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.”

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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...
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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.

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Link: http://changethis.com/pdf/47.02.TurningLearning.pdf

by Russell Ackoff and Daniel Greenberg for ChangeThis.com

Education should be a lifelong enterprise, a process enhanced by an environment that supports the attempt of people to
find themselves throughout their lives.

For too long, we have educated people for a world that no longer exists, extinguishing their creativity and instilling values antithetical to those of a free, 21st century democracy.

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