Working from home may not be so great after all.

People who use smartphones, laptops and other devices to regularly work from home experience higher levels of stress, isolation and even insomnia, according to a United Nations study, which warns there is a dark side to the communication revolution.

The report, 'Working anytime, anywhere: The effects on the world of work', looked at the experiences of workers in 15 countries, including the US, UK, Japan, India, Brazil, Argentina, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden.

It found 41 per cent of "highly mobile" employees reported high levels of stress, compared to just 25 per cent of those who always worked at their employer's premises.

And 42 per cent of both regular home-based workers and highly mobile employees reported waking up repeatedly during the night, compared with only 29 per cent of office workers.

"Regular home-based teleworkers tend to be more likely to report sleeping problems in general, when compared to those always work at the employer's premises," the report said.

For highly mobile and those who occasionally worked from home, sleep problems were related to higher levels of work intensity. "Both sleeping disorders and experiencing stress at work for long periods of time can have a negative effect on the health of employees," the report said.

But it warned the association between mobile work and occupational health was "ambiguous", because while highly mobile workers were more likely to report that their work negatively affected their health, "when controlling for job intensity this association disappears".

In other words, it seems that people who are most likely to work from home are in naturally stressful jobs anyway. The report found work from home done "occasionally" actually seemed to have a "rather positive influence on reported health".

Jon Messenger, co-author of the report, said the use of modern communication technology "facilitates a better overall work-life balance", but on the downside "blurs the boundaries between work and personal life, depending on the place of work and the characteristics of different occupations".

The positive effects of mobile work were also highlighted, including greater autonomy on working time and better workday organisation, and reduced commuting time resulting in a better overall work-life balance, and higher productivity.

According to the report, incidence of mobile working was most common in Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden and the US.

Global Workplace Analytics president Kate Lister, who participated in the US portion of the study, said working from home wasn't the problem - but instead it was not knowing when to stop.

"We love the ability to work everywhere and anywhere, but it has a dark side. Some employers are beginning to recognise this and enforce downtime," she told Fox News.

The report found distinct differences between home-based teleworkers, who seem to enjoy better work-life balance, and highly mobile workers who were more at risk of negative health and wellbeing outcomes.

Mr Messenger said isolation could lead to burnout for remote workers, and the survey found that there was a "sweet spot" of working two or three days a week from home.

"This type of 'partial' or 'part-time' teleworking appears to maximise the benefits of telework/ICT-mobile work for both employees and employers, in terms of work-life balance and productivity, while avoiding potential downsides such as isolation by helping workers to maintain ties with their co-workers and with the company," he said.

The report found people teleworking had a tendency to work longer hours and had higher levels of stress as a result of overlapping paid work and personal life.

It said the need to separate the two would become more pressing as mobile technologies improve. Earlier this year, France introduced legislation giving workers the "right to disconnect", with Germany exploring similar options.

In Australia, some companies have explored the 20-hour work week, where Mondays and Fridays are spent out of the office, while others have clamped down on email usage.

This article was originally sourced from NZ Herald and written by Frank Chung.

A reassessment of mental health services from the ground up is needed as providers are struggling to keep up with increasing demand, the New Zealand Association of Counsellors says.

New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) national president Bev Weber said the situation in Nelson-Marlborough reflected what was happening around the country, with mental health patients experiencing a delay in treatment as providers struggled to meet demand.

She said reassessing New Zealand's mental health services could help to alleviate the pressure.

"Nelson Bays Primary Health saw 752 people in the first six months of last year, but are only funded for 712 for the whole year," she said.

"What happens for the rest of the year? How do we help more people with the same amount of funding?

The association represents about 2800 counsellors around the country and often saw people struggling with mild to moderate mental health issues.

Weber said she had worked as a counsellor to deliver "packages of care" through the brief intervention service, which involved between three and five counselling sessions and that gave people the opportunity to talk through how they were feeling.

"Sometimes that can be enough, sometimes that person needs to be referred onto secondary services."

Nelson Bays Primary Health acting general manager of health services Karen Winton said short term intervention had been well researched as being very valid and therapeutic.

