Meridian Business Support is one of the largest privately owned, multi-sector recruitment companies in the UK. In 2019, we celebrated 30 successful years in the recruitment industry. Our extensive network of branches provides over 4,000 temporary staff on a weekly basis and places over 1200 permanent candidates each year. Employing 210 staff, we fill in excess of 200,000 bookings every year, successfully supplying to over 1,500 companies.
Our branch network covers the major towns and cities in the UK and we have clear and demonstrable expertise in all delivery models, from Ad-Hoc supply to Managed Service solutions at both single and multiple sites. We pride ourselves on being a service-led organisation and offer tailormade specialist recruitment solutions. Our professional service ensures that we retain and grow our healthy client and candidate base, which results in high levels of repeat business. We are fully committed to placing the right candidate in the right job.
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Just an email to say thank you for all the support and advice you have given me the past weeks. I hadn't previously used an agency in obtaining a job role and in all honesty, was dubious of using one. However, you have completely changed my opinion and I would have no hesitation in recommending you and the service you provide. The teamwork displayed by you and your team has been excellent, the service was timely and responsive. I felt all the support you gave me got me through that interview process and I have you and the team to thank for the success of it!
I would thank the Meridian Health team for all of their hard work and effort in helping me find a new job. Throughout the entire application process, the Meridian team put all their effort into ensuring my application was successful. Despite how difficult some of my previous employers where to get a hold of for reference and date checks, they persevered through it until they got a hold of the information they needed. In addition to this any time there was an update in my application status, Meridian ensured I was kept in the loop by emailing me any and all updates with my application. Thanks to the exceptional effort put in by Meridian Health, I am now starting my induction training. I'm so excited to be starting such a rewarding, yet challenging role. If you're looking for work or looking for a career change, I would highly recommend taking the time to contact Meridian Health. As I have no doubt that they will help and support you, in finding and securing your new job.
Mark was a valuable asset in assisting me to find a new position away from retail. Being typecast before I always found it challenging to get my CV noticed. Thankfully Mark work worked his magic and landed me the perfect 'foot in the door position'! I have now been a sales administrator/office manager for nearly a year now and have gained so much experience within that position. Throughout the whole experience I felt like I was supported and encouraged.
Overall my experience in finding a job with Meridian was great! I know I already had an idea of the position I wanted when I came to your office, but you sorted out an interview straight away and were really helpful. The contact from you throughout the interview process was fab! Calls before and after the interview made the process feel really personal, so thank you! Even after I'd started the position, you still kept in touch, which I found really thoughtful.Hopefully I won't need Meridian any time soon, however definitely wouldn't hesitate to use you again!
I wanted to say thank you for all your help over the last couple of months. From my initial application you have provided a top class service but above all, it’s been a personal service. You took a great amount of time to get to know me, understand my strengths and the direction I wanted my career to go. It soon became apparent that you have a similar relationship with your clients as you were able to talk about their business, their ethos and had a good knowledge about the roles being offered. This was invaluable in preparing for the interviews you secured for me and I felt confident going to the interviews that I was already a good match for the role and the business. Even knowing you had been to the site and could advise where to park and what door to aim for was great as Google maps can only go so far! Thank you again for understanding that a career isn’t always about promotion, but sometimes a sideways step is needed to establish the right direction in the right surroundings and I appreciate how this was communicated to potential employers. I’m really pleased with the role you helped secure for me and I’m excited about the potential for me to develop in what already feels like a comfortable business environment. My new role was advertised with multiple agencies and, despite the same CV and covering letter being sent, you were the only agency who had the necessary knowledge and understanding of both your clients and candidates to put me forward. I have taken great pleasure in replying to the rejection emails from the other agencies saying “the depth & quality” of the other candidates meant I had “been unsuccessful on this occasion!
I have been looking to find a suitable position for a few months that met my requirement of the right pay as well as utilising my skills. Debbie was able to place me in a full time job that matched my unique personal and professional requirements. She was extremely supportive in preparation for interview, following up and helping to negotiate terms that were suitable for both me and my employer. Her friendly, personal approach during this process was of great benefit to me and I am very grateful for all the positive guidance she gave me.
Ged gave me plenty of advice and guidance on how to perform in interview. He prepared me for what the job was/is and what to expect from that sector of employment. He did a fab job of boosting my confidence in my abilities before interview.I received a very personable service that was tailored to my personal skills and style. I felt well looked after and also felt he had the best interest of the client in mind as he was quite constructively critical with me in order to make sure I was the right candidate for the job.
I just like to thank you for preparing all the various documents for the interview with employer. The briefing was in such detail, which was extremely useful. This is one of the best experiences I had with a recruiter.
Very helpful and polite people had me in work after a couple of days of ringing and signing up.. would advise them highly.
Gerard has been very attentive, encouraging and has boosted my confidence. Talking me through the whole process of applying for the job, the role and the employer. He has kept me updated, even if it was just to let me know he has not received any information.Very easy and smooth, hassle free. I just left everything to Gerard and Jennifer.
