THEGAYUK

Category: Work Life

  • Here’s what your family are likely to fall out over this Christmas

    Millions of families will be feuding this Christmas – over what to watch on the TV, it has emerged.

    RobinHiggins / Pixabay

    A study of 2,000 families revealed tempers are most likely to run high over which TV special or film to watch after Christmas dinner.

    Similarly, who does the washing up after the feast is another topic likely to cause rifts on December 25th.

    Other arguments will which blow up over the Christmas period will involve who gets which bedroom to stay in, who gets to host the family and who sits where around the table on the big day.

    Steve Reid CEO of sleep technology company Simba, which commissioned the research, said: “Lots of factors can raise tensions at Christmas time.”

    “Whether it’s the pandemonium of having everyone under one roof, packed social calendars, losing the amount of quality sleep we get, or stress about the big day fraying our nerves, each can keep us from being our usual calm, well-rested selves.”

    The study also found three in 10 Brits believe they will have an argument with their loved ones at least once a day over their Christmas stay.

    Thankfully a Christmas argument is rarely a long-standing affair with 44 per cent of the bust-ups fizzling out in less than 10 minutes.

    And over a third think Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a festive feud between friends and family.

    Tempers are likely to be frayed for two in five Brits, who regularly spend their Christmas away from home at someone else’s house.

    Of these, 40 per cent said their sleeping arrangement was usually uncertain, and only 48 per cent thought they were guaranteed a comfy bed on their stay.

    Two-thirds of Brits spending Christmas away from home said their sleep suffers over this period, and 36 per cent thinks this leads them to become more irritable.

    Despite this extra discomfort, a third of Brits would much rather be an invited guest over Christmas – rather than overseeing the festivities as the host of their own gathering.

    One in seven think having to appear to be in a good mood all the time is the worst thing about Christmas, and one in eight believe the season is marred by the lack of sleep they are able to get.

    The average Brit will get just six hours of sleep on Christmas Eve when anticipation is at its height, and one in 10 manage just three or four hours of slumber.

    Reid added: “These findings show that it’s natural to feel both ecstatic and exhausted at the prospect of Christmas.

     

    THE 12 FEUDS OF CHRISTMAS

    1. What film or TV show to watch

    2. Who washes up

    3. The temperature of the heating

    4. What time to open presents

    5. How much alcohol to drink

    6. How long to spend at each relatives house

    7. People arriving late

    8. How much to spend on each person

    9. What time to eat Christmas dinner

    10. Staying off phones at the dinner table

    11. Who won the board game

    12. Political conversations, such as Brexit

     

    TOP 10 CAUSES OF A SLEEPLESS NIGHT AT CHRISTMAS

    1. Overindulgence

    2. Stressing about preparation

    3. Drinking too much

    4. Excitement causing me to stay awake

    5. Wrapping presents late

    6. Waiting for children to sleep in order to put presents out

    7. Staying at a relative’s house

    8. Heartburn and indigestion

    9. Children waking up throughout the night

    10. Having guests stay over

     

    HOPE BASTINE’S TOP FIVE TIPS FOR KEEPING THE PEACE THIS CHRISTMAS

    PublicDomainPictures / Pixabay

    1. Be prepared: Reduce tension on the big day by getting yourself organised ahead of the time. Christmas Day is loaded with expectation, from the presents to the food to the company, and you can do yourself a favour by ensuring you are calm and organised, whatever role you aim to play in the festivities.

    2. Everything in moderation: Christmas is a time to unwind and let go of some of the pressures which have built up over the year. It’s a time to catch up with others and fill our social calendars, but this can come at a cost to our health. Rich food and drink can be enjoyable in the short-term, but over an entire season of goodwill all that excess can have an effect on our health, our mood, and our sleep.

    3. Consider your wellbeing: Christmas is a disruption of routine. Gym sessions are replaced with staff parties, salads are swapped for roast dinners and a sensible bedtime is traded for late-night movies. It’s important in this hectic time to remember the essentials, to make time for yourself and to ensure you get good rest.

    4. Set realistic expectations of others: Everyone wants their Christmas to be perfect, but the faults and foibles of your family are never more apparent than when gathered around a table together. Grumbles are likely to rise when all those personalities, who might not see each other for the rest of the year, are forced into close proximity, stuffed with turkey and marinated in Bucks Fizz. In moments like this it’s important to take a breather and, keep some perspective, and remember that Christmas is supposed to be fun!

    5. Be proactive in tough spots: Just as the festive season is a great time to catch up, it is also an equally good time for prying relatives to have a nosy in your business. Expect and pre-empt these questions. Changed jobs? Moved homes? Broken up with a partner? Try to identify subjects of conversation which are likely to come up which might be mishandled and lead to tension, and consider ways to limit the damage they could do ahead of time. Be proactive, not reactive to tough or uncomfortable conversations.