"Early intervention is key and that if funding goes to that there will be less pressure on the secondary services in the long run."

Weber said she knew of a medical centre in Auckland that was funding a counsellor for patients to see and she thought it was something that could work in other regions.

"That would be amazing if some of the medical centres could put their hand in their pocket and say, 'OK we will employ a counsellor here, two days a week'. It wouldn't cost the patient anything."

It was a solution that was on the ground, in the community where people were struggling.

According to the World Health Organisation, depression will be the leading cause of the global burden of disease by 2030.

Weber said the NZAC supported Nelson Marlborough Health's decision to allocate additional funding to the existing primary mental health initiative, which refers people to contracted providers for counselling and therapy.

"It's encouraging to see their commitment to continue to invest in more services to promote early intervention."

The additional funding would also be used for the brief intervention service which provides counselling support for those with mild to moderate mental health issues.

Weber said it was a good start, but more needed to be done.

"The situation in the Nelson Marlborough region is just a small piece of the larger picture; implementing proper resources nationwide will save us trouble in the long term."

This article was originally sourced from Stuff.co and written by Samantha Gee. 

Along with protecting the association from financial downturns and funding new initiatives, creating—and adhering to—a detailed reserves policy will help you manage board and staff expectations.

Finances are one of the top sources of stress in a marriage, according to the American Psychological Association’s Stress in America Survey. It’s easy to see why. Picture this: One spouse is a saver, dreaming of the perfect house or a blissful retirement, while the other is a spender, dipping into the savings account for that next-generation phone or car. With such opposing mindsets, it’s no wonder stress and conflict arise.

Association finance isn’t all that different from personal finance. On one hand, you have the finance department, which is in the weeds of budgeting, forecasting, and accounting for every cent. And then you have the rest of the staff and board, which are likely filled with great ideas to spend those dollars on behalf of its members. It’s another situation ripe for disagreement.

An association needs smart savers and smart spenders, and a clear, written reserve policy can help keep everyone on the same page. Pun intended. A documented, approved, and regularly reviewed policy not only allows the association’s leader, board, and staff to get on the same wavelength, but it can also help prevent conflict that arises over revenue allocation.

“I don’t think there’s a specific policy [that cuts across all associations], but there are some definite components that anybody writing a reserve policy would want to make sure are included,” says Elaine Lynch, deputy executive director and CFO at the American Anthropological Association.

Here are some of those components:

Define your reserves. Different finance departments will define reserves differently. For example, GrantThonton defines reserves as “a discrete subset of its liquid net assets.” AAA defines its reserves as unrestricted cash investments; in other words, those funds that aren’t earmarked for any other purpose.

Determine the purpose of your reserves. The purpose of a reserve policy is to elaborate on the definition and give specific goals. AAA’s policy includes the following:

• To provide sufficient assets to help carry out the mission of the association
  
• To provide funds for unforeseen contingencies due to unpredictable economics turns in the association’s financial status
  
• To cushion the association during dips in the cyclical variation of its circumstances
  
• To fund strategic initiatives
  

Calculate your reserve fund target. Most finance experts will tell you that there’s no one-size-fits-all yardstick when it comes to how robust your reserves are. In fact, the Nonprofit Finance Fund released a 2015 State of the Sector report, revealing that only 23 percent of surveyed respondents had more than six months of cash in reserve. The majority had less than three months in reserve, and 12 percent had less than 30 days saved for the proverbial rainy day.

But it’s important to base your reserve fund target off some association-specific metrics, including a long-term financial forecast and an analysis of potential risks. AAA decided to create a reserve fund target range, with a minimum of 100 percent of the association’s annual operating budget and a maximum set at 200 percent.

Create criteria for allocation. Once you’ve calculated your target amount of reserves, you’ll want to determine how it can be allocated. For example, what portion, and under what specific circumstances, can the reserve fund be dipped into—and allocated toward specific projects? At AAA, Lynch says that the reserves might fund a strategic initiative, but those are considered strategic investment loans and must include a payback plan and must not exceed 25 percent of the market value of the reserve.