I have been struggling to find a suitable position for about a year that met my requirements of a work-life balance as well as utilising my skills. Shirley was able to place me in a part-time job that matched my unique personal and professional requirements. She was extremely supportive in preparation for the interview, following up and helping to negotiate terms that were suitable for both me and my employer. Her friendly, personal approach during this process was of great benefit to me and I am very grateful for all the positive guidance she gave me.
Incredible good wages and when u have a problem they fix it straight away would work here anytime.
I got the job I wanted through Meridian. From the outset, the support I’ve received from my recruitment consultant, Mike, has been invaluable. He has really gone the extra mile to ensure that I was fully prepared for the interview and has chased up some job related queries on my behalf. I’m very grateful for all this support and would definitely recommend Meridian's services to anyone looking for their dream job!Meridian got in touch with me this month with a perfect job in a perfect location. My recruitment consultant, Ged, has been spectacular, communication has been brilliant and I felt thoroughly prepared for my interview and it went very well indeed. I'm so excited to be joining a company that seems so well matched to my skills and ambitions. It was particularly brilliant to have salary negotiations done on my behalf and I'm extremely happy with the result! I'm very grateful to Meridian and would happily recommend them to anyone.
This is my first experience of applying for a post through a recruitment company and have found it to be a very good one. I received a very prompt email response to my enquiry followed up by a phone call to discuss my CV. Ged and I had a very thorough discussion about what I was looking for and what would be the ‘right’ post for me as an individual.From start to finish the relationship has been very professional, realistic, open and honest with excellent communication. In particular I felt very well prepared by Ged for the interview process which was very different to my past experiences.The whole process has been smooth and efficient, resulting in securing a great role for myself. I have some experience of working in the recruitment industry and would be very happy to highly recommend Meridian to both candidates and clients alike.
I was contacted by Meridian in March 2015 and offered an interview at SSST NHS FT for a procurement assistant. I have been working In this post for the 18 months. Meridian has matched my skills and experience perfectly as I am enjoying my job and obtained a permanent place at SSST. Meridian is providing a services and support for its employees on the highest level, I never had any payment or holidays queries, all documents and statements I have asked for were provided as a matter of hours. As a matter of fact I have interacted with Meridian on a daily basis as my post at SSSfT includes temporary staff management and employment agencies queries and I must say Meridian services are excellent. I will be recommending Meridian to job seeker and to employers. Laura and Clare once again thank you for everything, it was a pleasure.
I have been contacted by Meridian in March 2015 and offered an interview at SSST NHS FT for a procurement assistant. I have been working In this post for the 18 months. Meridian has matched my skills and experience perfectly as I am enjoying my job and obtained a permanent place at SSST. Meridian is providing a services and support for its employees on the highest level, I never got any payment or holidays queries, all documents and statements I have asked for were provided as a matter of hours. As a matter of fact I have interacted with Meridian on a daily basis as my post at SSST includes temporary staff management and employment agencies queries and I must say Meridian services are excellent. I will be recommending Meridian to job seeker and to employers. Laura and Clare once again thank you for everything, it was a pleasure and as I previously mentioned we will be in touch anyway.
I have been working for Meridian for approximately 3 months now. Meridian is a great agency to work with... They are fast, professional and efficient, also shifts are allocated in a convenient manner. The time sheets are easy to compete and therefore I have received prompt payment for my work. All the staff are very approachable and helpful. Michelle Taylor has been a fantastic support to me. Michelle, helped me through the registration process, I couldn't believe how quickly it took. I also had to report a concern, regarding a patient falling during one of my shifts, I felt reassured and supported from the Meridian team. I feel confident when representing Meridian that I have their full support.
From my initial application Shirley has provided a top class service but, above all, it’s been a personal service. She took a great amount of time to get to know me, understand my strengths and the direction I wanted my career to go. It soon became apparent that she has a similar relationship with her clients as Shirley was able to talk about their business, their ethos and had a good knowledge about the roles being offered. This was invaluable in preparing for the interviews Shirley secured for me and I felt confident going to the interviews that I was already a good match for the role and the business. Even knowing she had been to the site and could advise where to park and what door to aim for was great as Google maps can only go so far! Thanks to Shirley again for understanding that a career isn’t always about promotion, but sometimes a sideways step is needed to establish the right direction in the right surroundings and I appreciate how this was communicated to potential employers. I’m really pleased with the role she helped secure for me and I’m excited about the potential for me to develop in what already feels like a comfortable business environment. My new role was advertised with multiple agencies and, despite the same CV and covering letter being sent, you were the only agency who had the necessary knowledge and understanding of both your clients and candidates to put me forward. I have taken great pleasure in replying to the rejection emails from the other agencies saying “the depth & quality” of the other candidates meant I had “been unsuccessful on this occasion”! With best wishes
I got the job I wanted through Meridian. From the outset, the support I’ve received from my recruitment consultant, Mike, has been invaluable. He has really gone the extra mile to ensure that I was fully prepared for the interview and has chased up some job related queries on my behalf. I’m very grateful for all this support and would definitely recommend the Meridian services to anyone looking for their dream job!
