We spend a lot of time at work and it follows that if we are happy and fulfilled through our work then this will help contribute to our wellbeing.  It doesn’t matter what job you do as long as you manage your work so that you are effective in what you are doing, feel appreciated and achieve a balanced lifestyle.

It is not about how much you earn, what your job title is but more about feeling fulfilled that you are doing a good job that you enjoy and that contributes to the lifestyle you want to live.

Leading a balanced life

Being in control of your work and your life is absolutely critical however many people feel trapped in their job or in the hours, or type of work they undertake.  If you feel like this then the first step to regaining control is to recognise the position you are in, seek advice and support and plan to cut down the overwork and to regain control of your life.
Mothers who work is run by working mums for working mums, and aims to help you make the most of your time at home, at work and on your own.You will find plenty of helpful contacts here too.

01273 670 003  www.motherswhowork.co.uk

The UK National Work-Stress Network is committed to the eradication of the causes of work-related stress and associated illnesses.

07966-196033 www.workstress.net
 

Interviews and CVs

The more work you do in preparing yourself the more you will be prepared. ?This is the bit most people forget and so preparing everything from deciding how you will get to the interview, to what you will wear to practicing what you will say is important.  You need to do your homework and use industry sources and the Internet and undertake a lot of research.
Monster and Careerbuilder are award winning and leading providers of online careers and recruitment resources and also offers great free tips on how to undertake interviews and prepare your CV.

0800 169 5015  www.monster.co.uk

0800 1114347  www.careerbuilder.com

Representation

Many workplaces have relationships with trade unions to represent your interests.  A trade union normally charges you a subscription and then through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members and negotiates with employers on areas relating to contracts.  This is known as collective bargaining.  Modern trade unions do much more than this and offer very wide-ranging benefits to their members.

The TUC is the campaign organisation with 58 affiliated unions representing nearly seven million working people from all walks of life, we campaign for a fair deal at work and for social justice at home and can advise on union membership and the union that represents people in your line of work.

020 7636 4030  www.tuc.org.uk

Dealing with conflict – when things go wrong

Conflict at work needs to be dealt with as soon as possible as it can have a big impact on personal health and lead to stress.  Problems can occur between you and your manager, with another individual or even a group of people.  The first step should be to check if there has been some form of mistake or misunderstanding.  Always seek advice from your manager, Personnel or from a union.  You may choose to get advice from an outside organisation.  Always keep a record of all events and copies.  Make sure you know how your company deals with formal complaints.

ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) aims to improve organisations and working life through better employment relations.  They can provide free advice.

 08457 47 47 47  www.acas.org.uk

 08457 38 37 36 Acas Northwest (Speke)