I was recently commissioned to write an article for HR Magazine on why compressed work weeks are beneficial to both the employee and the business. This is a topic close to my heart – I have seen many clients face tough negotiations to have their compressed work week requests accepted by their employers, with many businesses struggling to see how these type of flexible working practises can be beneficial to not only the individual but the company as a whole.
It felt like a pertinent time to be writing this feature, with news of the four-day work week trial starting in the UK – I took the opportunity to outline my thoughts on this, and why compressed work weeks can be a good option for those seeking a flexible work solution. See an extract below:
“I personally believe that it will take quite a while for four-day work weeks scheme to be adopted and there are a lot of factors to work through. As an alternative, there are many benefits to different types of flexible working arrangements, both businesses and employees, including compressed work weeks and job-shares.
Compressed work weeks have seen a sharp rise in popularity globally, allowing employees to do their weekly contractual hours in a flexible way. While there are various different ways to structure a compressed week, the most popular is compressing five days of hours into four (such as, taking off a Friday, and working an extra couple of hours daily from Monday to Thursday).
Graham Joyce, founder of the flexible working platform DuoMe, notes that compressed work weeks are fast becoming more commonplace: “Compressed hours have been around for a long time, but tended to be available in positions with more strict hours. This appears to be changing with key employers, like the UK government, offering compressed hours as a working pattern that can even be searched for across their advertised jobs.”
For more advice on flexible working, see my Instagram account where I share daily guidance, tips and inspiration.
I recently shared an image on my Stories of writing my Imposter Syndrome script – cut up in lots of pieces and hand-scribbled notes everywhere.
According to one of Barack Obama’s speechwriters, they used to cut up and move around sections of his script until the structure was right. I was following the same process and it was liberating.
If you’ve got an upcoming speech or presentation, here are a few quick tips:
1. Start with your script, not your slides. Get clear on what you want to say first.
2. Know your message. What is the one message you want the audience to know/be left with. Get clear on this message as you are writing this script. Going for a walk helps too.
3. Spend the least amount of time on slides possible, rehearse instead.
4. Record yourself and watch it back. Yes it’s uncomfortable and at times painful, but you will learn A LOT.
Do you have other tips to add? What do you do to prepare for presentations?
#PresentingSkills #PresentationSkills #PresentationTips #PresentationSkillsTraining #KeepLearningKeepGrowing #newskillseveryday #growingthroughlife #failingislearning #youarecapable #CareerPlanning #CorporateWomen #9ToThrive #BusinessCoachForWomen #LeadershipTips #ConfidenceAtWork #CareerSuccess #ConfidenceAtWork
I recently shared an image on my Stories of writing my Imposter Syndrome script – cut up in lots of pieces and hand-scribbled notes everywhere.
According to one of Barack Obama’s speechwriters, they used to cut up and move around sections of his script until the structure was right. I was following the same process and it was liberating.
If you’ve got an upcoming speech or presentation, here are a few quick tips:
1. Start with your script, not your slides. Get clear on what you want to say first.
2. Know your message. What is the one message you want the audience to know/be left with. Get clear on this message as you are writing this script. Going for a walk helps too.
3. Spend the least amount of time on slides possible, rehearse instead.
4. Record yourself and watch it back. Yes it’s uncomfortable and at times painful, but you will learn A LOT.
Do you have other tips to add? What do you do to prepare for presentations?
#PresentingSkills #PresentationSkills #PresentationTips #PresentationSkillsTraining #KeepLearningKeepGrowing #newskillseveryday #growingthroughlife #failingislearning #youarecapable #CareerPlanning #CorporateWomen #9ToThrive #BusinessCoachForWomen #LeadershipTips #ConfidenceAtWork #CareerSuccess #ConfidenceAtWork
The only productivity trick that’s needed to stop you working evenings.
Get rid of the biggest distraction.
Do you do this?
Will you give it a go today?
Olivia
#ProductivityTips #ProductivityCoach #ProductivityTools #ProductivityHack #JFDI #JustGetItDone #OneThingAtATime #WorkSmarter #MakeItHappenToday #CreateALifeyouLove #LifeOfAWorkingMum #MumInBusiness #WorkingMumLife #CorporateWomen #WomenInLeadership #hrmanager #seniormanager #leaderscreateleaders #leadersoftomorrow #UKBusinessWomen #CareerGuidance #careerplanning
The only productivity trick that’s needed to stop you working evenings.