I got the job I wanted through Meridian. From the outset, the support I’ve received from my recruitment consultant, Mike, has been invaluable. He has really gone the extra mile to ensure that I was fully prepared for the interview and has chased up some job related queries on my behalf. I’m very grateful for all this support and would definitely recommend the Meridian services to anyone looking for their dream job!
Incredible good wages and when u have a problem they fix it straight away would work here anytime
I absolutely loved my first shift... It was brilliant. Thanks so much for making the recruitment process so easy and quick! I am very happy to be working for Meridian.
I just wanted to send a quick email to say thank you very much for all your help recently, especially with trying to get me in with Landmark. I really appreciate all your hard work and my apologies if I sounded a bit deflated on the phone yesterday. Based on experiences with other recruitment agencies during the last couple of months (mentioning no names!) I can definitely say that the service you provide and your dedication is above and beyond what I have experienced elsewhere and I thank you for that.
Being new to Exeter it was very challenging to find a permanent job. I had just left a very bad workplace and I was lucky enough to have been contacted by the consultants from Meridian. I was greeted by professional, friendly staff who treated me like a person and listened, showing that my needs were important to them. Very quickly a job was matched with my skills and experience, and in walking distance so an interview was set up. I felt that the consultants knew that my confidence was a bit low and I was asked to come in for a talk before my interview. This talk was so kind and caring and gave me the confidence to face an interview. I got the job. I felt the job matched what I was capable of and more. As they mentioned, they had matched me to a lovely working team too. I have now been taken on permanently and cannot thank Meridian enough. Meridian take the time to get to know you. They are easy to communicate with and are very responsive. I cannot thank Karen and Mags enough for their outstanding help in finding me a job that I am happy doing and working with a great team. I have recommended Meridian to everyone I know and if I needed their help again I would not hesitate in visiting them again.
I’m just dropping this quick email to say thank you very much for finding me this job. I love my job, I love people I work with and it’s amazing. For the first time in a long time I feel happy and all this because of you who gave me this fantastic opportunity.
Louise is the best recruiter I have ever had the pleasure to work with. She is absolutely wonderful. She is honest, professional, extremely hard working, and will go that extra mile to make sure that her client is happy, and making the right decisions. I feel blessed to have met Louise, and would highly recommend her to all my friends and family if ever they are looking for a job. She really is the best.
I came across Meridian purely by chance and what a pleasant surprise! An employment agency that did what it said on the tin... Incredibly professional, honest and open, with a human side. It was a pleasure to be treated as an individual and from the first point of contact Shirley did everything she could to ensure I was listened to and matched with potential suitable employers. To top off my experience I was successful in gaining the first position that I applied for, partly I feel as a result if the careful matching that Meridian/Shirley carried out.
I am two weeks into my new role and absolutely love this job! I wanted to express my appreciation for all of Imogen’s help. My dream job wouldn’t of been possible without her. Unlike most recruitment agencies, I was really impressed with Imogen’s personal but professional approach and her attention to detail when discussing the role in question. She consistently kept on top of things and kept me informed throughout the whole interview process. Helping and advising me for the first and second interview, always making sure that I was ready. I will continue to promote and recommend Imogen at Meridian Business Support in the future, as I believe she is one Resource Manager amongst a sea of them that truly stands out from the rest!
Where do I begin in finding the words to emphasise just how utterly tremendous my experience has been with Meridian Business Support! From the moment I first liaised with Gemma (based at the Salisbury branch), I was incredibly impressed with her first class professionalism, superb personality and the time and interest she took in me as a person. It is a rarity in the recruitment sector to come across someone of this high a calibre, with real competency in dealing with employers as well as candidates. She had the skill to analyse my disposition in order to advise on opportunities that were more suited to my character and always made me feel top priority whenever I called (even though I'm sure you must receive hundreds of calls and emails daily!) I am extremely grateful for being given the opportunity to temp work through Meridian since I was made redundant from my previous role. This has given me some great experience and confidence. I have since managed to secure a permanent role venturing on a new career path I've been striving to attain. Gemma has been exceptional throughout the whole process, providing CV and interview tips, imparting valuable knowledge, expertise and general reassurance. She is a true asset to Meridian, a real "Gem" (excuse the pun) and I can't thank her enough for going above and beyond in keeping me in the loop and ensuring my needs were met. A huge THANK YOU!! 😊
I have worked for the same company in a senior management position for many years so was totally unprepared for the job market when I re entered it looking for a change in direction. I had no idea where to start in my search and applied for a job advertised with Meridian Business support. From my first conversation with Shirley at Meridian Business Support, I felt confident that she was interested in finding me a career position that would suit me as a person as well as my work skills and ability. She supported me throughout the recruitment process, from helping me improve my CV to ringing me after my first day and after my first week in my new job to see how it was going. Shirley instinctively knew that I was the right person for the role that she put me forward for as she understood her clients needs. I was successful at my first interview and I truly feel that this played a huge part in my success. I am now in my new role, which is a totally new career path for me and I am really enjoying the new challenges and people that I am working with. The personal touch and attention to detail that Shirley and Louise at Meridian Business Support adopt towards recruitment made what I thought would be an ordeal, a positive and supportive experience. I would thoroughly recommend them to any business.
