As we enter a new decade, we can take a moment to consider the trends that changed the way we live and work in 2019, from embracing flexible working policies and video conferencing technology to using AI in new and inventive ways within the workplace. Throughout 2020, we are likely to see these trends continue to evolve as well as some new trends emerging as a result. … Continue reading The future of remote working
All manner of startups fail for all manner of reasons. But there’s one constant: this is an incredibly difficult business. Launching a successful company isn’t just a matter of drive and finding the right people (though both, clearly, are important). Doing well in this business requires the stars to align perfectly on a billion different things. A cursory look at this year’s batch of companies doesn’t … Continue reading Remembering the startups we lost in 2019 – TechCrunch
Nothing in life is as boring as email, so I’ll make this quick: If you want to achieve inbox zero—that is, no unread emails in your inbox—the best way to do it is to just click “select all” and “mark all as read.” Boom, inbox zero. Source: Go Mark All Your Unread Emails as Read Continue reading Go Mark All Your Unread Emails as Read
From the Office of Educational Development at UC Berkeley: Analyze Your Audience Remember that the members of the audience are beneficiaries of your communication. Don’t make assumptions about your audience. Figure out the basics. Who are these people? demographics (age, ethnicity, gender mix, etc.). predispositions (hopes, fears, positives/negatives, level of interest). knowledge of/experience with subject/me. In what kind of setting will you be speaking? large … Continue reading How to Make Your Public Speaking More Effective – Ian’s Messy Desk
One in five businesses are adopting remote working practices. In the remote working culture, there are facts business owners need to know. Source: Remote Working Culture: The Facts Business Owners Need to Know – ReadWrite Continue reading Remote Working Culture: The Facts Business Owners Need to Know – ReadWrite
Try some of these simple exercises and habits from Business Insider’s “People Transforming Business” to become more efficient and productive at work. Source: The Productivity Project: Tips and insights from business leaders across industries on how to manage your time and become a rockstar worker Continue reading The Productivity Project: Tips and insights from business leaders across industries on how to manage your time and become a rockstar worker
Overcoming procrastination requires strategy. The next time you’re tempted to put-off something you don’t want to do, try some of these tips. Source: 7 Tips to Help Overcome Procrastination – Ian’s Messy Desk Continue reading 7 Tips to Help Overcome Procrastination – Ian’s Messy Desk
How much stuff do you have sitting on your desk or in your work area? A while back, Coopers & Lybrand (nowPrice Waterhouse Coopers) released data from a poll on personal organization. One statistic found that, “The average desk worker has 36 hours worth of work on their desk and wastes up to 3 hours a week just “looking” for STUFF!” Finding stuff on my messy desk bears out that statistic. Being disorganized is responsible for a lot of wasted … Continue reading 10 Tips to Help Keep Your Desk Clean – Ian’s Messy Desk
IT contractor Richard Alcock has won an appeal against HMRC after the UK taxman said he owed more than £200,000 in national insurance contributions (NICs) and income tax under off-payroll rules. Source: IT contractor has £240k bill torn up after IR35 win against UK taxman Continue reading IT contractor has £240k bill torn up after IR35 win against UK taxman
Trying to force creativity is like trying to squeeze more toothpaste out of an empty tube. Here are six creativity-boosting activities you can do at work. Source: 6 Creativity-Boosting Activities You Can Do at Work – ReadWrite Continue reading 6 Creativity-Boosting Activities You Can Do at Work – ReadWrite
Could drop further, depending on how zealously it’s enforced Source: UK tech freelancer numbers down for first time in 5 years since IR35 tax reforms hit public sector Continue reading UK tech freelancer numbers down for first time in 5 years since IR35 tax reforms hit public sector
No bailout for tech freelancers. Bank moves to avoid potential liability for tax, NI contributions Source: IR35 blame game: Barclays to halt off-payroll contractors, goes directly to PAYE Continue reading IR35 blame game: Barclays to halt off-payroll contractors, goes directly to PAYE
Advice ‘falls woefully short’ Source: Contractor association blasts UK.gov guidance on hated IR35 tax law’s arrival in private sector Continue reading Contractor association blasts UK.gov guidance on hated IR35 tax law’s arrival in private sector
Always write an email subject line. To make the email stand out, keep your subject line short, specific, and personalized. Source: 18 tips for writing an excellent subject line so your email gets read Continue reading 18 tips for writing an excellent subject line so your email gets read
Cough. I believe you have my stapler Source: Hot desk hell: Staff spend two weeks a year looking for seats in open-plan offices Continue reading Hot desk hell: Staff spend two weeks a year looking for seats in open-plan offices
