ACT-ABC-Hub and Greenfleet are working together to protect our climate and restore Australian native forests. To date, Greenfleet has planted enough trees to offset 51.0 tonnes of CO2-e on behalf of ACT-ABC-Hub.
All posts by David Bailey
Ross on Working from Home
When asked recently by an HR manager if she had a sample of a policy about working from home, Pam Ross’ answer was:
“Get your work done, meet your objectives, and do it from wherever you want.”
Really, within reason, does it matter where your employees do their work, as long as they get it done? Work is not a place you go, but something you do. Just remember to be abundantly clear about what their work responsibilities and objectives are.
Bloomberg BNA on Social Media
As an employer, it is important to develop the appropriate mindset when it comes to managing social media use by your employees, and keeping your social media policies and practices up-to-date. Here are a few best practices to consider from Bloomberg BNA:
- Avoid general, overbroad, and undefined terms. Read each portion of your policy and ask yourself whether an employee could reasonably interpret it
- Avoid overly subjective terms that place too much discretion in the hands of employers as to what does and does not violate the policy, but little advance knowledge in the minds of employees as to precisely what is prohibited
- Carefully consider what business interests need to be protected, and narrowly tailor your workplace rules to accomplish that
- Apply and enforce your policy consistently, and in a manner that reflects a true intention to protect the business interests need to be protected
- Stay abreast of all developments in this area of the law, and discuss any uncertainties with your legal advisers
Gardner on Sick Leave
Here is a sick leave policy that makes uncommon sense.
“We’re all adults here. If you’re sick, please stay home.”
Tom Gardner, CEO and CoFounder of the Motley Fool.
Wisdom from Suriname
In his TED talk “What the people of the Amazon know that you don’t“, ethno-botanist Mark Plotkin recounts some ancient wisdom from Suriname – “the rainforest holds answers to questions that we are yet to ask.”
Brendel on Getting More Done
Some heresy from David Brendel from the Harvard Business Review who reports that compelling new research reveals that “less is more” for human brains—and that mental downtime should be among our highest priorities.
If you aren’t making progress on that to-do list or performing up to the level you need to, here are five tips for getting downtime so that you can perform better than ever:
- Daydream as often as you want
- Stop preparing for meetings and presentations
- Spend less time on key decisions
- Be more “mindful” than focused
- Shorten your workday.
RESULTS on Poverty
I’m posting this today to share some exciting news. RESULTS International (Australia), an organisation with whom I’ve had a long affiliation, are hoping to establish a RESULTS Canberra group in 2015!
RESULTS group members meet each month to learn about an issue of poverty, become articulate in speaking about the issue, and take action to build the political will to solve it. This usually means writing to or meeting with a parliamentarian, or writing to a newspaper about the issue.
Since 1 July 2014, our grassroots advocates around the country have organised 14 meetings with MPs, had 25 letters to the editor published in newspapers, generated 11 media items, raised $16,000 and written letters to their MPs. Our advocates recently played a role in securing an additional $50 million for GAVI, the Global Vaccine Alliance – an organisation that works to make vaccines affordable and available for the world’s lowest income countries.
Contact me if you are interested in learning more and being involved in the group – whether helping to start it, inviting others, or being in the group yourself.
CFS on Retirement
Some good avice on planning for your retirement from Colonial First State
- Get mentally prepared
- Make a plan
- Set a budget and stick to it
- Get your mortgage under control
- Sort out your savings and investments
- Review your insurance policies
- Make sure you have an up-to-date Will
- Take care of your health
Marx on Books & Reading
“Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.”
“I must say I find television very educational. The minute somebody turns it on, I go to the library and read a good book.”
The President on the Hub
As the new President of a substantial not-for-profit charity which faced significant industrial, financial and operational challenges, David provided not only a great sounding board, but invaluable strategic advice. He has a particular talent for understanding the dimensions of a complex situation and generating a number of viable options.
After conversations with David, I always came away feeling more positive and less daunted by the challenges we faced. He provided significant practical support as well as including access to his extensive network of professional contacts.
I think the ACT Association, Business & Community Hub is a tremendously important development and should be widely supported. Whatever dilemmas you face, I unhesitatingly commend David and his colleagues to you.