I am happy to say I have accepted a role as Operation Director for a Medical supply company looking after Logistics, supply chain and Customer Service. I would like to say of all the agencies and consultancies I dealt with, you and your colleague were the most human, courteous and charming which made your professionalism all the more outstanding. Sadly not everyone I dealt with had that touch. May I take this opportunity to thank you for your kindness and consideration in looking after me and thank you for all your efforts. Truly they were much appreciated and never taken for granted.
From start to finish Rikin and Meridian were fantastic. Whether it was following up on the many questions I had asked or keeping me updated on the progress/status of my potential new role. It's safe to say that thanks to Meridian and Rikin, I have found my perfect role . Overall I'd say absolutely over the moon with them! And couldn't have asked for a better person to help me through than Rikin.
Just to say a very special thank you for getting me the job I wanted, the service I received from you was one in a million, it’s very rare when you deal with any agency that they stay in touch and take time out of their own spare time to call and give you advice and put you first. I will definitely recommend anyone who is looking for a job in the future to get in touch with you and if there is anyone at Meridian I could speak with to get you the praise you deserve then I'll be glad to do it. I still can’t believe how good the job is that you found me I'm still over the moon, so thanks again Emma and hopefully I will get the chance to deal with you again one day.
I would like to start with a thank you. For you and all of your team. You have been more than helpful in regards of my personal needs and circumstances. I have never experienced treatment like it before. Within a week you had me a job in a place I'd like to spend a lot of time with. I cannot thank Meridian enough. I hope I don't have to deal with being part time again but if I do Meridian will be my first option. Thanks again for the services time and commitment.
Dear Sir, I think the world of the Chester branch. They are very special people. They have always helped me with work, from time to time. Someone of my age (59) work is hard to come by one reason why I look one way Meridian I think you are the best.
Emma has been a total pleasure to deal with. She really cares about what she does. I have never in my career seen someone so dedicated to their work. She was often working long hours around my schedule in order to help me find the right role. Emma is very professional from start to finish. She takes the time to understand the client and candidate ensuring a positive match. She will help you and guide you through the whole recruitment process and answer any questions you may have. I would have no hesitation in recommending her as a recruiter for her work. She is a credit to her industry and her company.
This is just a few words to say how happy I have been with the service I have received whilst with Meridian Business Support with yourself as my consultant. Since joining in early October I have been impressed with the level of professionalism and courtesy shown to me. All the shifts I have been given have included detailed instructions and directions and plenty of notice given, which is not always the case with agency work. I would have no hesitation in working for or recommending yourself or Meridian to others.
I would like to personally thank you for the help you have done with finding me a permanent job. Without you I probably would still be unemployed, sitting at home, pulling my hair out. Also whilst going to look for work at the same time and always walking away with the same answer all the time. You are the only person I know who actually put their faith and trust in me without actually knowing me personally. You risked putting me in there so they could see me for who I really am rather than reading off of paper. Words really cannot explain how thankful I am for helping me and helping me realise I can do it and I can succeed. Since I started this position things have really started to turn around for me and my life just gets better and better everyday due to the fantastic benefits of having a permanent job. I can’t be more thankful to anybody but you. Thank you so, so, so, so much Shirley, you’ve made me the happiest boy ever. P.S.. That drinks offer still stands for when I get paid. Many thanks once again
Outstanding staff, can’t be more happy with the support I received very professional and very helpful
Thank you for your help in trying to find me a position. Throughout my long search for employment (apart from the temping jobs) Meridian was the only agency that got me any interviews. I felt very disillusioned with my experience with other agencies and am quite tempted to write to them letting them know what I think but I know they wouldn't read it! I would have no hesitation contacting you if I ever find myself looking for work again.
I have found you to be professional, efficient and helpful in dealings with any queries/problems I have had. I get the feeling you put yourself into the shoes of the people you are dealing with and address issues as if they were your own. Good customer service is not as common a skill as people might think. I’m happy to report that my experience of Meridian and especially my dealing with you have been a positive one. My compliments on a job well done, and if you ever need a recommendation (verbal or written) please don’t hesitate to ask.
I have dealt with many recruitment agencies lately, but yours has by far been the most efficient, helpful and competent consultant that I have dealt with. Should I be seeking employment again I wouldn't hesitate to contact Meridian Business Support. It's apparent that the team in Witney are doing a fantastic job, keep up the good work!