  • These are the top 20 things Brits forget during Christmas

    These are the top 20 things Brits forget during Christmas

    Buying batteries, wrapping paper for last minute gifts and a card for the mother-in-law are among the top 20 things Brits forget every Christmas, according to research.

    geralt / Pixabay

    A study of 2,000 adults reveals many struggle to remember everything in the lead up to Yuletide.

    Buying sellotape for presents, tin foil to wrap the turkey, and trimmings such as cranberry sauce and gravy for the table are among the most forgotten tasks at Christmas.

    While others don’t remember to buy a relative’s favourite tipple or crackers to pull over lunch and one in six won’t fill the ice cube trays in preparation for festive drinks.

    One in 20 Brits have even forgotten to take the Christmas presents with them when visiting family and friends away from home.

    Unsurprisingly, more than half of those polled claim to feel their stress levels rising as the big day approaches.

    Gary Kibble of Argos, which carried out the study via OnePoll.com, said, “December can be one of the busiest months of the year, as in addition to preparing for Christmas many adults are juggling work commitments with social arrangements and obligations to go to the children’s nativities, school fayres and church ceremonies.

    “It can be almost impossible to fool proof Christmas completely, and yet Brits place so much emphasis on this one day of the year, we want to do everything we can to help.”

    The study shows Brits will forget to purchase nice napkins for the dinner table, presents for extended relatives, and even toilet roll to cater for the extra guests.

    One in 20 have been known to forget to switch the oven on altogether, while the same percentage have neglected to leave a mince pie out for Father Christmas.

    Researchers found more than half of adults have been known to make an emergency trip to the garage on 25th December to pick up some forgotten items.

    Batteries, milk and bread are the items most likely to be bought at short notice, closely followed by a bottle of wine, box of chocolate – and sellotape to help wrap last minute presents.

    Free-Photos / Pixabay

    Four in 10 adults admit to worrying about the stress and expense of Christmas, so much so over half will avoid hosting the event altogether.

    Women are the most likely to worry, with 60 per cent saying they are simply too busy in the lead up to the big day to remember everything, and 32 per cent attribute their forgetfulness to working long hours.

    Men on the other hand blame nights of partying for their lapses in memory, with a quarter saying they have too many Christmas parties to attend – leaving little time for shopping – and nearly a third claim they have too many people to buy for.

    Gary Kibble added: “For many hard-working families, the festive season doesn’t come cheap or easy, so we wanted to give people a helping hand with our £15,000 giveaway so Brits can fool-proof their Christmas.”

    This year, Argos is coming to the rescue by sending out 600 of its ‘Fools’ – replicas of the mischievous elves featured in this year’s Argos Christmas advert – across the high streets of the nation wearing £15,000 worth of vouchers to help ‘fool-proof’ Christmas.

    “Our Christmas advert has gone down a storm with the public, and now people have the chance to capture a Fool of their own and make sure they don’t wreak havoc on the big day.”

    All bargain hunters need to do upon finding one is to tweet a photo of the Fool to be rewarded with a voucher to spend on any of the thousands of incredible products available at Argos.

    The Fools will be released in five cities across the UK and some might find their way into some of Argos’s Fast Track same day deliveries – so keep your eyes peeled. Argos’s Twitter and Instagram will be giving out clues about where to find them.

    TOP 20 ITEMS BRITS ARE MOST LIKELY TO FORGET
    1. Buying batteries
    2. Buying sellotape
    3. To fill the ice cube trays
    4. Wrapping paper for last minute gifts
    5. Tinfoil for the turkey
    6. Napkins for the dinner table
    7. Christmas crackers
    8. Buying presents for extended relatives
    9. Forgetting to buy the turkey trimmings – cranberry, apple, mint, bread sauce
    10. Matches
    11. Toilet roll to cater for the extra guests
    12. To buy / put on the Christmas jumper
    13. To take the Christmas presents with you when visiting family / friends
    14. The gravy
    15. Relative’s favourite tipple
    16. To leave a mince pie out for Father Christmas
    17. A vegetarian option
    18. Getting a card for the mother-in-law
    19. Forgetting to turn the oven on
    20. Forgetting to put the vegetables on

    ITEMS BRITS ARE MOST LIKELY TO MAKE A DESPERATE DASH FOR:
    1. Batteries
    2. Milk
    3. Bread
    4. A bottle of wine
    5. A box of chocolates
    6. Sellotape
    7. Gravy
    8. A Christmas present
    9. Wrapping paper
    10. Bread sauce

  • These are the top signs you’ve “made it”

    These are the top signs you’ve “made it”

    Flying business class, employing a cleaner and having both Netflix AND Amazon Prime are all ‘signs you’ve made it’, according to research.

    scrapmemories / PixabayA poll of 2,000 Brits found taking a trip abroad just to shop, drinking champagne rather than prosecco and owning a hot tub also made the list.

