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Entries posted by Kate Tuck

Happiness at Work Conference 2011

The Learning Architect chose the 2nd November 2011 for the event as it was the UK’s National Stress Day. The idea was to move people away from focusing on stress and to take a more proactive approach to well-being by focusing on health and happiness in the workplace in a fantastic setting.

The Happiness at Work Conference 2011 aimed to raise awareness of the ways in which "happiness" can contribute to business success and sustainability. The Learning Architect invited a range of industry experts and speakers who delivered informative presentations on the benefits of happiness including essential ideas and information and solid business evidence examples. The event was held at The Cotswold Conference Centre set in the beautiful Farncombe Estate in the Cotswolds.

There were key note presentations by top speakers including Richard Denny, Dr. David Batman, Liggy Webb, Mark Williamson and Gerry Moutrey.

There were active discussion groups and idea sharing from the delegates about what happiness at work means and also exploring the challenges at work that can affect happiness. Mark Williamson, Director at Action for Happiness presented the evidence on how the new science of well-being can help people, organisations and societies to thrive. Liggy Webb from The Learning Architect spoke about the solid business case for Workplace Wellness and provided each delegate with a free copy of "The Happy Handbook".

Dr. David Batman presented on the topic of engaging business and employees in challenging and complex times, addressing the fundamental issues we face in UK workforces. Healthy, resilient, high-performing organisations need healthy, resilient and high performing employees. It is our challenge to find strategic solutions to these problems in order to engage, empower & energise employees to take ownership of their health and develop their energy, vitality and personal performance. He gave some simple solutions to aid employers with this.

Gerry Moutrey from Investors in People spoke about the link between health, wellbeing and happiness with business improvement. He cited the importance of having a clear vision and aims, effective 2 way communication, inspirational Leadership, empathetic Management and Support, a sense of fairness together with environmental considerations in contributing to happiness at work.

After a lovely three course lunch prepared by the Cotswold Conference Centre, delegates got the chance to experience an exhausting laughter workshop- expertly facilitated by Amanda Bate.

This was followed by an uplifting keynote motivational talk by Richard Denny, who asked ‘Is it my job to make you happy?’. Which is a good question to think about.

All profitable proceeds from the day went to theAction for Happiness Charity.

The Happiness at Work Conference 2012 will be held in Central London on National Stress Day on Wednesday 7^th November.

To reserve your place let us know.

Posted in categories:  Happiness at work

Come Along to a Modern Life Skills VIP event

New Modern Life Skills free event programme for 2012 – helping you to save money and engage your people!

We will be hosting a series of complimentary events at various UK locations from March 2012. These events will be presented by Modern Life Skills expert and author Liggy Webb, and internationally renowned business growth specialist and inspirational speaker, Richard Denny.

To read more click here. To register your interest email us today on info@thelearningarchitect.com or call 01242 700027.

Posted in categories:  Modern Life Skills

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a small boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The little boy replied, “I am saving all the starfish that have been stranded on the beach. The surf is up and the tide is going out and if I don’t throw them back, they will die”.

The man looked around and noticed that there were miles and miles of beach and literally thousands of starfish.

He looked at the beach again and then at the small boy and said, “Well, you won’t make much of a difference, will you?”

After listening politely, the little boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the sea. Then, looking up, he smiled and said to the man, “I made a difference for that one.”

‘Be the change you want to see in the world’ - Mahatma Gandhi

Story taken from book Thank You - Your Guide to Appreciating Life

Posted in categories:  Inspiration

Welcome to the special edition of the TLA December Newsletter

This issue at a glance:

• Review of the Happiness at Work Conference 2011
• Free Modern Life Skills VIP Events for 2012
• Bouncability - Article on resilience by Liggy Webb
• Winter Wellness Tips
• Competition to win a free copy of new book Thank You - Your Guide to Appreciating Life

Happiness at Work Conference

The Happiness at Work Conference 2011 aimed to raise awareness of the ways in which "happiness" can contribute to business success and sustainability. The Learning Architect invited a range of industry experts and speakers who delivered informative presentations on the benefits of happiness including essential ideas and information and solid business evidence examples.