I wanted to thank you for putting me forward for the recent job role. I also wanted to let you know how useful the documents about interview techniques and the job interview were, particularly when one has not had to be interviewed for a while. I also wanted to let you know that yours is the first agency I have come across who actually talk to job seekers in a pleasant manner and are helpful, so thanks for that as well.
This is just a few words to say how happy I have been with the service I have received whilst with Meridian Business Support with yourself as my consultant. Since joining in early October I have been impressed with the level of professionalism and courtesy shown to me. All the shifts I have been given have included detailed instructions and directions and plenty of notice given, which is not always the case with agency work. I would have no hesitation in working for or recommending yourself or Meridian to others.
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Maintaining routines for back to school
As the COVID-19 situation progresses and the Government guidance continues to change as lockdown restrictions are eased, individuals may be feeling anxious about going back to “normal life” and to how safe it is to return to work and schools. This article looks at things for parents/guardians to consider when you are thinking about your children returning to schools. How to prepare a child emotionally for returning to school? The advice can vary depending on the age of the child. You may like to consider some of the below points to help prepare your child to return to school as outlined by The Mental Health Foundation – Start talking - Your child might have worries about returning to school. You can explore these and help them think of ways to manage them. Sleep routine - Help your child return to their normal sleep routine in the weeks before school starts again. Talk about school - Start to talk through the daily routine that they were once so familiar with. It doesn’t have to start as a conversation about worries, but these might arise as you talk. Coping strategies - Model coping strategies you use when feeling stressed such as reconnecting with friends before returning, doing regular exercise or using breathing techniques. If it applies, you could share your own worries and feelings about returning to work and ways you are managing these feelings. Make yourself available as much as possible - Children may want to come and “debrief” but maybe not when you expect. Create space for talking in different ways, such as going on a walk together or baking together – there may be less pressure in these circumstances than when sitting face-to-face. Look at the positives - As schools reopen, other things will too. It might be helpful to talk about things the child is looking forward to, like their favourite shop reopening, seeing friends in the park or getting ice cream from their favourite café. Signs that a child may be anxious or distressed about returning to school: They look withdrawn, tearful or appear in low mood They are struggling with sleeping or eating They appear anxious or distressed Talking about negative or worried thoughts around their future They tend to be more upset and are struggling to manage their emotionsIf you are concerned about your child’s mental health, you may be able to help by: Spending time talking to your child Setting a routine for the next few weeks Maintaining your own mental health Giving your child the chance to talk about how they are feeling Do your best to try and understand their concerns and worries, reassure them that you understand and that you are there to support them What Question’s may I want to ask my child’s school? What procedures have the school taken to ensure the safety of students? What changes have been made due to COVID-19? What if my child feels unwell, do they have to stay off school for a certain amount of time? Will any after schools clubs be on? Please see the below links for more information https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/managing-children-s-fears-around-returning-to-school-aftercoronavirus- lockdown https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus/returning-school-after-lockdown/tips-parents-carersreturn- to-school https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirusoutbreak/ guidance-for-full-opening-schools
26
Feb
How making small changes can have a positive impact on your Wellbeing
In elite sport often the difference between success and failure is what is called ‘fine margins’. Sometimes this is a horse winning by a nose in a photo finish, or Oxford beating Cambridge in rowing by a centimetre. These fine margins can be linked back to how those athletes prepare for an event and the “one percent’s” that they focus on away from their training to give them an edge. These fine margins and one percent’s can be transferred to daily life for any of us, as ultimately they are nothing to do with being a sportsperson but instead, just doing things that benefit our lifestyle to get the best out of it. That could be sleeping better, feeling fresher in the morning, running longer or being more productive with your time, be it personal or professional.Little Changes for a big impact to your life: In this article we will explore a series of simple lifestyle changes or additions that many of us can adopt to lead a healthier lifestyle: 1. Start your day with water – whilst many of us will start with a coffee, energy drink or soft drink it is important to remember to hydrate. Mild dehydration can cause moodiness, fatigue, and problems concentrating so kick start your day with water. 2. Stretching – regular stretching can help to increase flexibility and motion, develop muscle strength, reduce pain and help prevent injury. 3. Eat without distractions - When we eat while driving, working or in front of the television our body never gets the clear signal that we’re taking nutrients in. Part of mindful eating is eating without distractions and savouring the sense of your food. 4. Walking – allows us to be active and to take breaks from day to day life whilst also taking notice of what’s around us and pausing from the day to day business of life. 5. Spend time off technology – spending too much time on social media and devices can impact both our physical and mental health. It can impact how much we exercise, how we feel about ourselves and ironically increase loneliness and social isolation. Be aware of how much time you spend on social media and take breaks when you need them. 6. Alcohol – A great tip for managing and monitoring your alcohol intake is to get a measurer rather than free pouring drinks. Or if you enjoy a beer, switch from pints to bottles. 