By creating a policy with these components and getting it approved by the board, everyone is on the same page and if conflict arises, you can say, “Sorry. Refer to the policy.”

This article was originally sourced from Associations Now and written by Emily Bratcher.

For the ninth consecutive year, Marketing General Incorporated (MGI) is conducting its in-depth research to benchmark the practices used by associations in recruiting, engaging, and renewing members. Similar to last year’s research, we have incorporated many questions that previous participants have submitted and have reintroduced topics that are still of considerable interest in an effort to ensure that this report provides you with the most relevant information.

Please take some time now to complete this questionnaire about how your association manages membership marketing. All individual responses to this research will be kept strictly confidential. No specific responses will be attributed to any individual or association without your express written consent.

To thank you for participating, MGI will provide you with a copy of our final printed report. The 2017 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report will provide valuable findings based on results from this year’s research.

To begin this survey, please click here.

Half-day workshop with Nikki Beaumont, CEO

Whether you are new to hiring or a seasoned professional, this ½ day workshop provides new ideas, tips and practical advice to make an impact on your recruitment strategy and your future hiring success.

We aim to equip you with the tools to build a ‘best practice’ Recruitment & Selection strategy for your business from start to finish.

DATE: THUR 16TH FEBRUARY

REGISTRATION: FROM 8.15AM

LOCATION: BEAUMONT OFFICE
LEVEL 29
259 GEORGE STREET
SYDNEY

START: 8.30AM TO 12.30PM

INVESTMENT: COMPLIMENTARY

THIS SMALL INTERACTIVE SESSION HOLDS A MAXIMUM OF 16 SPACES

SOME KEY TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:

• Preparation
• Candidate sourcing – where and how to find the perfect candidate
• How to structure an interview to get the best result
• Behavioral interview techniques and effective questioning
• Tools and other resources for determining best hire
• Finding the perfect match
• Induction and attachment – keeping your new employee engaged

WHY?

• Make better recruitment decisions
• To find quality candidates that match your needs
• Understand the challenges of recruiting in today’s market
• Save time recruiting allowing you to focus on other needs
• To make a positive impact on the working lives of the people we connect with

If you are interested in attending this session please contact one of the team on 02 9279 2777 or Louise Roper directly on louise@beaumontconsulting.com.au. Louise would love to talk to you.

(IMFS), organised by ICCA Australia Committee and ICCA Asia Pacific Regional Office, will be held from 19 - 20 February 2017 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), prior to the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) 2017 in Melbourne, Australia.

Formerly known as the "Forum for Young Professionals (FYP)", the two-day seminar provides an opportunity for meeting industry professionals with less than 5 year of experience to get together and hear about a variety of topics relevant to their professional career and development. There will be plenty of opportunity to make new connections and network with other attendees.

In addition to networking and education sessions, IMFS 2017 is excited to have Nicholas Kent as the Guest Speaker. Founder of the FinnCarlyle consultancy firm, Nicholas works as a consultant, trainer and coach who has worked across a range of industries, and is committed to empower young people in business with confidence, professionalism and skills to smash their targets and further their careers beyond imagining!

ICCA is now offering our AuSAE members an invitation to attend the IMFS free of charge. If you are interested in attending this seminar, please send the application form below to noor.h@iccaworld.org with copy to nusheena.s@iccaworld.org, mentioning that you are a member of AuSAE. 

Click here for more information and for an application form. 

The Australasian Society of Association Executives is a proud supporter of the 'Start with Why' Leadership Forum’ in Sydney and Melbourne in March 2017.

As a priority, we wanted to let you know that the Melbourne seminar has SOLD OUT and tickets are available in Sydney only! So please hurry! Take advantage of our special member discount and book your Sydney tickets NOW!

The ‘Start with Why’ Leadership Forum, presented by Simon Sinek and Peter Docker, will help you:

• Harness the power of “why” to create extraordinary and sustainable high-performing cultures
• Understand your organisations golden circle
• Learn why some organisations are more innovative, more profitable and command greater loyalty from customers and employees alike (and how you can too).

