Link: http://survey.buseco.monash.edu/index.php?sid=92548&newtest=Y

May we have 5-10 minutes of your time please?

Independent Contractors of Australia has teamed up with Monash University to undertake research on independent contractors. We have a simple, quick online survey that we’d appreciate your filling out. It asks questions about using contractors and employees.

Here is the link:

http://survey.buseco.monash.edu/index.php?sid=92548&newtest=Y

(click the “Next” button at the right to initiate the survey)

Your assistance is much appreciated. The survey results will be published in October this year and we will let you know the outcomes. It's part of a larger research project involving Monash, Independent Contractors of Australia and Entity Solutions.

We're excited about the project because this is the next phase of understanding that needs to be developed to deal with important independent contractor issues.
With many thanks, in anticipation.

Ken Phillips
Executive Director
Independent Contractors of Australia

Link: http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/cali-yost/worklife-fit-not-balance/caution-four-day-workweek-answer-not-answer?partner=fasttake

Caution: Four-Day Workweek is AN Answer, Not THE Answer|
posted by Cali Yost for FastCompany.com

Everyday there’s another story extolling the virtues of the four-day workweek, or four, ten-hour days, as the answer to our energy problems. In fact, last week CNN devoted an entire segment to the Utah state government’s mandatory four-day workweek which began August 4th. Before the four-day workweek gains more steam as the answer, I want to urge caution. It is an answer, but not the answer.

The distinction is subtle but very important.

The typical problems with one-size-fits-all, four-day workweeks are already starting to crop up (see USA Today and CNN), specifically:
1) Some work probably does have to happen on Fridays
2) It’s very hard for people with dependent care responsibilities
3) It’s very hard for people who have a long commute particularly those who use public transportation.
4) The hours don’t always match when people work best which impacts productivity.
5) Finally, it’s probably not going to have that much of an impact on overall “carbon footprint.”

keep reading...

Certainly from our experience, it's not just about a prescribed four-day workweek scenario, but rather the emphasis needs to shift to a "designed" workweek, where all parties are looked after in the arrangement.

And yes, it is doable. I can cite many a working arrangement, where the focus is on "outcomes focussed" results, as opposed to the tradintional "hours worked" focus. There is many an entreprenurial mother for example who is designing her life around what needs to work for her and her family... as it should be.

Where does your working life fit in?
What changes would you like to make?

Link: http://www.parttimeonline.com.au/promo/win-an-ipod-nano-september-2008

www.parttimeonline.com.au, Australia’s leading Flexible Employment site – the home of part time, casual and flexible work options, is currently running a “Refer a friend competition”.

For your chance to win an Ipod Nano, go to the link below and spread the word to as many of your friends and colleagues as possible:

http://www.parttimeonline.com.au/promo/win-an-ipod-nano-september-2008

good luck!

Link: http://www.recruiterdaily.com.au/nl06_news_selected.php?act=2&nav=1&selkey=37391

The current downturn in the labour market isn't being felt evenly across the board, according to recruitment managers in a number of industries. Here, they outline what's happening now and what to expect...
keep reading...

Link: http://changethis.com/47.05.BusinessImprovisation

by Randy Sabourin for ChangeThis.com

This manifesto is about applying the skill of improvisation to performance in the business world. The skills are taught in several other professions such as music, theatre, medicine, military, and EMS. There is also a growing body of research to support the premise. This is your competitive advantage when comes to thinking quickly on their feet.

keep reading...