Much the same as an unsuspecting virtual virus wreaks havoc on any given workday, sending you and IT techies into an immediate state of panic, so too Covid-19 has swept across the globe and left in its wake many workplaces completely disrupted. I believe this is a time when I take my hat off to tech gurus who often spend countless hours to produce innovative networking tools we now rely on so dearly to remain connected to colleagues, friends and loved ones. These digital tools have helped repurpose our physical offices where we used to gather as a workforce to our living rooms and nooks in our bedrooms which now serve as remote links from where we carry out our jobs. While scientists and doctors work furiously to create a desperately-needed vaccine to help combat the coronavirus, varsity students to seamstresses have used their efforts to design nifty mobile temperature reading apps to screen our schoolkids and protective masks you can wash and re-use for the most vulnerable in society who may not have money to buy one. Since our prior “normal” reality was warped into lockdown where we have been subjected to restrictions, especially freedom to move about wherever…
As many of the lockdown regulations and restrictions were handed down to us by government since the Covid-19 pandemic hit our shores, it raised many an eyebrow and were fairly questionable. Some as you may or may not fondly remember included being forbidden to buy open toe sandals, sell hot food or jog whenever you desired. As a highly active democratic society, it came as no surprise that many of these lockdown rules were blasted on social media and the like and petitions drawn up in protest, lots of people sharing the sentiment that we were starting to mirror a “nanny state”. There appeared to be a veil of secrecy around who and how and what evidence backed up the formulation of the lockdown laws and it soon became evident there were opposing views amongst the ministers themselves in particular the quite controversial cigarette ban. The latest court ruling which has now deemed many of the Level 3 and 4 regulations as “unconstitutional” and “invalid” highlights once again the age-old ethical principle of being transparent. Perhaps if our dear government were more open to legal consultation and dare I say, even public participation, they might not be in this public…
Some of us have been suffering from deep withdrawal symptoms, fondly reminiscing now of the little things in life we enjoyed pre-Covid-19. The other day in our work group chat, my colleague expressed, with a shared photo to boot, how she sorely missed the office coffee machine. This was followed by another colleague saying how she missed her walks to get her regular dose of cappuccino at her fave baristas located near to our office building. I have come to realise that addiction to good coffee is a very real thing people. Then there are the bigger things amiss, like freedom of movement or aka for me, being able to access all items at Woolies not only those deemed “essential”. On a quick run to one of their stores at my local shopping mall, I was admittedly a bit taken aback when greeted by two long rows of tape which weirdly made me think of those used to cordon off a crime scene. This of course, after I’d gotten my squirt of what is often very pungent smelling hand sanitiser, which has now become the norm when you enter most stores. But back to the tape. It was blocking me…
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, many employers have been prompted to take the precautionary measure to ensure the safety and health of their staff, by now allowing them to work from home. For some, this will only be a temporary situation, but the transition is nevertheless an adjustment that requires a few tweaks to ensure you maintain productivity. While I have been juggling both my twin daughters and working from home for close to 18 months now, my colleagues are newbies to remote work. So, here’s a guide I’ve put together extracting from my own experience and hopefully these tips will prove useful to both my team and the rest of you who have been given the option to work remotely. Establish a suitable space to setup your workstation – This can literally be anywhere you feel will allow you to work relatively undisturbed while getting proper lighting and airflow. Whether it be your sunroom or a nook in your room you have dedicated to a work area, ensure you have enough light and preferably set up shop near a window for fresh air. Unlike the office, many of our homes don’t have aircon. You may need a…
You’re fidgety but trying to remain calm even though it feels like butterflies are doing some fluttery tap dance in the pit of your stomach. Whether it’s nerves or excitement, or a combination of the two, it might feel like you’re going on a first or blind date. But in this case, you’re not about to meet the potential one. Instead, you are waiting to participate in the much-dreaded interview for a new job. Much the same as you would prep good conversation starters, fork out on a trendy restaurant with delectable cuisine and perhaps Belgian “choccies” for your date to make them fall madly in love with you, you need to pull out all the stops to make your next boss think you’re pretty amazing too. While you may not be able to bribe an entire panel interview with sugary delights – no, don’t get any ideas – you can try to knock their socks off by simply sticking to some of the following pointers. Be on time – Think of it the same way as if your date kept you waiting and waiting. There you are all dolled up and smelling fresh with that scent you hope will…
