplace
Because we’re all human and sometimes things can go a little pear-shaped; it’s time to discuss how to handle conflict at work. With the demands of deadlines taking their toll and working in such close proximity with colleagues day in, day out, sometimes emotions are heightened and conflicts are caused. But, worry not, work conflicts can blow over without any damage. If you’re wondering how best to tackle the situation and come out unscathed, go armed with our tips:
A day in the life of a...Teacher
Many teachers believe the profession is a calling and something they’ve always wanted to do. Other people have several other jobs in their lifetime before they realise that inspiring young minds and providing those crucial stepping stones for later on in life is what they really want to do. Whatever the reason, being a teacher is commendable career with huge rewards and responsibilities! If you’re thinking about becoming a teacher you’ve come to the right place. Our friends at Education Network have picked the brains of some of the best in the business to find out the positives, the challenges and the rewards in the profession…
What is "Imposter syndrome" and what can I do about it?
In recruitment, we hear the phrase ‘Imposter Syndrome’ from time to time, particularly when a candidate starts a new job – but what is it and how can it affect our day-to-day working lives?
A day in the life of a...Payroll Administrator
Are you often known as the ‘organised one’ in your circle? Are you a whizz with numbers? If so, a career as a Payroll Administrator could be the ideal role for you. You can expect every day to be different and as well as wearing various hats, you’ll be speaking to different people pretty much every day. Our in-house department work across Pertemps Network Group to ensure all staff are paid accurately and on time. Before you decide to take the plunge into payroll, here are some handy tips from our very own Payroll Administrator, Lizzie Kenchington, who joined Pertemps this year.
7 valuable lessons you can learn from a job you hate
If your current job has got you feeling down in the dumps and you find yourself hoping time would just fast forward, maybe it’s time to broaden your horizons and try to find a new job. Before you throw in the towel, take note of the valuable lessons to be learned from the role you want to wave goodbye to. Not convinced? Take a look at our tried and tested tips…
How to speak with confidence at work
When you’re low on the totem pole and somewhat shy, it is perfectly normal to feel intimidated in the workplace by fellow colleagues. If you are new in the workplace or simply have a fear of presenting your thoughts to others, then here are a few things you may want to consider.
How to tell your boss you're quitting your job
Quitting your job can be both exhilarating and terrifying; for most it’s the choice to leave a secure position and venture into the unknown. If you’re looking to hand in your resignation to pursue something different, there are a few important steps you’ll want to take to end things in the right way:
Monotonic Mondays: How to keep motivation high at work
Anyone with the standard Monday to Friday, nine to five job will tell you that they do not like Mondays. Although it may be the beginning of a whole new week, it just feels like a repeat of the same monotonic telephone voices, tapping of keys and lukewarm cups of coffee. How do you make Mondays worth the extra effort?
Salary negotiating: The secrets to boosting your pay
It’s a common conception amongst us Brits that money matters should be hush-hush. The truth is talking about salary isn’t so bad, and it’s important to do so for your career growth, your attitude to work and your overall happiness.
Rise and shine: how to be a Monday morning person
Got a serious case of the Sunday blues? Many people find Mondays mundane and it’s easy to get in a funk, worrying about what lies ahead of the working week. Although the weekend was good, it’s time to buckle up and get back into the swing of things with a spring in your step. Here’s how
How to deal with a colleague leaving
We spend more time with our colleagues than we do our own relatives and friends, truly giving meaning to the phrase ‘work family’.
How to ask and handle feedback like a professional
Facing feedback at work can be daunting. You might feel the urge to bury your head in the sand and hope for the best. However, it’s important to remember that feedback is inevitable, whether it’s interview feedback or a performance review at work. The best thing to do is listen and accept constructive criticism and use it to your advantage in the future. Here are some tips to get you started:
Work life: Top tips for settling into your new job
There is no better feeling than accepting an offer for a job that you really wanted and knowing all that hard work paid off! Now it’s time concentrate on phase two – settling into your new job. Finding your feet at the beginning can be challenging, so we’ve got eight tips that will make the transition as smooth as possible.
A day in the life of...a Web Developer
Our in-house development team work across Pertemps Network Group to create and maintain a high number of websites. Zed, one of our Web Developers speaks about his role and what it's like being a part of the industry...
Achieving the perfect work-life balance
Whether you’re a high-flying executive, living a life on the road or hands on in a manufacturing role - chances are you’re wearing a lot of hats on a daily basis and sometimes feel like you’re working around the clock. To have time to enjoy friends, family, and free time – try some of our tips to help you find the balance that’s right for you:
Challenging the misconceptions of temporary work
Could temp work be for you? Temporary work is a job seeker’s marmite; you either love it or loathe it. Despite your viewpoint, temp work can provide a great buffer between roles. We break down the misconceptions and answer all your burning questions about being a temp.
