New Policy Jobs Web Site Launched

A new niche website will make it easier for candidates to access policy, research and advisory roles in the public and private sector in New Zealand.

In the past, policy analysts, researchers and other jobseekers have had to trawl through general jobs websites, which have given a variety of responses to the words "policy" and "advisor". www.Policyjobs.co.nz specifically targets people working in the sector, including those in central, regional and local government.

The site is finely-tuned to the culture of policy makers and advisors. People can register to have details of job vacancies in their field emailed to them, and the site includes tools for writing resumes and covering letters.

A similar site for conservation workers developed by Policy Jobs co-founder Susan Houston has proved very popular. "Policy, research and advisory roles are a niche area, and I believe it's important to be able to find a easier way for candidates to connect with the industry," she says.

Wellington workers are highly qualified

The average qualification level of working-age Wellingtonians is higher than the national average. According to information recently released from the 2006 census, 22% have a bachelor degree or a higher qualification. A smaller percentage of people had no qualifications.

The census also found that 75% of the city’s working age population are either employed or available for work, compared to a national average of 68.5%. Wellington City’s actual employment rate was 71.7%.

Between 2001 and 2006, government administration and defence jobs added nearly 4200 new jobs to the economy.

Employees ask for flexible working practices

More needs to be done to give employers the opportunity of flexible working practices, according to submissions to a public consultation exercise carried out by the Department of Labour.

Last year, a Parliamentary committee asked the department to consult widely about the best way to create flexible workplace in New Zealand. More than 90% of the 800 organisations and individuals who responded supported flexible working.

Acting Chief Executive Graeme Buchanan said many respondents already benefited from workplace flexibility, but there was a general consensus that more could be done to increase availability and take-up.

“The most important factors in making flexible work arrangements effective were identified as effective communication, good information backed up by processes and structures within the workplace, and strong leadership from the top down,” he says.

“Managers need to clearly communicate the range of flexible work options for their staff, and how these could impact on other team members. Workplace leadership and a positive workplace culture are vital...this provides the environment for managers, employees and teams to think outside the square to find solutions.”

More than 60% of respondents supported legislating for employees’ rights to request flexible work. “There is general consensus that flexible work is not just important for individuals and organisations but also for families, communities and the environment.”

Kea wins business excellence award

Kea, New Zealand’s online global talent community, has been named Supreme Winner of the 2007 Velo Excellence in Business Support Awards.

Kea chairman Stephen Tindall said the awards recognised the important job Kea was doing in creating tangible ways for Kiwis living overseas to connect with New Zealand.

The Johnson Group is a foundation partner of Kea, which also won the top award in the high growth sector category.

How much time do you waste at work?

Employers expect workers to waste one hour a day – but employers say they waste at least two hours a day.

That’s according to a survey of US workers by Salary.com and AOL, a unit of Time Warner. More than 10,000 people who filled in the online survey admitted to wasting an average of 2.09 hours a day.

Older workers wasted less time than younger workers, but men and women wasted an equal amount of time.

But not all employers believe that their downtime is wasted, according to Salary.com senior vice president Bill Coleman. Surfing the internet or talking to colleagues can result in new business ideas, relieve stress, reveal ways to improve efficiency, contribute to a happier working environment and strengthen the bond between workers.

Besides, managers can usually tell the effort staff members put in by the quality of their work. “Good managers know the work ethic of each of their employees and know who’s a producer and who’s a slacker,” says Coleman.

The top five time-wasting activities were:

· using email and the internet

· socialising with colleagues

· carrying out personal business

· “spacing out”

· running errands.

The top five reasons for wasting time were:

· not enough work to do

· a feeling of being underpaid

· being distracted by colleagues

· not enough time in the evenings or weekends for personal events

· other.

Mind your manners

Bad manners in the workplace can make workers unproductive, according to a new survey.

One in five New Zealand workers experiences rudeness at work at least once a month, according to a survey by University of Western Australia researcher Dr Barbara Griffin. While some workers were unaware of their bad manners, others were deliberately rude.

Examples included make derogatory comments about a workmate, gossiping, texting during a conversation and interrupting people.

Dr Griffin said bad manners in the workplace – especially from a boss – could result in a lack of staff commitment, low productivity and high staff turnover.

Job Doctor

I’ve just started looking for a new job, but I’m already getting nervous about the interview process. In particular, I’m worried about my weaknesses, and about the areas I don’t yet have much experience in. The more I think about it, the more daunted I feel. Do you have any tips?

Jan, Lower Hutt

We certainly do – polish your diamonds and leave your pebbles alone.

In other words, play to your strengths rather than your weaknesses. Focus on the areas you have proven ability in, and that will be valued by a potential employer.

Remember that you don’t have to be good at everything. No-one is perfect, and the members of a team should have complimentary strengths.

Before your interview, think about what you have to offer. Emphasising your skills, talents and experience will build your confidence and help you to show your potential employer what you could bring to the workplace.

And Finally....