    One in ten think an annual ski trip is enough to prove someone’s stepped up in the world, and 38 per cent believe retiring early is a sign you’ve made it.

    The research was conducted by PartiStaff, a service which provides glamorous party starters and model servers to customers looking to elevate their gathering.

    PartiStaff’s founder and spokesperson Richard Macphillarmy said: “So many of the key indicators that you’ve ‘made it’ in life provide the perfect opportunities to show off.

    ”But having staff help out and mingle with guests is an affordable and effective way to not only feel like you’ve made it, but to also lift the atmosphere of the party for your guests.

    Gardeners and massage

    Skitterphoto / Pixabay

    “Other status symbols are all about outsourcing tasks, and having someone else take care of the boring stuff, whether it’s the after party cleaning, getting the garden ready, or ordering alcohol to your party via an app.’

    If people wanted to demonstrate to people around them that they’d made it, one in 10 Brits would throw a lavish party populated by beautiful people.

    And one in five would buy a new car to cruise around town in, with a further one in 10 buying a pricey watch or piece of jewellery.

    One in five think the ultimate sign you’ve ‘completed life’ are taking holidays abroad simply to shop.

    While the 15th most popular suggestion was having a garden big enough to need its own gardener to look after it.

    Other ways Brits reckon you know you’ve made it are when you’re able to have a weekly massage session.

    And others think doing the weekly shop in Waitrose rather than a more down-market shop is the ultimate sign you’re doing well.

    Brits reckon they’d need to earn a whopping £101k a year to be ‘successful’, with a quarter actually hoping for more like £200k.

    But six in 10 believe simply owning your own home qualifies as a sign of success in today’s straitened times.

    Just one in 20 Brits think they’ve made it in life, without any shadow of a doubt – although a further 37 per cent say they have, to a degree.

    On average, Brits who believe they’ve made it managed to do so by the age of 40 – and if it hasn’t happened by 45, it’s too late.

    And a sad 45 per cent believe they’ve already left it too late to leave their mark on the world, according to the research conducted through OnePoll.

    Macphillarmy added: “Will we all ‘make it’ in life? Making it is subjective anyway, and there are many ways to feel like you’ve made it into a good place.

    “Most people feel good about themselves when surrounded by friends, listening to good music and generally letting their hair down.”

    “Using PartiStaff can enhance that feeling you’ve ‘made it’ by lifting the atmosphere of your party through hiring beautiful staff to serve the drinks and mingle with guests, taking the hassle and work away allows you to enjoy your own party the way you should

    ”Having great looking staff work for you at your parties gives you this feeling of having made it to a certain level where you can afford hired help to look after your guests.’
    * To book guests for your Christmas party, visit www.partistaff.co.uk

    TOP 40 SIGNS YOU’VE MADE IT
    1. Being able to retire early
    2. Not having to work
    3. Owning a holiday home
    4. Owning a second home
    5. Owning a private plane
    6. Flying business class
    7. Being able to spontaneously fly to Miami or across the other side of the world.
    8. Going abroad just to shop
    9. Sending your kids to private school
    10. Having a cleaner/housekeeper
    11. Trying out new Michelin star restaurants
    12. Having a platinum credit card
    13. Having a PA
    14. Having a wine cellar
    15. Having a gardener
    16. Annual ski trips
    17. Having a home gym
    18. Drinking champagne rather than prosecco
    19. Going on sailing weekends
    20. Having a weekly massage
    21. Always having champagne in the fridge
    22. Shopping in Waitrose
    23. Watching a football match from a hospitability box
    24. Having time to volunteer for charities
    25. Owning a hot tub
    26. Being on a first name basis with posh restaurant owners
    27. Owning a 55″ TV (or larger)
    28. Having a well-stocked home bar
    29. Having a personalised number plate
    30. Having his and hers sinks
    31. Attending horse racing/Ascot every year
    32. Having electric garage doors
    33. Being on a first name basis with restaurant maitre d’
    34. Being a member of a tennis/golf club
    35. Having the full Sky+ package
    36. Have a fridge with ice dispenser
    37. Knowing about wine
    38. Owning a wet room
    39. Own 1000 thread count sheets
    40. Owning a log burner

  • This is what living on Mars could look like and it’ll only cost you £350,000

    This is what living on Mars could look like and it’ll only cost you £350,000

    Would you pay £350,000 for a one-bed place on Mars?

    Architectural experts have drawn up prototypes of what living conditions on Mars might be like when the Red Planet is colonised by humans.

