Management Blog

Most Aussies play by the IT rules

When it comes to computer use the vast majority of Australian workers are doing the right thing by their employers, a new international study has found.

The Business Software Alliance study indicates just 22 per cent of Australians have downloaded non-work related software using their employer's equipment.

Only 16 per cent of Australians admitted to using work computers to download movies and music, while an average of 45 per cent of Asian workers confessed to the practice.

Despite the positive findings, the study authors warn Australian employers not to be complacent; it's suggested companies continually keep an eye out for questionable downloads.   

How to make staff care

A recent Financial Times review of the new book The Extra Mile highlights the advantages of encouraging staff to care about their work.

According to authors David MacLeod and Chris Brady, the majority of workers feel hard done by. In fact, a global study has found just 21 per cent of employees feel engaged in their work.

To help remedy the situation, it's claimed leaders need to be visible at all levels of their organisation and to maintain 'real conversations' with employees instead of just talking at them.

In addition, the book claims companies with a clearly articulated company ethos, value and vision are more likely to have staff that care about their work.

Ban the biscuit tin

New research has found employees don't want to be tempted by biscuit tins, chocolate vending machines or even alcohol at work, news.com.au reports.

The Onetest study found more than 50 per cent of respondents would prefer their bosses to provide healthy incentives, such as nutritious snacks, gym members and massages.

The study suggests greater productivity may be linked to healthy living; 92 per cent of respondents said they are most productive when feeling their best physically and emotionally.

Next generation sticky notes

The humble sticky note has been given a digital makeover, Trendhunter reports.

Reusable Ixp-Notes feature a glowing strip for users to scribble on as well as the ability to set time and date reminders that flash and beep on cue.

Inventor Lyndsay Williams says Ixp-Notes aren't just for office uses; it's suggested they will be extremely useful for people suffering from severe memory loss, such as Alzheimer's patients.

Time to lighten up

A solid dose of laughter can do wonders for your workplace Adrian Gostick and Scott Christopher argue in the new book The Levity Effect.

According to The Age's Innovation blog, the book suggests a happy workplace improves communication, lowers staff turnover and fosters loyalty… all of which can bolster productivity.

The Levity Effect profiles several companies with 'fun departments' - teams charged with the role of organising social activities or hiring external 'funsters' to sing, give toys away and tell jokes.

The book includes a list of over 140 ways to have fun at work.

Workers unhappy with depressed colleagues

A new study has found 20 per cent of Australians would not work closely with an individual who is suffering from depression, news.com.au reports.

The Australian National University study also claims older men and workers born overseas are more likely to be uncomfortable working with a depressed colleague than other staff members.

The research authors say that this form of prejudice must be tackled, as being stigmatised by coworkers is a major cause of concern for people suffering depression.

Nightmare first days

Think you've had a bad first day at some point in your career? The Times recently collected a series of first day disaster stories that are sure to make you feel better. Here are just a few:

The Mummy's Boy - a 22 year old British man who turned up to orientation day with his mother in tow; the HR team eventually had to ask mum to leave

Better luck next office - a new recruit arrived for his first day, was offered a cup of tea and shown around the office; the only problem: he turned up to the wrong company's office

Misguided road rage - driving to work on his first day a recruit felt the need to give a rude hand gesture to an erratic driver; he arrived to his new office only to find the driver was sitting at a nearby desk

Avoiding the interest rate morale trap

Business owners need to be careful that any stress they're experiencing because of interest rate rises does not translate into a negative workplace culture, HR consultants warn.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Human Synergistics argue that maintaining a positive work culture while under financial pressure can actually result in an improved morale and performance.

Despite any financial doom and gloom, it's suggested leaders take the time to communicate with their team and continually find innovative ways to boost employee satisfaction and morale levels.

Hard times leading to unpaid bills

Small businesses that provide household services are having trouble receiving payments from an increasing number of cash strapped clients, The Daily Telegraph reports.

According to the article, the bills of plumbers, electricians, accountants, architects, builders and mechanics are being left unpaid for longer due to rising interest rates.

Debt collection agency Prushka says businesses are being forced to use tough debt collection tactics including adopting an 'almost relentless attitude' to overdue payments.

Prushka says many small businesses used to be relatively lenient with regard to their payment terms but have tightened up as a result of the growing non-payment trend.

Downloadable scents tested in Japan

Ready to dial up a new smell for your office or lounge room? The idea might soon be a reality thanks to Japanese telco NTT, which is currently testing downloadable fragrances.

According to CNN, the innovative service involves the use of a device similar to a plug-in air freshener that's loaded with a cartridge of base fragrances.

When a scent is downloaded, the infrared communications enabled gadget mixes and then emits the selected smell; users are able to choose from scent playlist via a mobile phone or over the internet.