Get rid of the biggest distraction.
Do you do this?
Will you give it a go today?
Olivia
#ProductivityTips #ProductivityCoach #ProductivityTools #ProductivityHack #JFDI #JustGetItDone #OneThingAtATime #WorkSmarter #MakeItHappenToday #CreateALifeyouLove #LifeOfAWorkingMum #MumInBusiness #WorkingMumLife #CorporateWomen #WomenInLeadership #hrmanager #seniormanager #leaderscreateleaders #leadersoftomorrow #UKBusinessWomen #CareerGuidance #careerplanning
Is your biggest competitor your imposter?
Is she the one stopping you from getting where you need to be?
I`ve been doing a lot of work focusing in on helping clients dial down their imposter to find freedom and confidence.
And I`ve pulled together lots of the tips in a free download to help you overcome her.
Head to my bio and tap how strong is your imposter.
Olivia
#impostersyndrome #impostersyndromeisreal #comparisonfree #innercriticbegone #ComparisonFree #UKBusinessWomen #WomenInLeadership #WomeninLeadershipRoles #CorporateWomen #9ToThrive #BusinessCoachForWomen #WorkWomen #femaleceo
#WorkingMummas #MumsWhoHustle #MumsThatWork
Is your biggest competitor your imposter?
Is she the one stopping you from getting where you need to be?
I`ve been doing a lot of work focusing in on helping clients dial down their imposter to find freedom and confidence.
And I`ve pulled together lots of the tips in a free download to help you overcome her.
Head to my bio and tap how strong is your imposter.
Olivia
#impostersyndrome #impostersyndromeisreal #comparisonfree #innercriticbegone #ComparisonFree #UKBusinessWomen #WomenInLeadership #WomeninLeadershipRoles #CorporateWomen #9ToThrive #BusinessCoachForWomen #WorkWomen #femaleceo
#WorkingMummas #MumsWhoHustle #MumsThatWork
Do you struggle with imposter? If so you are not alone. And it is definitely more common than you think. 75% of women struggle.
Imposter feelings may make us doubt or question ourselves or you can have full-blown Imposter Syndrome where most days you wonder when you`ll be found out and asked to leave your job as luck only got you there, Time is spent wondering if you’re good enough.
I created the Imposter Syndrome quiz, to help you to understand how strong your Imposter is, along with some tips and tricks to help you and my story.
Get your quiz via the link in my bio.
Olivia
#impostersyndrome #impostersyndromeisreal #comparisonfree #innercriticbegone #ComparisonFree #FemaleFoundersCollective #WomenInLeadership #WomenInLeadershipRoles #CorporateWomen #9ToThrive #BusinessCoachForWomen #LeadershipTips #ConfidenceAtWork #CareerSuccess #ConfidenceAtWork #ValueYourselfFirst
Do you struggle with imposter? If so you are not alone. And it is definitely more common than you think. 75% of women struggle.
Imposter feelings may make us doubt or question ourselves or you can have full-blown Imposter Syndrome where most days you wonder when you`ll be found out and asked to leave your job as luck only got you there, Time is spent wondering if you’re good enough.
I created the Imposter Syndrome quiz, to help you to understand how strong your Imposter is, along with some tips and tricks to help you and my story.
Get your quiz via the link in my bio.
Olivia
#impostersyndrome #impostersyndromeisreal #comparisonfree #innercriticbegone #ComparisonFree #FemaleFoundersCollective #WomenInLeadership #WomenInLeadershipRoles #CorporateWomen #9ToThrive #BusinessCoachForWomen #LeadershipTips #ConfidenceAtWork #CareerSuccess #ConfidenceAtWork #ValueYourselfFirst
You see something, your imposter is triggered and along comes a big and almost traumatic dose of comparisonitis. Ugh.
Save these tips for when you next feel triggered comparing yourself to another.
No comparison. You are already perfect.