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear one of the most sought after leadership thinkers around the globe, Simon Sinek share his strategies on how to influence positive change, increase employee engagement and grow key leadership competencies.

Speakers:

Simon Sinek | Leadership Expert

Described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect,” Sinek teaches leaders and organisations how to inspire people. With a bold goal to help build a world in which the vast majority of people go home everyday feeling fulfilled by their work, Sinek is leading a movement to inspire people to do the things that inspire them. Simon Sinek explores how leaders can inspire cooperation, trust and change. He's the author of the classic "Start With Why", "Leaders Eat Last." And his latest book is “Together is Better”

Peter Docker | Leadership expert

Peter Docker is passionate about enabling others to be extraordinary. Working with individuals and organisations inspired by Simon Sinek’s theory of “The Golden Circle,” as illustrated in Simon’s bestselling book, Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, Peter helps to harness the power of “why” to create extraordinary cultures and sustainable high performance. A leadership consultant and executive coach, Peter has engaged at senior levels with several of the world’s largest companies, developing an understanding of a wide range of industries.

When:

• Melbourne - 3 March 2017 SOLD OUT!
  
• Sydney - 7 March 2017
  

Timing:

• 09:00 – 12:00 Leadership Presentation with Simon Sinek
  
• 13:30 – 16:00 Implementation Workshop with Peter Docker
  

Special Rates for AuSAE members:

• Non-Member Rate: $995 per person
  
• AuSAE Rate: $895 per person
  
• Group Rate (10 +): $795 per person
• Platinum Tickets: SOLD OUT!

Book your tickets here now!

If you would like further information regarding this event, click here.

Queenstown will host the World Hereford Conference in 2020, bringing an estimated 450 Hereford enthusiasts and farmers from South and North America, Canada, Scandinavia, UK and Ireland and Australia to New Zealand for business and networking.

Lead organiser Posy Moody of the New Zealand Hereford Association has an events background, but this is the first time she has bid for an international conference. She says the support she’s received to win the prestigious event has been invaluable.

“New Zealand hasn't hosted the WHC since 1984 and I think it is definitely due to come here. People are very eager to come to New Zealand to learn the latest from our farming systems and discuss using our Hereford sires in their studs. Our farming is very innovative and that is very attractive. We pride ourselves on our uniqueness and diversity,” Moody says. “We have Herefords in Northland where it is semi-tropical, and in tough mountainous terrain in Otago, and that fascinates people. That diversity continues into breeding and we have specialists who have bred Herefords specifically for the dairy industry, as well as those providing for the beef industry. This event will open up a lot of opportunities for us.”

She notes: “Our association runs on an oily rag really, and the financial and emotional support we’ve received from Tourism New Zealand in the bid process has really made a difference. The Conference Assistance Programme funded my attendance at this year’s WHC in Uruguay. That was really beneficial for our organisation, which is made up of voluntary, very busy, farmers. Tourism New Zealand helped us put together a proposal, bid document and presentation for Uruguay, covering facts about New Zealand, New Zealand Herefords, and what we would show them if successful. The World Hereford Delegation council loved it so much they asked us if we could do it in front of the whole conference as a finale. Everybody loved the bid documents and they disappeared in a hurry. Everyone we spoke to said they would come to New Zealand and they’re very excited,” she says.

“Associations are not always aware of the conference support available. I do feel I can pick up the phone to Tourism New Zealand and ask for advice. They know a lot about conferences… and, actually, after the bid process, a lot more about Herefords, too!

“They appreciate that they may spend a few dollars to deliver the bid, but I believe we really will see financial results from that. The people that attend won't just come for a week, they will spend time here in New Zealand. People bring their wives and enjoy a holiday and that all-important time off the farm.”

Moody says an initial feasibility study floated the options of bringing the event to either Hamilton, Christchurch or Queenstown. “The NZ Hereford board liked the option of Queenstown in March. It will coincide with the Wanaka A&P Show, an iconic Kiwi Show with wood chopping and sheep dog trials, which will appeal to overseas guests. Plus, March suits our breeders and they will have the opportunity to attend and meet the international breeders to do business.”