As always, the dawn of a new year brings with it the age-old cliché “wake-up and smell the coffee” frenzy, which has been trending as the term “New Year, New Me” with the arrival of 2020. The memes though have been pretty loaded with sarcasm as many people don’t believe in this hype with the renewal of one’s self just because the new year has begun. But don’t be fooled, many of us will still be resolute to work towards our new year’s resolutions. I for one, bought a very bougie looking water bottle as a step towards one of my goals which is, that mentally I hope, a pretty bottle will help increase my intake of H2O. And yes, while you will probably never be as new as you were when you exited the womb, you sure can try to refresh. These revival tactics are often vital when returning to work after the festive period which is often accompanied by a lack of motivation to get back into the swing of things. So, here’s a practical guide with a few simple ways to kickstart your inner worker bee – Start your day with a positive action – While you’re…
The initial intro to this blog set the tone for all things pleasant and joyous with the approach of Yuletide festivities. But when a certain state parastatal suddenly hit us with the extreme Stage 6 phase of power cuts, the load shedding elephant could not be ignored. And I’m sure many of you, myself included, quickly transformed into grump-angry mode, much like the green coloured main character of the Christmas-themed animation, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. But in a time of literal darkness, there have been glimpses of light. People reported spending time with loved ones in the glimmer of LED or candlelight and taking a tech break from all the “gramming” on Insta and the check-ins and selfie posts on Facebook. Yes, like with all unexpected rough and tumble stumbling blocks of life, there is always a little light at the end of the tunnel. And, it is with this philosophy, that I urge we not let the current electricity woes spoil our festive fun. We have been engineered to weather the storms and we survive. Let’s spare a thought for those who managed to get a job after a lengthy spell of unemployment after countless applications and unsuccessful…
In that extremely incredible and proud moment when the 2019 Webb Ellis Rugby World Cup was boosted high into the air after the SA Rugby team bagged a well-deserved win, it felt like the entire country’s spirit and morale simultaneously lifted to the heavens. It was a glorious moment indeed. Being awarded that trophy is symbolic of a dream each and every one of those Springbok rugby players had and was one of the driving forces which motivated them with each game, each practice, each injury sustained, each fitness test, each loss and each time spent away from loved ones. It starts with a dream but to attain those soaring heights of their sporting career and any other job doesn’t come easy. It means putting in the hard sweat and tears and fighting for that dream. Even if you’re not a rugby enthusiast like my dad whose so proud you’d swear those rugby boys were his own kin, you must have been touched even a tiny bit by the inspiring display of a team and a country united. I say today when you’re contemplating applying for that dream job, you click and you click with the belief, that that “cup”…
This month Datafin has much cause for celebration. We just turned 20! Yaaaassssssss & Yaaaaaaaayyyyy!!!! Along the way Datafin has taken the hand of many a candidate, leading them to a different workplace, more suited to their culture or work ethic and enabling them to grow their skillset and abilities. So, what’s it like for a business which has reached its 20th year milestone? We asked Datafin’s co-owners and sisters Lindy and Bev, to give us some insights into the company’s endurance. I’m sure reaching 20 years in a business is no easy feat. How does this amazing accomplishment feel? Bev: “On the one hand it feels like it has flown by, and on the other hand all the effort and work that has gone into getting us to where we are today feels like quite an intense journey. It definitely feels like an achievement, every day we keep working to maintain our position in the IT recruitment field as one of the top companies.” Lindy: “It’s incredibly meaningful to have improved so many people’s lives and given them an opportunity to grow and learn.” What would you note as a few pockets of excellence during Datafin’s 20 year-journey? This…
Having to impress one person might not be as daunting as when you enter the room for an interview and you quickly see there is more than one set of critical eyes (maybe warmer and inviting if you’re lucky) all zoomed in on you. For most, an overwhelming feeling of panic sets in, did the whole company have to be included?? Welcome to the Panel Interview. Some companies unfortunately don’t inform you beforehand that you will face a panel. If this is the case, like with any interview, strong preparation is crucial to beating the nerves and ultimately acing your interview. You should view it much the same as a one-on-one interview – an opportunity to prove your worth as to why you are the right person for the job. But if you have been informed that you are scheduled for a panel interview, here are a few tricks to ease the process – You’re just inches away from the finishing line – Keep this front of mind when you hear panel interview because it most probably means you are one of the top candidates on the shortlist as many companies will not waste time arranging to have more than…