To read a review of what was discussed click here

Free Modern Life Skills VIP Events for 2012

New Modern Life Skills free event programme for 2012 – helping you to save money and engage your people!

We will be hosting a series of complimentary events at various UK locations from March 2012. These events will be presented by Modern Life Skills expert and author Liggy Webb, and internationally renowned business growth specialist and inspirational speaker, Richard Denny.

Click here to read more.

To register your interest email us today on info@thelearningarchitect.com or call 01242 700027.

Bouncability - Article by Liggy Webb

“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some” - Charles Dickens

Life happens and so do a whole raft of things and some of them can be very challenging. All life experiences can enrich us if we reflect upon them in a positive way. Even out of extreme crisis situations, there is always opportunity and learning.

Click here to read more ideas on how be resilient.

Winter Wellness Tips

Winter is here and we have some new ideas to help you feel your best during the rigors of the winter season. We asked our Workplace Wellness consultants for a list of their favorite secrets for staying healthy and happy in winter.

Click here to read more

You can read more about Workplace Wellness here

Enter this competition to win a free copy of new book Thank You - Your Guide to Appreciating Life

One lucky winner will be able to win a signed copy Thank You. To enter just email info@thelearningarchitect.com or telephone (01242) 700027 directly One winner will be chosen at random to read more about the book click here.

Posted in categories:  Newsletter

WINTER WELLNESS - HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOURSELF

Manage Your Personal Stress

Stress is often cited as a nasty precursor to deflating your immune system and leaving you more vulnerable to sneaky viruses. If you are feeling run down and over stretched it is time to look at your stress management toolkit and strengthen your immunity.

Exercise & Energise

To keep your immune system healthy exercise is one of the best things that you can do. Bundle up and go for a big walk – This is even better than going to the gym. Breathe in lots of fresh air. The cooler weather is great to invigorate and stimulate the senses.

Drink Lots of Water

One of the best things that you can do is to drink lots of fluids and the very best is water as it is vital to all bodily functions. An important part of flushing out the bacteria – is the actual flushing. So keep a bottle with you at all times and keep sipping it throughout the day.

Boost Your Vitamin C

Vitamin C is at the top of the list among natural immune boosters for your body. The research on the immune boosting properties of the vitamin has been extensive. So taking a supplement during the winter is a good idea or eating lots of delicious seasonal satsuma’s is another – A hot water and lemon is also a great way to start the day.

Eat Yourself Healthy

You can really protect your immune system by eating healthy food. Certain foods like garlic, ginger, tomatoes and onions are all great for warding off colds. Plenty of fruit and fresh vegetables will provide you with antioxidants and a whole host of vitamins and minerals. So let healthy food be your medicine.

Take Echinacea - The Magical Remedy

Taking the herbal remedy Echinacea can more than halve the risk of catching a common cold. It is made from nine species of herbaceous plants in the family Asteraceae which are commonly called purple coneflower. It is available in liquid, tablets and delicious herbal teas. Visit your local health shop for advice.

Reduce Sugar

Eating or drinking 100 grams (8 tbsp) of refined sugar, the equivalent of one 12-ounce can of sugary fizzy drink soda, can reduce the ability of white blood cells to kill germs by 40%. The immune-suppressing effect of refined sugar starts less than thirty minutes after ingestion and may last for five hours!

Drink Alcohol in Moderation

Excessive alcohol intake can harm the body's immune system in two ways. First, it produces an overall nutritional deficiency, depriving the body of valuable immune - boosting nutrients. Secondly alcohol, like sugar, consumed in excess can reduce the ability of white cells to kill germs - So best to enjoy in moderation.

Wash Your Hands

Wash your hands often and well especially before eating as this is one the easiest ways to help prevent the spread of infections. Also, if you have a cold and you use a paper tissue throw it away after each use rather than keep using it as the germs will continue to transfer to your hands.

Sleep Well

A good night’s rest is one the best ways to boost your immune system. The quality of your sleep is very important too so that you feel energised at the start of each day. Cutting out caffeine and alcohol will help. Try a warm bath with lavender oil and a cup of camomile tea - it will work wonders.

