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

RainydayThink 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

AfraidBusiness 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

NoseReady 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. Are you also excited to buy diaryplanners, check out a big collection of 2023 Nude Calendars with best price here.

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.