Olivia
#BeBraveBeYou #ConfidenceIsContagious #ShowUpStandOut #ConfidenceCreator #ConfidenceInsideOut #ConfidenceBuilding #BuildYourConfidence #WisdomWithin #impostersyndrome #impostersyndromeisreal#comparisonfree #innercriticbegone #ComparisonFree #comparisonitis #comparison #comparisonisthethiefofjoy #nocomparison #selfesteembuilding #StopComparingYourself #BeGentleWithYourself #CorporateWomen #BusinessCoachForWomen #LeadershipTips #ConfidenceAtWork #CareerSuccess #ConfidenceAtWork #WomenInBusinessUK
You see something, your imposter is triggered and along comes a big and almost traumatic dose of comparisonitis. Ugh.
Save these tips for when you next feel triggered comparing yourself to another.
No comparison. You are already perfect.
Olivia
#BeBraveBeYou #ConfidenceIsContagious #ShowUpStandOut #ConfidenceCreator #ConfidenceInsideOut #ConfidenceBuilding #BuildYourConfidence #WisdomWithin #impostersyndrome #impostersyndromeisreal#comparisonfree #innercriticbegone #ComparisonFree #comparisonitis #comparison #comparisonisthethiefofjoy #nocomparison #selfesteembuilding #StopComparingYourself #BeGentleWithYourself #CorporateWomen #BusinessCoachForWomen #LeadershipTips #ConfidenceAtWork #CareerSuccess #ConfidenceAtWork #WomenInBusinessUK
Are you making these mistakes too when negotiating flexibility?
1. Not doing the right preparation ahead of your meeting. As I recently shared in an interview with The Telegraph`s Body & Soul magazine (link in bio), you`re not asking for a holiday.
Here`s the excerpt: “Remember that negotiating flexibility is effectively negotiating the terms of your contract — it’s not asking for a holiday — and so it does require some pre-conversation preparation,”
2. Doing your preparation for your conversation the night before. You may need to prepare a business case so allow for adequate time.
3. Not knowing if anyone else in your company or department does flexible working. Do you have proof? Industry sources help too.
4. Explaining how it benefits you, and not being able to articulate how it will benefit your company. Remember you`re going for a win:win here where both parties benefit.
5. Not articulating what flexible work you`d like to do clearly. So often I`ll meet with clients and their request has become complex and confusing. Keep it simple!
If you`ve negotiated flexibility, what would you add? Share your tips below ⬇️
Olivia x
Ps If you want help negotiating your flexible work, contact me about my template letter you can use and a one-off coaching session to help you prepare with confidence. It`ll save you so much time! Send me a DM for more.
#compressedworkweek #compressedworkschedule #condensedhours #flexibleworking #flexiblework #flexappeal #LifeOfAWorkingMum #MumInBusiness #WorkingMumLife #UKMums #MumsBossUK #HerBusiness #MotherhoodGoals #UKMumSquad #MoreThanAMum #CareerCoaching #CareerPath #GoAfterYourDreams #GroupCoaching #GetUnstuck #CareerGuidance #CareerPlanning
Are you making these mistakes too when negotiating flexibility?
1. Not doing the right preparation ahead of your meeting. As I recently shared in an interview with The Telegraph`s Body & Soul magazine (link in bio), you`re not asking for a holiday.
Here`s the excerpt: “Remember that negotiating flexibility is effectively negotiating the terms of your contract — it’s not asking for a holiday — and so it does require some pre-conversation preparation,”
2. Doing your preparation for your conversation the night before. You may need to prepare a business case so allow for adequate time.
3. Not knowing if anyone else in your company or department does flexible working. Do you have proof? Industry sources help too.
4. Explaining how it benefits you, and not being able to articulate how it will benefit your company. Remember you`re going for a win:win here where both parties benefit.
5. Not articulating what flexible work you`d like to do clearly. So often I`ll meet with clients and their request has become complex and confusing. Keep it simple!
If you`ve negotiated flexibility, what would you add? Share your tips below ⬇️
Olivia x
Ps If you want help negotiating your flexible work, contact me about my template letter you can use and a one-off coaching session to help you prepare with confidence. It`ll save you so much time! Send me a DM for more.