    A panel of specialists worked alongside a visualisation team to predict how future Martian homes are likely to look, with interior and exterior images released for a variety of futuristic residential builds.

    The team produced particulars for three distinct dwellings; an apartment aimed at young professionals, a family home and a luxury mansion.

    Key considerations include light and how to protect the living area of homes from cosmic rays and hazardous levels of radiation, as well as insulation from the cold and protection from severe dust storms.

    The drawings have been produced after research revealed one in ten Brits would move to Mars tomorrow, with a sense of adventure, enjoying more space and escaping human dangers on earth among the top reasons for swapping planets.

    Stephen Petranek, author of the book How We’ll Live on Mars, which the National Geographic series MARS is based on, said: “It’s exciting to think that humans will be living on Mars far sooner than most people think.

    “The second series of MARS considers how a community might be built and sustained on the Red Planet in the 2040s, and what the challenges will be both from a practical and a human standpoint.

    “For this forward-thinking project, we’ve predicted what different homes on Mars might actually look like, with options to suit a range of budgets.

    “There are plenty of elements to consider, from ensuring an adequate shield to the harsh radiation Mars endures because its atmosphere is so thin, to the need for homely touches reminiscent of Earth.

    “Ultimately, living on Mars must seem more appealing and psychologically inviting than living on Earth or not enough people will want to make a new life there.

    “As we make these predictions now, we can only wonder what designs we will actually adopt as hundreds of thousands of people eventually move to the Red Planet.”

    The Mars apartment block features a number of living pods aimed at individuals and couples, with tunnels leading to a central shared garden and workspaces.

    It is protected from the sun’s rays by tinted glazing featuring coating technology developed to filter out the radiation and rammed earth walls, designed to protect from the cold as well as cosmic rays.

    The family home is built within a protective cave, with a driveway leading to an inbuilt garage as well as a conservatory-style veranda made from protective glass that offers a small indoor garden area.

    The kind of natural light we would usually get from our windows on Earth is simulated via LEDs and camera systems that can show the outside landscape in real-time to mimic windows, and could even be programmed to provide other vistas.

    For example parks, forests, rivers – familiar sights from Earth that our Martian residents might be missing.

    The mansion is part of a crater community, offering show-stopping vistas across the cavity from three levels.

    It boasts a huge living space with private indoor garden and multi-gym that allows for ‘outdoor’ activities such as sports to take place in an artificially-oxygenated environment as well as a carport that can hold multiple vehicles.

    According to the National Geographic research a fifth of Brits predict that it will be possible to move to Mars within their lifetime, and there is a significant appetite to make an interplanetary move.

    One in six revealed that with people struggling to get on the housing ladder on Earth, buying property on Mars is looking like a more attractive prospect.

    Brits revealed that the opportunity to enjoy a better quality of life, the desire to seek new adventure and the need to flee human dangers on Earth such as war would be the most likely factors to precipitate a move to Mars.

    However, almost nine in ten predicted they would miss some aspects about life on Earth, including their pets and even the British weather.

    • MARS series 2 is on National Geographic every Sunday at 8pm.

  • Majority of young people are living hand to mouth

    Over half of young Brits are living ‘hand to mouth’, according to a study.

    jarmoluk / Pixabay

    Researchers who polled 2,000 adults aged 21-38 found many would struggle to get by if they were to find themselves out of work suddenly.

    According to the data a whopping 41 per cent of their income is spent on rent or mortgage and bills, while another £160.71 goes on food and groceries every month.

    That means overall £1,928.52 a year goes out of their bank account on living costs.

    Despite this eight in 10 young Brits believe they are ‘good’ with money.

    The study was carried out by Perkbox to launch its new card-linking technology.

    Ashish Sampat of Perkbox said, “Despite the negative stereotypes about ‘broke millennials’ many do try their best to save.

    “The reality is that they have bigger problems to face compared to previous generations.

    “They shoulder more student loan debt and face house prices that are far higher than their parents did at the same age.

    “It’s no surprise then, that they inevitably struggle more with savings.”

    On average, those polled will spend £55.41 down the pub each month, £39.86 will go on clubbing and £42.65 will be spent on gambling.

    They will also pay out £43.08 to watch streaming services, £47.87 on gadgets or tech and £48.97 on dining out.

    Appearances are also important as they shell out £65.18 on clothes and £43.11 on keeping fit.

    It also emerged most of these young adults – seven in 10 – pay for their items using cards rather than cash.

    They also shop around for good deals – typically spending 25 minutes looking for bargains before making a purchase.

    Their financial savviness doesn’t end here either, with 70 per cent owning a loyalty card – typically five of them.

    But the research, carried out by OnePoll, also found half of millennials would like to see retailers introduce loyalty cards which are connected to their smartphone.

