Something for the weekend
Keeping it social
Social networking has been named the number one pastime for 65 per cent of 16 to 24 year olds in the North West, according to a survey by digital marketing agency Click Consult. The region has also emerged as one of the most social media savvy in the UK with 35 per cent of people saying they spend "most of their time" using social media and internet. Respondents were also asked to list the strangest place where they have ever contacted people via social media. "Most" said they frequently chat online when on the toilet, while others admitted to using social media "on an operating table and in a sex shop". We're at least hoping any tweets from the latter were hashtagged #NSFW.
Sign of the times
Throwing a sickie is becoming a thing of the past following an increasing trend of "presenteeism" in the region – that is staff members turn up for work when they should be off sick. Law firm Napthens warned that a recent survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development showed that presenteeism increased 28 per cent during 2011. Partner Oliver McCann said: "This is becoming a common issue and one I have advised on locally a number of times." Just go home people!
It's good to talk
At last – some sense! We may be a nation of good sports, but most British workers think that doing more company team-building events would not help improve how they work with colleagues. A survey by Vodafone UK and YouGov suggests employees feel that some organised team-building activities can be a waste of time, and at worst, are toe-curlingly awkward. British workers would much prefer being able to communicate with each other better at work rather than being forced to build rapport with their co-workers by sharing adrenaline experiences or performing 'trust' exercises.
The research among more than 1,000 British employees with colleagues uncovered some eye-popping examples of awkward and silly team-building activities, including enduring bikini-clad 'bed baths' and massages from colleagues, holding lingerie parties, and eating crickets as part of a 'bush tucker trial' style event. Sounds like a living hell!