7. Stand up at work – If you are sitting at a computer all day it’s time to change that. Set a challenge to yourself to walk around the office or home or even just stand whilst working. Many studies suggest that people who spent more time standing or moving during the course of their week had lower levels of cholesterol and blood sugar. 8. Buddy up for fitness – working out with a friend can be great for boosting your motivation and also output. 9. Connect with others – regular engagement with others, be it a coffee with a friend (lockdown permitting), bumping into fellow dog walkers, or just a daily hello to your neighbours can help lower rates of anxiety and depression, build higher self-esteem, greater empathy, and more trusting and cooperative relationships. 10. Make your own food - This is can help you save money, increase your awareness about good food, and give you an activity to do to take your mind of things. Useful sources & more Information: Some of the information sourced for this article was originally published on the links below. If you would like to access this and further information in more detail please follow the links below – https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/these-15-small-lifestyle-changes-will-improve-your-life-today.htmlhttps://www.bustle.com/articles/163174-11-small-lifestyle-changes-that-can-make-a-big-difference-in-your-healthhappiness
22
Feb
The REC's Economic and Social Impact Study of the Recruitment Industry
In order to better understand the value created by the recruitment industry, the REC commissioned independent consultancy Public First to measure the industry’s economic and social impact. Using a combination of new modelling, research and extensive polling of workers and businesses, they sought to better understand the impact of good recruitment.The industry directly employs 119,000 people and helps over a million other workers find a job each year in companies across the UK. Covid-19 has had a significant short-term impact on all of us - but the wider changes in flexible work and diversity look only to increase the importance of good recruitment in the future. Our study shines a light on three core themes: Recruitment is a major driver of UK productivityGiving workers new opportunities and supporting a more inclusive labour marketThe recruitment industry can help accelerate the recovery. Click here for a copy of the full report.
18
Feb
Chinese New Year 2021 – Year of the Ox
Today marks the start of the Chinese New Year! Each Chinese year is represented by a different animal, with 2021 ushering in the Year of the Ox, but what kind of traits do they have and what kind of job would most suit them most?People born in the Year of the Ox are known to be strong, reliable, fair, and conscientious, and are known to inspire confidence in others. They are also calm patient, methodical and can be trusted. Although they say little, they can be very opinionated. They believe strongly in themselves but are also stubborn and hate to fail or be challenged. Given these personality traits we would suggest they would be suited to a career in Law – solicitors, barristers and maybe even a judge! They might enjoy a role in Compliance as the they are methodical and conscientious or maybe even Politics - as they are very opinionated and inspire confidence from others. One thing is for sure according to Chinese culture the Ox is a hardworking zodiac sign, so they make a great employee! However, they aren’t known to be very creative or spontaneous so they might not excel in more creative roles. The Ox also signifies movements so, hopefully, the world will be less static than last year and get moving again in the second half of the year. The Ox is the second in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac sign. Years of the Ox include 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033. Oxen used to be capable farming tools in an agricultural society, which attach to the symbol of diligence, persistence, and honesty.If you’re looking for a new job, click here for our job search.
12
Feb
Valentine Competition - Winner
Last month we asked our clients if someone they loved deserved a Valentines treat - a luxury Wellness hamper! We had a brilliant response and it was such a tough decision, we received some really heart warming entries, we couldn’t just choose one entry! So, the winners of our Valentine competition are below! Winner 1Cassie Saunders nominated by her manager Donna Hart I wanted to nominate one of my team Cassie Saunders for your competition. She is a paralegal in our children and domestic abuse team and is amazing. We nominated her for an award this year through the Law Society but unfortunately those were postponed due to COVID.Sadly, just over a year ago her mum passed away from cancer. Cassie did an amazing job in caring for her, still coming to work and looking after her young family. This year we started off in lockdown where she home schooled two young children and continued to come in/work from home at various hours and help support our clients going through terrible times. Sadly, this year her father has also been diagnosed with terminal cancer. She is currently looking after him and again managing her young family and still working. We have encouraged her to take time off, but she wishes to balance caring for her family with her client’s needs. Her caring and empathy towards so many has been amazing at what has been an already difficult time. We are so proud of her and grateful to her for coping so well despite a hugely stressful time in her life and continuing to put others above herself. Winner 2Katalin Vinter nominated by her partner Rob Lacey Katalin is Hungarian and has lived in the UK for 12 years now and for the last 9 years has worked tirelessly in a residential home for residents with a range of mental health conditions, and she never once took a day off sick during this time! For all of last year she was there for 20 residents to help guide them through all of the restrictions and stresses the pandemic threw at them. Although she has always been dedicated to this role and her residents love her, she was always worried that being from a foreign country may hinder any alternative career prospects, but has recently proved this not to be the case, by landing a new apprenticeship role for the British Government, which has given her confidence a real boost.In addition to this, Katalin has helped me look after my 4 children (ages 10, 10, 17 and 20, as well as myself), helping them with their home-schooling, cooking for them, cleaning up after them (a massive job in itself), offering them huge amounts of support and advice without ever moaning, or asking for anything in return. Finally, due to Covid-19 Katalin has been unable to return to Hungary to see her parents for coming up to a year now, whereas she would normally take a trip home 4-5 times a year. This has given her the blues, and I think winning a hamper would be a lovely and well-deserved lift for her.