    It also emerged that when it comes to privacy, a whopping 68 per cent per cent trust that their data is secure when buying online.

    In addition to this, 30 per cent of those polled would prefer discounts from local business in their area, rather than those from high street chains.

    Ashish Sampat added: “An attractive bargain must go beyond just making offers available to users.

    “Millennials expect highly-personalised, easy to find, on-demand experiences and furthermore, authenticity is a huge thing for them, hence their value for local businesses.

    “Spending an average of 25 minutes looking for a bargain is way too excessive.

    “That’s why we’re so excited about introducing card-linking technology to our platform.

    “It will enable us to connect employees with their favourite local businesses and get access to thousands of perks with just a swipe of the linked payment card at the point of sale.”

    For more information on how card-linking tech works and why millennials will love it, click here [https://www.perkbox.com/uk/resources/blog/why-millennials-will-love-cardlink].

    MILLENNIAL MONTHLY SPENDS:

    Drinks in the pub – £55.41
    Clubbing – £39.86
    Clothes – £65.18
    Supermarket – £160.71
    Gadgets/tech – £47.87
    Streaming services – £43.08
    Fitness including gym membership and equipment – £43.11
    Travel – £87.71
    Gambling – £42.65

  • Looking for ways to save money before Christmas?

    Looking for ways to save money before Christmas?

    Cooking in bulk, going teetotal and sending e-cards instead of traditional ones are among the ways savvy Brits are saving money ahead of Christmas, it has emerged.

    rawpixel / Pixabay

    Researchers who polled 2,000 UK adults found 31 per cent are worried they won’t have enough funds to last through the festive period.

    As a result, eight in 10 will use money saving tactics ahead of the big day – including buying frozen, using online vouchers and buying gifts in advance.

    Other methods include making gifts at home and shopping at charity shops.

    And it appears to pay off, with the typical Brit estimating they’ll save £217.94 over Christmas by being clever with their cash.

    Signing up to loyalty schemes, selling clothes online and flogging goods at car boot sales are among the methods used by those polled to boost their income ahead of 25 December.

    The research was commissioned by Iceland to celebrate its Bonus Card which has a ‘load and save’ function to help shoppers save for Christmas throughout the year.

    The survey also found 28 per cent of Brits are better prepared financially for Christmas – partially due to making their money go further.

    But despite having a limited budget, six in 10 admitted they tend to overspend during the festive period.

    And 80 per cent of those tend to go overboard and fork out ‘too much’ on presents.

    TerriC / Pixabay

    Half said they get carried away when it comes to food, a third overspend on drinks and one in ten do the same on decorations.

    The research also found 38 per cent love coming up with inventive ways to save money over the festive period.

    And perhaps they are motivated by disappointing Christmases in the past – 28 per cent said a lack of funds has ‘ruined’ Yuletide for them.

    As a result, a quarter will attempt to even up their spending by selling old items to make some extra cash.

    In previous years one in 10 have even taken a second job – just to cover the cost of the festive period.

    geralt / Pixabay

    The Iceland research carried out through OnePoll, also found 33 per cent have bought presents in the January sales in order to make the next Christmas a little cheaper.

    Neil Hayes of Iceland, said: “Christmas can be an expensive time of year, with families finding themselves financially stretched.

    “With so many people planning Christmas spending earlier and earlier, we’re proud we can support our shoppers in this way.”

    • Iceland bonus card holders can receive £2 for every £20 saved from 29 October until 18 November, to help with Christmas spending (usual saving £1 per £20).

    TOP 30 – MONEY SAVING METHODS USED BY BRITS AHEAD OF CHRISTMAS:

    1. Shop about online
    2. Use sites such as Amazon and eBay
    3. Use bonus or loyalty cards
    4. Buy presents months in advance
    5. Use online voucher codes
    6. Bring your own shopping bags to the supermarket
    7. Shop on black Friday
    8. Stock up on BOGOF offers
    9. Stock the freezer
    10. Find discounts at outlet stores
    11. Agree with my partner not to buy gifts for one another
    12. Avoid putting the heating on (use more duvets and blankets)
    13. Buy frozen food
    14. Switch to a cheaper supermarket
    15. Sell your items
    16. Buy from charity shops
    17. Avoid buying branded items
    18. Set up a savings account
    19. Make your own gifts
    20. Set a secret Santa limit of £5
    21. Cooking in bulk
    22. Make your own decorations
    23. Eat chicken instead of turkey
    24. Book train, bus and plane tickets early
    25. Send online cards instead of letters
    26. Chat to family and friends for free on Skype or WhatsApp
    27. Get a second job
    28. Quit drinking in November
    29. Going on a diet
    30. Break open the piggy bank

    WORDS: Rob Bailey

  • LGBT+ people are hiding their personalities at work

    LGBT+ people are hiding their personalities at work

    Over 70 percent of LGBT+ people are hiding their true personality at work in fear that they’ll be discriminated against.

