Out of office? North West managers reluctant to get away this summer

DESPITE being half way through the year, research published by the Chartered Management Institute shows that almost 4 in 10 managers in the North West have not yet booked any summer holiday.  Of the most popular reasons given for staying in the office all summer, 16% said that an excessive workload is to blame. Against a backdrop of financial uncertainty and job insecurity, 32% also said they would rather exchange their holiday entitlement for cash.

For those who do escape, being out of the office doesn’t necessarily mean leaving work behind. 16% admitted to finding it hard to ‘let go’, 64% say they worried about colleagues, clients or deadlines while away. Worry may also account for the fact 39% continue to check work emails and 36% access their voicemails, while on leave.

To encourage managers to recognise the importance of taking a break, the CMI is launching its Out of office campaign and declaring an amnesty until 12 July 209, during which British managers are being urged to book some well deserved time off.

CMI’s Chief Executive Ruth Spellman explains:- “It is understandable that a heavy workload and the prospect of returning to a large amount of emails and outstanding tasks can deter people from taking time off, but holiday has a positive impact on staff well-being and boosts productivity.  Encouragingly 92% of those managers we surveyed in the region say they do encourage their team members to take their full holiday entitlement so there should be no excuse not to get away this summer, even for just a few days.  We hope that our Out of office campaign, combined with an amnesty and 12 July 2009 deadline to book some leave, will help managers turn their attention to planning a break.  The well-being and resilience of our managers will be very important to ensure we are best placed to take full advantage of the economic up-turn when it comes.”

The CMI’s summer survey quizzed more than 1,100 managers from across the UK about their holiday habits. The results show that despite it being widely accepted that time away from the office is the best way to recharge the batteries; many have put holiday plans for 2009 at the bottom of the agenda.

As well as encouraging people to consider the benefits of a well-earned break, the CMI has developed a holiday toolkit and top tips to help managers be ‘work-prepared’, enabling them to enjoy their holiday and helping to alleviate the pressure when they return.

The CMI’s holiday toolkit, which includes resources to help individuals prepare for their time away, is available at:- managers.org.uk/outofoffice 

Are you the next top female engineer?

THE Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is calling all top female engineers to enter the 2009 Young Woman Engineer of the Year competition.

Now In its 32nd year, the competition seeks the very best female engineers that the UK has to offer. Whether you’re a graduate or an apprentice, you can apply.

The winner will receive a cheque for £1,000 plus a certificate and an engraved trophy at a national prize-giving ceremony, at Savoy Place – the London home of the IET, on 1 December 2009. The winner will also become an ambassador for the profession, representing women in the engineering and technology industry and acting as a role model to encourage others to consider engineering as a career choice.

The runners-up do not walk away empty-handed. The Women’s Engineering Society (WES) Prize acknowledges the most outstanding female graduate engineer. This award includes a cheque for £500 plus a certificate and an engraved trophy.

The Mary George Memorial Prize recognises the most exceptional female apprentice who has gone beyond her normal duties. The winning apprentice will receive a cheque for £750 plus a certificate and an engraved trophy. She will be invited to participate in high profile events throughout the year.

Hanna Sykulska, an electrical engineer from Imperial College, London, was the winner of the 2008 Young Woman Engineer of the Year awards. She has made many television and radio interviews for the BBC. Hanna also had the pleasure of giving interviews for national newspapers, such as the Telegraph, as well as attending some of the IET’s most prestigious events, including the IET annual dinner. Through these events, Hanna had the chance to mix with the most influential people within the science, engineering and technology community.

Hanna said:- “I was very excited to have won this important award. I see it as a great chance to challenge people’s thoughts about what it is that engineers do and by showing them some of the exciting work that goes on in the field to encourage young people to consider it as a career.”

The 2009 IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards are kindly sponsored by: E.ON, GCHQ, Molson Coors, Royal Air Force, RS Components and Scottish Power.

To apply or find out more about this prestigious competition, please visit:- www.theiet.org/ywe.  Deadline for applications:- 31 July 2009.