Why you should pursue a career in recruiting
You might be looking for your first graduate job, exploring your options or you may already have your sights set on a career in recruitment - whatever the reason for your job search, there are plenty of reasons why working in recruitment is so awesome. Here’s our top 10 (totally unbiased we promise):
A day in the life of a...HR Advisor
HR Advisors are responsible for delivering a huge range of human resource services. The HR department is an integral part of any business as they advise, provide support and best practise tips, help with the recruitment of new staff and negotiate terms and conditions of employment amongst lots of other important duties.
10 sure signs you’re in the right job
Have you ever wondered if you picked the right career? We all know a good job is hard to come by and a great job that you enjoy every day is even harder. If most of these simple signs hit home with you, chances are you’ve made the right career move:
Perfect peace: How to manage stress at work
Ever heard the phrase – “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it”? We couldn’t have put it better ourselves. To mark National Stress Awareness Day, we thought we’d share our ten top tips to help you minimise and manage stress at work and maintain a positive “can-do” attitude at all times… well, most of the time!
5 reasons to consider carving a career in manufacturing
Do you enjoy working in a diverse environment where no two days are the same? Can you identify a problem and develop a solution? If so, good news! The manufacturing sector is expecting a 24% growth in 12 months’ time (Employment Trends Survey) so now it’s the perfect time to start your new career. Here’s what to expect:
All you need to know about the Apprenticeship Levy
With the Apprenticeship Levy hitting our headlines, we thought we’d take advantage and give you the low down of what businesses can expect from the new regime. What is it? And what should we expect?
A day in the life of a… Graphic Designer
Want to know what it’s like working in Graphic Design? The creative profession is one of the best out there, but also one of the most demanding. Before deciding if you want a job in Graphic Design, hear what some of Pertemps’ pros have to say...
A day in the life of a...Recruitment Consultant
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a recruitment consultant? It’s one of the most challenging jobs out there, but also the most rewarding. At Pertemps, we are dedicated to finding the right people for the right job day in, day out. We are continuously on the lookout for new consultants, so if you’ve always fancied a career in recruitment, have a peek at what two of our employees think of the job…
Cutting out the caffeine? Here are ways to wake up without your cup of joe
Do you struggle throughout the day without your caffeine fix? Need five cups before 10am to keep you going? Well, there are plenty of healthier, more effective ways to wake up in the morning, so ditch the latte and follow our tips…
Don't ditch your resolutions: Apply them to the work place!
It’s January 17th, the day people typically ditch their New Year's Resolutions. You’re a little tired of saving your money, the salad leaves a little to be desired and frankly, you've had enough of waiting in line for the treadmill. However, optimism lingers in the air! As you think up that resolution you always make but fail to see through more than a few weeks, why not make 2017 the year where you stick to it?
How to survive January when you're skint
January is renowned for being the month of no money. Pockets are empty after splurging over the festive period and pay day seems like a million miles away. If you’re feeling down about your finances, worry not as we have some handy hints to ensure you stay afloat this month.
Here's how to stay motivated when everyone else is on vacation
Working during the holiday period when most of your colleagues are away on their jollies can leave you feeling deflated and unmotivated. Here are six ways to stay motivated when the rest of the office is on holiday.
Are you a Jedi or a Sith in the work place?
With Star Wars taking the world by storm again with it's newest releases, our team at Pertemps are indulging their inner Geeks and deciding which of us are from the light and which from the dark side of the force - Decide for yourself with our infographic: Are You a Jedi or a Sith at Work?
Don't get on with your Boss? Here are 10 tips to improve your relationship
When you and your boss don’t see eye to eye, work can be a particular struggle. Maybe you disagree on certain issues or hate their management style. Whatever the problem, don’t let your life become miserable – there are things you can do.
Driving in the winter time: Tips
To bring awareness to Road Safety Week (Founded by Brake) as well as the arrival of Winter, Pertemps bring you a few tips on driving in the cold weather*.
How to survive your first month at work
So you’ve started a new job; first-week nerves are over, you’ve become a skilled note-taker and laughed at all your boss’s jokes. Now what? There’s a whole month ahead of you to make a lasting impression, so use your time wisely. If you’re unsure or a little daunted, fear not! We have a few tips on how to survive the first month of your new job.
Here’s how to share an idea in a meeting
Meetings are a gathering of people brought together to exchange and present information. It is a chance to showcase your knowledge, share ideas, throw your support behind the ideas of others and to voice any objections.
Get back on track after maternity without a bump
Going back to work after maternity leave is a time of mixed emotions for many new mums. If leaving your little one wasn’t enough, you’ve also got a head-full of worry about work: have they forgotten me? Will I be able to cope? What if the baby gets sick?
5 ways to stay engaged at work
Checking your mobile phone every few minutes? Having a sneaky peek at your Facebook updates when nobody is looking? Popping to the loo even when you don’t need to go? Then chances are you may be losing interest in your job.
How to survive all styles of management
Good leadership is essential to make any employee feel valued at work. If, on the other hand, your manager’s traits are making your life a misery, you’ll need our guide on how to deal with it! By handling each style of management correctly, it won’t be long until it’s you giving the orders!