December 2008
The benefits of balance
Cast your mind back a decade or so, and the concept of work-life balance was just taking hold. It’s come a long way since then: the term is firmly established in the business lexicon, and many employees – and employers – are enjoying the benefits of a more balanced approach to work and life.
Huge advances in technology have made flexible working even easier, but many managers are tempted to abandon work/life balance during a downturn. But if anything, the slowdown should be a spur for more flexibility: the benefits it brings – higher productivity, talent retention and reduced absenteeism – are even more valuable in a recession. Now, more than ever, we need to work smarter.
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Features
With the economic downturn taking hold, most retailers are in a gloomy mood. Not Aldi – the German discount chain is turning a healthy profit and even grabbing more market share. Shaun Campbell went to meet Dan Ronalds, MD of Aldi UK’s north west division, to find out why budget shopping is booming
To many a hardened commuter who has to put up with colleagues’ constant chatter, working from home sounds like heaven. But logging on from your living room can leave you feeling isolated and demotivated. Pepi Sappal finds out how to make a success of home working
Whether it’s taking over for two weeks or stepping up while they’re on sabbatical, standing in for the boss is the ideal opportunity for you to prove your potential. Georgina Fuller has some tips to help you make the most of your stint as substitute
Columns
The simpler the better
Complex jargon, convoluted predictions, confusing analytical data – it’s enough to make your head spin, so what could it be doing to your staff? In business, says Steve Martin, you’re often better off keeping things simple
It's all in the bag
You’ve got the sharp suit and the stylish shoes, so don’t let your image down by lugging around your laptop in a scruffy old satchel – finish your look with the latest work bag. Katie Greengrass scouts out the best of the bunch
National treasure
As 2008 draws to a close, Stewart Gowans reflects on his performance and decides he’s done such a hopeless job he deserves to be nationalised