She adds that Queenstown’s natural beauty and tourism appeal were another major drawcard for international visitors. “Although we are far away, there are so many reasons for breeders around the world to come here. To see the cattle, to see the country, to see Queenstown, and experience that Kiwi hospitality.”

Moody is now working on a programme which encompasses a conference week comprising speakers and country reports, and social events including a registration reception and final gala dinner. “Queenstown Convention Bureau with support from Tourism New Zealand recently hosted us and that was really valuable to see our options for venues and activities. Plus, we’re fortunate we have well-recognised guest speakers from within New Zealand to showcase local knowledge on topics from health to profitability, feed conversion and heifer mating,” she adds.

“We’re also running a pre-conference tour in the North Island and a post tour in the South Island. It’s a real opportunity to visit the farms and see how we are farming, plus we’ll build in visits to Kiwi attractions, scenic locations and general agricultural-related businesses as well. That could include, for example, a high country picnic with stunning views, complete with a Kiwi barbecue with Hereford Prime beef.

“We aim to showcase the best in Herefords but also New Zealand as a whole: our wine and produce, the landscape and New Zealand culture.”

If you would like to find out more about Tourism New Zealand, please visit www.businessevents.newzealand.com

AuSAE has welcomed new members from the following organisations this month. Is your organisation on this list? If your organisation is on this list as an AuSAE organisational member but you are unsure if you are part of the membership bundle, please contact the friendly AuSAE team at info@ausae.org.au.

Not on this list? To join AuSAE today please visit our membership information page here.

Organisation	Membership Level
AMPLA	Association Executive (Individual)
Association of Administrative Professionals New Zealand Inc.	Association Executive (Individual)
Australasian Procurement and Construction Council Inc.	Association Executive (Individual)
Central Gighlands Group Training Inc.	Association Executive (Individual)
Medicines Australia	Association Executive (Individual)
Oaks Hotels & Resorts	Business Partner (Organisational)

Digital; the seven-letter buzzword that has changed the way we communicate, train and educate. And with members increasingly expecting to have content available online, the Associations Sector has experienced a huge digitalisation of its core services.

Check out the top 3 ways Associations can utilise Digital Events to transform member engagement and maximise return on investment:

Webinars

In a recent survey, 72.3% of association members indicated that online education resources such as webinars, online journals and training ¹ are valuable to their organisations. Webinars offer an easy-to-use dynamic platform for the Association Sector, which helps to engage members while providing access to vital information. Take your webinars to the next level with these tips:

• Sponsorship: Webinars provide the perfect platform for sponsorship logos, call to actions and click throughs to almost whatever you like
  
• Interactive Tools: Engage with surveys and polls to get to know your members and what they really want
  

On-demand: Record your digital events and then host them in your members portal for easy on-demand viewing

CPD Webinars

One of the key reasons members opt out of attending CPD events is the simple fact that they are not always willing to travel long distances to attend face-to-face training. And until we figure out how to be in two places at once (we’re still working on our teleportation device) CPD webinars will have to do.

Not only do they allow participants to log in where and when they want, they also provide an array of engagement and tracking tools to ensure Associations are maximising their resources and providing members with an exceptional experience.

To find out more and see our latest Australia-specific Research Report and Guide, please visit: http://webinars.com.au/applications/cpd-webinars/

Webcasting CEO Announcements

Did you know that only 7% of communication is verbal meaning that 93% of what we communicate is done through body language and facial expressions? So it’s really no surprise that more CEOs than ever before are choosing to record or live stream their announcements and events – after all, messages sound a lot better when they are delivered by a person rather than through email!

Moreover, workplaces are becoming increasingly dispersed meaning that good quality, quick communication is vital to ensuring that everyone is receiving the same messages quickly and easily.

To find out more, please visit the Redback Website or email us at marketing@rdbk.com.au

Until next time,
Redback Conferencing