12
Feb
Apprenticeship Week - Build the Future
This week (8th-14th February) marks the 14th National Apprenticeship week. The theme for this year's week is 'build the future', with the aim for the campaign to encourage employers to celebrate the diversity of opportunity and value that apprenticeships bring, and how they can help individuals and employers build their future. The earliest sign of an apprenticeship first recorded in 1563 by the Statue of Artificers (also referred to as the Statue of Apprentices) which set out the law relating to all trades and crafts, including apprenticeships. In the 2018/19 period, there were 742,400 people participating in an apprenticeship in England, with 383,400 apprenticeship starts and 185,100 apprenticeship achievements. Over 4.2 million apprenticeships were started between 2010/11 and 2018/19, with 2.2 million apprenticeship achievements. Worryingly since the start of COVID-19, apprenticeship starts have halved. Meridian has always supported apprenticeships and currently have three working in different departments across the business. Connor Barrowcliffe is currently working in our Marketing Department whilst he completes his Junior Content Producer apprenticeship which he is doing through Juice Academy. I'm really enjoying my apprenticeship so far. I did start a college course but quickly realised it wasn't for me as I like the more hands on experience that an apprenticeship provides. So far (3 months in) it has proved an asset to my learning and knowledge. I have settled in well and realised that getting an apprenticeship was the best choice I could’ve taken and I love it. Click here to find out more about the benefits of working for Meridian.
08
Feb
Miles 4 Money
We are all guilty when working from home of sitting at our desk/dining table/bed for 8 to 10 hours a day and only moving to get a coffee or go to the bathroom!In many cases, this is to the detriment of not only our physical health but also our mental health, this is where Meridian's Miles4Money initiative comes in! We want to encourage our employees to get moving, whilst raising money for our fantastic charity Leonard Cheshire. Leonard Cheshire are currently raising money to provide PPE for their 4,300 front line staff who have achieved the most remarkable results supporting residents across 120 care homes since the beginning of the pandemic last March. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Leonard Cheshire spent £285,000 annually on PPE. During the pandemic this cost has increased to £6.2 million annually. Despite additional government support, they now have a funding shortfall of £240,000per month which includes ongoing infection control measures. To help raise money for this great cause, we are encouraging our employees to get outside get their feet moving, whether that be a walk, jog or a hill run! For every 1,000 miles they clock up, Meridian will donate £1,000 to Leonard Cheshire up to a maximum of £5,000. If you would like to support us with this, please feel free to make a donation to our Just Giving page!
08
Feb
How to create virtual 'Water Cooler' moments
Working from home has become the new normal for many employees, managers and entire organisations in the past year. We have had to rearrange our homes, lives, our mindset and get used to this new way of working.It has had its advantages; no long commute, more time with families, flexibility and even money saved on lunches and takeaway coffees! But with those advantages also comes with it disadvantages and challenges. It is now not as easy to communicate with direct managers, or with other team members. So how can we try and emulate those ‘water cooler moments that we so desperately need to keep employee engagement going from strength to strength?Use video regularlyVideo conferencing (Zoom and Teams) has become extremely popular, and to some a necessity. They can seem awkward at first, with some getting used to the settings, sound, what backgrounds they use and becoming less self-conscious when seeing your own face. BUT these videos can make a huge difference. You will feel more connected to your team after seeing their faces, allowing for more interaction and improving ideas and creativity.Water cooler moment: Customise your background (or even put something up on the wall behind you!). You could have a team competition once a week to see whose is the funniest!Virtual water cooler chatsWe use the term ‘water cooler chats’ for the type of interaction that happens such as bumping into each other in the lift, a chance meeting in a corridor, or of course by the water cooler (if your office has one!). When your team members can’t go to a physical space, bring those moments to your team with virtual chats. This could be a scheduled ‘natter’ every day at the same time for 15 minutes to discuss anything, from sport and television to families and celebrity gossip.Water cooler moment: Some video communication platforms have the ability to allow the host of the meeting to split into ‘rooms’. Why not assign some members of the team into breakout rooms so that they can get the chance to know each other and chat in a less intimidating way.Virtual happy hourIt’s not just the interaction at work that we are having to learn to deal without, it’s the after work social elements in many cases too. Why not schedule ‘happy hour’ meetings after work hours for those who want to meet socially? It’s a great opportunity for making lasting connection with those that we work with. Choose a smaller-sized group to make it feel less business-like.Water cooler moment: Come up with a social idea: cocktail night, a pub-style quiz, or maybe a book club. If you have a structure in place, it can remove any awkwardness and let employees connect on a more casual level.Award of the weekWe all like to gain recognition for our hard work and show appreciation for others’ efforts. This is something that was regularly a ‘water cooler moment’, discussing good work that has been recognised company wide. MHR’s People First platform enables employees to give recognitions to their colleagues and celebrate success. This is a great way to increase employee motivation, even without the water cooler moments to encourage each other.Water cooler moment: Why not have an ‘award ceremony’ at the end of the working month? The whole team could attend virtually, and the ‘winner’ of that month could receive something in the post for their achievements.Find your virtual table footballIn many businesses, especially those that are creative, they have breakout areas for employees to relax. These include table football, fruit machines and even ping-pong tables. These were introduced for relationship building, as they allow people with different backgrounds and interests to bond over a shared experience. So how can we recreate this virtually? Play retro video games; card games over video or even take part in virtual quizzes. Anything that takes you away from work for a while and helps to relax and enjoy yourself.Water cooler moment: Split into partners within your team and have competitions. It can be good to bring out the competitiveness in your colleagues sometimes!