    Free-Photos / Pixabay

    New research shows that LGBT+ people are much more likely to “cover” their true identities in order to be accepted by their co-workers and bosses. Covering is where a person conceals their true identity traits such as sexuality or gender expression, through the way they speak, act or dress.

    According to a survey by totaljobs of 4,127 people across the country, the majority (52%) think people should change their personality for work. This is particularly the case for the LGBT+ community and it is evident from the moment that employees first meet their potential new employers. Indeed, two-thirds (64%) of LGBT+ people change their personality for interviews.

    In fact, many LGBT+ employees continue to cover their true selves once they have passed probation, with a third (31%) of this community continuing to do so compared to a quarter (25%) of the overall population. This act of covering can even remain beyond traditional working hours, with 5 out of 10 (50%) LGBT+ people saying they keep their guard up at work-related events and company socials.

    The research suggests that many UK workers could be doing more to create environments where LGBT+ workers feel they can be their true selves. While almost three-quarters (71%) of people agree that employees should stick up for LGBT+, women’s rights or disability groups, only half (49%) said they would actively do so in the workplace.

    There is a clear correlation between the inclusivity of a company and the number of LGBT+ people who cover. Indeed, 7 out of 10 (70%) LGBT+ employees cover their true selves while working at non-inclusive companies.

    Fitting in

    (C) RAWPIXEL.COM / BIGSTOCK

    Overall, there is a clear trend of gay, bisexual and transgender employees feeling they need to cover to meet the expectations of their work environment and their colleagues. A fifth (19%) of LGBT+ people cover because they want to fit into the company and their typical style wouldn’t allow that, compared to 1 in 7 (14%) of the overall population.

    Meanwhile, 1 in 6 (16%) cover because they don’t feel their typical style would make a good impression.

    Martin Talbot, Group Marketing Director, at totaljobs, said: “There is an assumption that employees should be comfortable expressing their true selves at work. However, this research has identified this is not the case and that a startling amount of people go as far as changing their personality and appearance.

    “It is important that companies encourage an environment where the LGBTQ+ community feels welcome. It is staggering that up to 70% of LGBTQ+ employees cover their true selves at work and it is unacceptable that they’re twice as likely as the rest of the population to be victims of discrimination. It is clear that employers need to do more to prioritise the well-being of their LGBTQ+ employees and the inclusivity of their organisations so they feel comfortable expressing their true selves.”

     

  • How to deal with an erection during a massage

    Apparently, it happens all the time… No need to freak out

    CREDIT: Wavebreakmedia-Depositphotos

    Involuntary erections during professional massages happen all the time apparently – according to Spencer from HM Massage on YouTube, before adding some tips on how to “handle it”.

    Firstly, Stop Freaking Out.

    It happens. Both the massage therapist and the client need to calm down. An erection is a natural body function and the more attention you give it, the longer it will take for the boner to go away.

    It could also be a nervous reaction, especially if guys have never had a professional massage before. Spencer adds, “the more you think about it, the longer it’s going to stay, as opposed to letting your mind go and not thinking about it, and naturally it’s going to fade away”.

    Don’t make a big deal about it

    For therapists, Spencer suggests, “if your client pitches a tent on the massage table, don’t stare at it, don’t make a huge deal about it – even if it is a huge dealing…” Therapists should focus solely on the massage and distract themselves from it, “you don’t have to be focused on it”.

    (C) BIGSTOCK / Depositphotos

    Parasympathetic Nervous System stimulation.

    Apparently 99 percent of the time an erection happens because your parasympathetic nervous system is being stimulated. That means the rubbing of your skin, the touching of your body in a relaxed state and when senses are heightened could cause a raging bone. Spencer adds “while massage is not sexually intimate, massage can be a very intimate experience between therapist and client”.

    Don’t act on it.

    Whatever you do, don’t try and get your masseur to touch your dick – and or interact with it in any way. Remember it’s their workplace and they are there to do a job – massage your body – not your penis. “If you take things to a physical level, that’s not okay, the therapist has every right to end that session right there and kick you out,” Spencer warns.

    To therapists, Spencer recommends you give a first warning and if the client continues to act inappropriately to end the massage and leave the room.

    The good news is the more clients have massages the more they get used to the feelings and the likelihood of getting a hard-on becomes less and less.

    So if you pitch a tent while have a body massage. Relax, take your mind off it and don’t act on it.

  • People are totally lying about their weekends to make it sound like they had a good time

    People are totally lying about their weekends to make it sound like they had a good time

    Millions of workers admit to spinning stories about their weekends – to make their lives sound more exciting to their colleagues, a study has found.

