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Working Smarter
Ever feel like work is an uphill struggle? We review a title that promises to help you get more done with less effort, time and stress – phew!

The phrase “work smarter… not harder” has been attributed to an industrial engineer in the 1930s. Allan F. Mogensen developed the idea of “work simplification” and conducted conferences based on the idea for almost 50 years. Although developed to increase efficiency and raise motivation in the engineering sector, the principles have since been translated for all sectors.

Many of us will now be familiar with the idea of “working smarter, not harder”. However, how many of us actually make sure that we put in place the principles that could make our working days so much more enjoyable and effective? If you ever find yourself feeling like a hamster in a wheel then Graham Roberts-Phelps’ book could help you to make the changes you need to start getting somewhere again.

Graham Roberts-Phelps is a consultant in business and personal development, who says he has now personally trained and worked with over 20,000 people from hundreds of organisations in 25 countries. He has now also written ten books on training and business, and his confidence and experience is evident throughout the book.

How many of us actually make sure that we put in place the principles that could make our working days so much more enjoyable and effective?
Roberts-Phelps is as comfortable taking the long view as he is focusing on the details, and the book is well organised and very accessible. In the first chapter, after setting the scene – the paradoxical modern busy world, in which technology was supposed to give us more free time but increasingly keeps us busier than ever – he introduces the key premise behind working smarter: “The only person that really cares about how you balance your life is you.”  This is not attributing blame or demonising employers; it is simply pointing out that employers and colleagues have their own priorities and to-do lists to complete. He then sets out the key principles behind “working smarter”, and guides his reader towards identifying the approaches that will suit them best. As he explains, “There is no one right way of working. It is simply what works for you.”

The subsequent ten chapters provide practical advice related to specific areas, including planning, goal setting, dealing with interruptions, conquering paperwork battles, overcoming procrastination and managing stress and anxiety, as well as miscellaneous tips and ideas. If you don’t want to read the whole book or would like immediate advice about specific areas, you can dip in and out of it and still find something that can help you make a positive change in your working
day.

Author: Graham Roberts-Phelps
Publisher: Thorogood
Price: £14.99

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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
APHA launches free virtual work experience programme

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.