Posted in categories:  Workplace Wellness

Welcome to the February edition of the TLA Newsletter

This issue at a glance:

• Learn all about our exciting new Modern Life Skills programme 

• Come to our free Modern Life Skills event on May 1st at the Cotswold Conference Centre

• Win £1000 off Modern Life Skills training of your choice

• Download a complimentary Managing Change Toolkit to help you deal with change

• Find out how to manage change more effectively - article by Liggy Webb

• Find out how to be the best that you can be - article by Jacky Leonard

• Book Competition – Ask the Experts - 5 free copies to give away to the first 5 people to reply

New Modern Life Skills Programme

Due to the pressure of budget restraints and financial uncertainty, many organisations are still looking to reduce their training costs. Yet, training is still an essential business requirement - so how can you reduce costs and still deliver successful training to your staff?

We are delighted to introduce our brand new portfolio of Modern Life Skills which has been recently updated to help support people in challenging and changing times.

Take a look at this bite size approach which is ideal for engaging people and saving money and improving resilience in the workplace.

What are the benefits of this approach?

•    Staff spend less time out of the business
•    High volume approach reduces the cost
•    High impact sessions energise and motivate staff
•    Mix 'n' match the individual sessions to create tailored programmes
•    Easily integrated alongside other training activities
•    Emphasis on focused outcomes
•    Free post training support materials 


Please click here for more information

Free Modern Life Skills VIP Events for 2012

The Learning Architect will be hosting a series of free events at various UK locations from May 2012. These events will be presented by Modern Life Skills expert and author Liggy Webb together with internationally renowned business growth specialist and inspirational speaker, Richard Denny.

The first free event is on May 1^st at the Cotswold Conference Centre, Broadway.

Click here to read more

To register your interest email us today on info@thelearningarchitect.com or call 01242 700027.

View the venue here

Win £1000 off Modern Life Skills training of your choice

Email us for this special chance to win a voucher for £1000 off Modern Life Skills training. Click on the link below to browse through the training on offer.

Click here

To enter, answer this question; who said “Life skills are the abilities for adaptive and positive behaviour that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life.”p.s. the answer can be found by following the above link.

Email your answer to info@thelearningarchitect.com or telephone (01242) 700027 us directly. Competition closes 24.02.12.

Find out how to manage change more effectively - Article by Liggy Webb

Life in the twenty tens has seemingly propelled us into a rapidly changing world where the escalating pace of change is greater today than at any other time in our recorded history. Every aspect of our lives is changing including the way that we work, the way we communicate, the way that we shop and eat and, for the majority, the entire way that we live our day-to-day lives. Never before have so many people needed to deal with so many life changing decisions, in so many different life areas, on such a consistent and accelerating basis. One of the great challenges of our times is the ability to cope with change.

Click here to read more on how to manage change

The Change Toolkit

Change and the ability to manage change is becoming increasingly important. It affects the way that we work, the way that we communicate and the entire way that we live our day-to-day lives. Packed full of useful tips and info. This concise toolkit will help you think about the way you deal with change.

Click here to read the change toolkit

Find out how to be the best that you can be - Article by Jacky Leonard

Improve your business potential with authentic personal branding

The concept of personal branding has been around for some time and is no longer confined to celebrities such as Kylie Minogue, David Beckham and Richard Branson.  It seems you can no longer choose whether or not to have a personal brand, only how you manage it!  It is made up of the way you look, act and speak…and it’s not something you can switch on or off at will. In fact, everything you say or do, the WAY in which you do or say it and whoever and whatever you’re connected with, projects something about YOU…and will make an impression.  Whether you like it or not, everyday you are being judged personally and professionally.

Click here to read the full article

Book Competition

Enter this competition to win a free copy of the book 'Ask the Experts - Business Leaders Book Club, Lessons Learned from the recession'.

Five lucky winners will be able to win a copy. To enter just email info@thelearningarchitect.com or telephone (01242) 700027 directly. Five winners will be chosen on a first come first served basis - so don't delay enter now! Competition closes 24.02.12.

Click here to read more about the book

 

Posted in categories:  Newsletter