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    When asked about their weekends on a Monday morning, a poll of 2,000 workers found three in 10 exaggerate or make up what they did to avoid having to admit to staying in or not really doing anything.

    Pretending they went to the pub with friends instead of just sitting in front of the TV is the most common fib, followed by making out they went to an expensive restaurant or got in a workout at the gym.

    Going on a mini-break, seeing a gig or playing a sport are also among the top 10 lies workers tell on a Monday morning.

    But one in five have been caught out fibbing about their weekend activities.

    It also emerged 51 per cent usually regret not making the most of their two days off work.

    A spokesman for Holiday Inn, which commissioned the research said, “Being asked ‘what did you get up to at the weekend’ is a common question from colleagues and friends on a Monday morning.

    “While this is great if you did something exciting, it can be awkward if you had a weekend where you didn’t even leave the house.

    “Rather than admit to a quiet weekend, many are making-up more exciting activities to avoid looking boring in front of others.

    “One respondent told a colleague they had gone on a city break, not knowing their co-worker had seen them walking around their hometown.

    “Going away for the weekend can add instant colour to your Monday morning weekend chat.

    “Holiday Inn is committed to enabling the best weekends possible. With so much to explore right here in the UK, we help people nail their response to that dreaded Monday morning question ‘what did you do this weekend.”

    People are even posting old photos to Instagram to prove how much fun they had!

    StockSnap / Pixabay

    The study found a third of workers dread colleagues asking what they did at the weekends in case it comes across as boring.

    Social media is also filling Brits with weekend remorse, with more than one in 10 admitting to posting old photos on their Instagram account to make their weekends look more action-packed.

    And if they do go away for the weekend, more than half say they would immediately share photos on social media.

    But seven in 10 wouldn’t dream of telling colleagues they did nothing at all over the weekend.

    The research, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed that a quarter of Brits reckon they go on more weekend breaks than they did five years ago.

    And when it comes to trying to impress their colleagues, workers think attending a music event is the best weekend activity to do, along with relaxing at a spa, exploring a different UK city and participating in an extreme sport.

    Whether looking to explore Windsor Castle, walk the cobbles of Coronation Street or simply find somewhere relaxing to stay for a friend’s wedding, Holiday Inn is there to assist with a weekend escape.

    If travelling as a family, kids under the age of 12 stay and eat for free and up to two children under the age of 17 can stay for free when sharing a room with up to two adults.

    Holiday Inn guarantees the lowest price rate when booking direct.

    For more information visit www.holidayinn.com/weekend.

    The top 10 fibs or exaggerations workers make about their weekend:

    1. Going to the pub
    2. Going to an expensive restaurant for dinner
    3. Visiting the gym
    4. Doing a cultural activity
    5. Taking a road trip
    6. Playing sports
    7. Visiting a high-end cocktail bar
    8. Going to a gig
    9. Going on a mini break
    10. Taking a bike ride

  • Discrimination Britain: 25 percent of us feel discriminated against at work

    More than a quarter of British workers say they have experienced discrimination in the workplace, research has revealed.

    people at work
    CREDIT: ©-monkeybusiness-Depositphotos

    The study found prejudice towards gender, race and age is still commonplace in UK businesses, but a youth-driven revolution could be underway to counter it.

    Generation Z (under 25s) are twice as likely to believe employers should do more to promote inclusion than Baby Boomers (over 55s).

    And they are twice as likely to question the status quo on equal opportunities too, according to the study, commissioned to mark National Inclusion Week.

    Half of Gen-Z believe their employer should do more to promote and instil inclusion in the workplace, compared with just a quarter of those over 55.

    Those at the start of their careers are also confident embracing these policies, with nearly three-quarters stating they feel comfortable taking up policies such as flexi-time, carer’s leave, religious leave or support for a disability offered by their employer.

    This compares to one in three workers nearing retirement age who are uncomfortable doing so.

    Debbie Klein, Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer at Sky, who are sponsoring National Inclusion Week for the first time, said, “There’s a new glass ceiling and it has remained unseen, but it seems Gen-Z have better eye-sight – they can see it, and they want to smash it.

    “Employers have a duty to ensure their workplace fosters total inclusion, so it’s positive to find the newest members of today’s workforce are challenging barriers and committed to holding employers accountable”.

    According to the report, one in five under 25s also claim being a woman negatively affects the chances of securing a job or promotion – double the amount of over 55s.

    Gen-Z identified multiple groups negatively impacted by an unequal workplace.

    One in five state being from a Black, Asian or Minority background reduces the chances of getting a job or promotion, compared to one in 10 workers over 55.

    Half of Gen-Z also believe the same for a disability, compared to a quarter of Boomers.

    Debbie Klein added, “These results are shocking. It is time to take a hammer to the glass ceiling.”