29
Jan
Study reveals the music to boost productivity when WFH
With employees continuing to work from home amid the pandemic, it is possible that some will listen to tunes to help them get through the working day.But is your current playlist or go-to music choice helping you to maximise your productivity while working remotely?New research from Sodexo Engage revealed the music to help staff feel most productive at work.In a study of 2,000 respondents, the data found that rock band Queen ranked as the most recommended artist to listen to for maximum productivity, despite the pop genre coming out on top overall.Out of the top ten artists to listen to for productivity, pop artists including Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Pink, Abba and Adele made the list.Eminem (hip hop), Beethoven (classical) and Oasis (Britpop) also featured lower down in the top ten for aiding workplace productivity.Music genres & productivityPop (58%), rock (47%) and dance music (42%) were revealed as the top three most popular music genres for increasing productivity when working from home.Indie music featured further down on the list with 29% listening to this genre, alongside Country (20%) and Jazz (13%).Elsewhere, the study found that pop music came out on top as the most productive genre per work task.Whether staff are writing (35%), completing administrative work (31%) or reading (18%), pop music was revealed as the most popular for ultimate productivity.‘Keeping staff positive is key’Emma Yearwood, Director of HR at Sodexo Engage, said that during this time, keeping staff positive, motivated and productive is key.“With music being a strong commonality in the workplace across the world, some professionals have missed out on this as we are forced to work from home during lockdown,” she explained.“Between pop and rock music, it was a close call, but with pop being a style of music that resonates with different professions, the results prove just how popular it is in the workplace.“Given the variety of music artists that made the top ten recommendations, such as Queen, Ed Sheeran, Abba, Oasis and Coldplay, it goes to show that getting your working surroundings right is so important in ensuring your employees can work happily and feel positive about the task they’re undertaking,” Yearwood added.Music & productivityPrevious research conducted by Scala Radio and Psychologist Dr. Becky Spelman found that listening to music at work can boost productivity levels by 15%.In a previous interview with The London Economic, Spelman said: "It affects mood, mental performance and physical performance.“Many people find that listening to certain types of instrumental music can help them with their productivity levels.“The music can function as a sort of ‘white noise’, cancelling out potentially distracting ambient noise,” the psychologist added.Source: HR Grapevine
22
Jan
Jobs applications nosedive due to COVID
Research has indicated that the number of jobseekers applying for roles in December 2020 was at its lowest in five years, with 2.2million job applications made.Despite the current unemployment rate, Broadbean Technology has found that there was a 34% drop in the number of people applying for jobs last month when compared to the same time in 2019. It also revealed that there were 45% less applications than in December 2016.Broadbean’s data discovered that the number of vacancies being advertised were down slightly less (this equates to 32%), which suggests that many people took ‘a holiday’ from their employment search likely due to high levels of uncertainty impacting confidence levels at the end of 2020.Plus, this fall in applicant numbers also ties in with the recent furlough extension, suggesting many employers have made use of the jobs support scheme.Commenting on these findings, Alex Fourlis, Managing Director at Broadbean Technology, shared that the data suggests there is now a divergence from seasonal fluctuations that are seen towards the end of a year.“While 2020 was a year like no other and the impact the pandemic had on vacancy levels comes as no surprise, what is interesting – and perhaps quite unexpected – is that jobseekers were seemingly missing from the market in December,” Fourlis explained.“Our data shows a divergence from the normal seasonal fluctuations we see at the end of the year and, due to the effects of covid and the extension of the furlough scheme, this past December saw a large decline in jobseeker activity. In fact, we saw the lowest applicant rate in five years that was lower than the decline in jobs posted due to the holidays.”Despite the third lockdown, the research uncovered that vacancies were up by four per cent in the first week of January when compared to the middle of December. This would suggest that many employers are remaining resilient against the crisis.Fourlis continued: “Looking forward, however, it is encouraging to see that 2021 has got off to a good start with vacancy levels up when compared to the middle of December.“It remains to be seen how the employment market fares in the coming weeks and months, though. With the vaccination programme in full swing and many employers better able to facilitate remote working we are quietly confident that the positivity we have seen so far will continue.”Source: Recruitment Grapevine
20
Jan
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