#compressedworkweek #compressedworkschedule #condensedhours #flexibleworking #flexiblework #flexappeal #LifeOfAWorkingMum #MumInBusiness #WorkingMumLife #UKMums #MumsBossUK #HerBusiness #MotherhoodGoals #UKMumSquad #MoreThanAMum #CareerCoaching #CareerPath #GoAfterYourDreams #GroupCoaching #GetUnstuck #CareerGuidance #CareerPlanning
A client winning personally and professionally. That`s exactly why The Women`s Vault exists. To help you beat your workplace barriers, build confidence and find balance.
Thanks Kerri for your words. I`m thrilled that you find yourself in a positive space.
Olivia
#CareerCoaching #CareerPath #GoAfterYourDreams #SettingIntentions #CareerJourney #BeBetterThanYesterday #GroupCoaching #GetUnstuck #CareerGuidance #CareerPlanning #FemaleFoundersCollective #WomenInLeadership #WomenInLeadershipRoles #CorporateWomen #9ToThrive #BusinessCoachForWomen #LeadershipTips #ConfidenceAtWork #CareerSuccess #ConfidenceAtWork #ValueYourselfFirst
A client winning personally and professionally. That`s exactly why The Women`s Vault exists. To help you beat your workplace barriers, build confidence and find balance.
Thanks Kerri for your words. I`m thrilled that you find yourself in a positive space.
Olivia
#CareerCoaching #CareerPath #GoAfterYourDreams #SettingIntentions #CareerJourney #BeBetterThanYesterday #GroupCoaching #GetUnstuck #CareerGuidance #CareerPlanning #FemaleFoundersCollective #WomenInLeadership #WomenInLeadershipRoles #CorporateWomen #9ToThrive #BusinessCoachForWomen #LeadershipTips #ConfidenceAtWork #CareerSuccess #ConfidenceAtWork #ValueYourselfFirst
Life as a working mother is so intense. The juggle… it couldn`t be more real. But do you know, the gift to create the balance you need comes from within.
And it happens when you create boundaries.
At work and at home. Boundaries. To put yourself first. So that you can be the best version of yourself both at work and at home. Because a tired Mum reaching the edge of burnout is actually no good to anyone.
Put yourself first.
If you need more help on managing the juggle, the Working Mum`s toolkit could be just what is needed. I created it. To help you. It now contains over 30 tools & resources to help you balance family, work and you. With confidence tips, boundary setting, imposter fighting, burnout prevention, weekly schedule setting, wind down routines, mum guilt and much more.
It`s only £37.
Find out more via the link in my bio.
Olivia
#WomenSupportingOtherWomen #lifeofaworkingmum #mumguilt #mumguiltisreal #workingmumlife #workingmumsrock #workingmumslife #MotherToMother #MumToMum #MumsThatBoss #workfromhomemum #workfromhomeuk #bossladiesmindset #Workfromwherever #homeofficegoals #WorkLifeJuggle #WorkingMummas #MumsWhoHustle #MumsThatWork #JuggleStruggle #CantPourFromAnEmptyCup #LifeAsAMum #MotherhoodCaptured #MamaCoach #MentalLoadOfMotherhood #WorkingMummas
Life as a working mother is so intense. The juggle… it couldn`t be more real. But do you know, the gift to create the balance you need comes from within.
And it happens when you create boundaries.
At work and at home. Boundaries. To put yourself first. So that you can be the best version of yourself both at work and at home. Because a tired Mum reaching the edge of burnout is actually no good to anyone.
Put yourself first.
If you need more help on managing the juggle, the Working Mum`s toolkit could be just what is needed. I created it. To help you. It now contains over 30 tools & resources to help you balance family, work and you. With confidence tips, boundary setting, imposter fighting, burnout prevention, weekly schedule setting, wind down routines, mum guilt and much more.
It`s only £37.
Find out more via the link in my bio.
Olivia
#WomenSupportingOtherWomen #lifeofaworkingmum #mumguilt #mumguiltisreal #workingmumlife #workingmumsrock #workingmumslife #MotherToMother #MumToMum #MumsThatBoss #workfromhomemum #workfromhomeuk #bossladiesmindset #Workfromwherever #homeofficegoals #WorkLifeJuggle #WorkingMummas #MumsWhoHustle #MumsThatWork #JuggleStruggle #CantPourFromAnEmptyCup #LifeAsAMum #MotherhoodCaptured #MamaCoach #MentalLoadOfMotherhood #WorkingMummas