    “At Sky we believe great talent is as diverse as our customer base, which is why driving inclusion is at the heart of our business.

    “We want to encourage other business to see that the best employees are those who can bring all of themselves to work.

    ”National Inclusion Week is an opportunity for employers to focus on this issue.

    “It isn’t just about stopping discrimination – we also have to actively promote inclusion.”

     

    Words: Jack Peat

  • 5 ways to nail your job interview

    You only get one chance to make a first impression, so when it comes to that all-important job interview, it’s crucial you get it right.

    It’s not about luck – it’s about attention to detail, doing your homework and lots of practice with plenty of time to spare. As the old saying goes, fail to prepare and prepare to fail.

    At Forward Role, we’ve placed thousands of people in jobs across the UK and we’re always on hand to offer our candidates interview advice on the best ways to impress an employer. So, whether you’re looking to get your foot on the career ladder for the first time, hoping for a promotion, or planning to start a fresh challenge somewhere new, here are five of our top tips to help you grab the opportunity with both hands.

    Do your research

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    It seems simple, but far too many people don’t do enough homework before walking into the interview room. Those that take the time to really get to know the company they want to work for, as well as the people working for it, always stand head and shoulders above the rest in the eyes of a recruiter.

    Before your interview, make sure you have a look at the company’s website and try to get a feel for the things they’re involved in. What are their key services, who are they trying to appeal to, and how do they try to portray themselves?

    The company’s online newsroom is a great place to look for clues. There could be new products, investments or community activity that give you a much better grasp of the what they’re all about, so take the time to familiarise yourself with as much of that as possible. The overwhelming majority of brands are on some form of social media too, so have a scroll through their latest feeds to see what they’ve been talking about recently.

    Body language

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    Your body language is an enormous part of that first impression. A study in America by UCLA found that 93 percent of how people form first impressions has nothing to do with words. It was more about facial expressions, appearance, the level of interest they showed and their vocal tone.

    I always tell people to focus on three key things which are smiling, a good amount of eye contact and a firm handshake. Switch on as soon as you leave the house and make sure you’re positive in every conversation you have – that includes the receptionists or other people you might meet in the waiting room. People talk – especially in an office environment – and sometimes what you do outside of the interview room is just as important as what you do in it.

    Practice, practice, practice

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    It might feel awkward, but actually practicing the interview, perhaps with a friend or family member, is a great way to refine your answers. Really think through the kind of questions you’re likely to get asked and have a suite of answers ready to go. Wherever you can, draw upon experiences that relate to the question, so you can demonstrate your capability to do the job. If you’ve only got a limited amount of experience, try to think about things that you’ve done outside of a work environment that might resonate.

    More and more we’re seeing employers ask competency-based questions, especially for entry-level or graduate positions. These are where the interviewers really want to know whether you have the right skills to take the position on. The questions will often require you to give an example of something, and the things the business will be looking for can usually be found within the company values on their website; such as teamwork, problem-solving, responsibility or communication skills. Try to think of a good response on these types of areas before you go in and practice the art of telling them in a way that has impact.

    Be yourself

    This is probably my biggest tip and it might go against what some other recruitment companies say but being true to who you are is always the best approach in my opinion. Your personality and your interests should shine through during an interview and you should never pretend to be someone you’re not. Of course, you want to put the best version of yourself forward. But don’t fake interests or experience because the chances are, the person on the other side of the interview table will see right through it. You obviously need to look the part too – walking into an interview completely under-dressed or looking scruffy will make it really difficult to land the job, no matter how good your personality is.

    I’m a big believer in self-selection. Sometimes, no matter what you may think the job just isn’t right for you and if you don’t get it, perhaps it wasn’t meant to be. Learn from the experience and take that into your next interview. The job of your dreams could be just around the corner.

    Ask questions

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    The vast majority of interviewers like candidates to ask questions. It shows that you’ve really put some thought into the interview and the company and are keen to know more.

    You can cover simple things like “when are you hoping to make a decision” but do try to think a little deeper. Put the interviewer on the spot and ask them what their favourite things are about working for that company. Or if they’re a founder or director, why not ask what motivated them to start-up the business in the first place. You’ll be amazed how well received those types of questions can be.

    If you’re feeling particularly confident, you could even go one step further and ask the interviewer at the end if they think there’s any reason you wouldn’t be a good fit for the role. It gives you an opportunity to tackle any final doubts they may have in their head before you leave the room.

    Tread carefully with this one though and only use it if it feels appropriate. There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance and you never want to overstep the mark!

    Forward Role is a leading Marketing, Analytics, Digital, Creative and Tech recruitment consultancy based out of Manchester and London. Visit www.forwardrolerecruitment.co.uk for more information.