Do you have a values based ethos at work?

Many workplace studies show a direct link between productivity and employee well-being. A fit and happy workforce will reap benefits to an employer through enhanced performance, increased morale, reduced absenteeism and attrition as well as lower health care costs.



The question that often needs to be asked is: why are these strategies needed? Is the work situation causing stress? Do employees have time to reassess their working situations, their health mentally and physically so that illness and stress can be avoided? Each business and employee base is unique and true leadership can often need a helping hand to develop the right strategies and work practices that support a values based ethos that supports the well-being of its workforce.

Moore Associates Hampshire Limited, mahl, offers such a service to businesses of all sizes across the South of England and imaginestyle has been fortunate to work in association with them on their Presenting Yourself Positively At Work workshop, part of the Generating Energy and Well Being program. In conjunction with Work and Well-Being Ltd, mahl has developed a unique approach to employee well-being that is research-based focused on allowing leaders to identify areas of difficulty and to deal with them effectively with workable approaches suited to their specific needs.

As an image consultant, I was impressed with the drive and passion behind mahl and some of the themes presented have a natural connection with the work I do at imaginestyle. I'm looking forward to future sessions and meeting new delegates! Why not take a look at some of their up and coming course dates:

Presenting Yourself Positively At Work - Tuesday 30th March 2010A half-day workshop developing skills that encourage positive approaches to work, that new job situation and colleagues. Techniques such as perceptual positioning, anchoring techniques and time management are included as practical sessions that relate to your individual situations.
Find out more including how to book or register your interest.

Generating Energy and Well Being - Thursday 22nd April 2010Aimed at those who want to learn strategies for managing difficult situations, to improve interactions with colleagues and clients and not only feel  positive about the routine of work but also improve quality of life generally.
This Workshop is delivered in surroundings that allow the delegates to relax and enjoy their day. The purpose of the workshop is to allow delegates to reflect on their work situation and how they can identify strategies to improve the way they manage their working life.
- Your well-being at work
- Presenting yourself positively
- Goal Setting
- Planning to improve personal performance
- Perceptual Positions
- Seeing things from different points of view
Find out more including how to book or register your interest.

The courses offered help leaders and individuals to mitigate situations that cause difficulties and will help their well being in the work situation. Are you an organisation that could benefit from this? Contact Shelagh Moore of Moore Associates Hampshire Limited or Min directly.

Pantone Colour of the Year - 2010

Pantone Unveils Color of the Year for 2010
PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise
"Turquoise transports us to an exciting, tropical paradise while offering a sense of protection and healing in stressful times"

Before I go any further on this one, it's struck me that perhaps not everyone knows who Pantone are and what does it matter what they say about colour? Let me humbly educate. Pantone are considered to be the global authority on colour and provide the professional colour standards for todays design industries. In addition to regularly announcing their chosen Colour of the Year, they also report the top trend colours for the fashion industry, typically released to coincide with major international fashion events like New York Fashion Week.

So if the fashion dons are taking notice, we might as well keep up.

Personally, I love Turquoise but I'm biased to all colours (part of my confusion in life is to choose a favourite...). Turquoise is a blue-green hue with the name taken from the naturally occurring gemstone representing Sagittarius (if you're into astrology).

In one of my first blogs I touched on the psychology of colour and how it has a very definite effect on us. Turquoise and shades of blue, green and aqua are associated with positivity and calm, spiritual in nature offering, protection and sophistication.

“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth,
inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”

Being true to the mineral, Turquoise shades range from almost sky blue to deep greenish blues so able to able to cover the the spectrum colour directions from Deep to Muted. The lighter shades provide a feminine feel through to Warm teals, while the more blue shades will work well for Cools.  if you're primary colour direction is a Bright then this particular turquoise would work well and for those with more Muted tones they may prefer a more dusky version of turquiose. That's why knowing your colour direction can be so powerful - want to know what yours is?

In fashion, Turquoise can make a very elegant statement and lends itself well to dress up fine silks to dress down cottons so appealing to both men and women. As an accent colour you'll be spoilt for choice with versatile Turquoise, particularly for jewellery but even as a daring choice for your nails. Have fun with it this Spring/Summer!

If you'd like to know how to wear your colours to best suit your unique natural colouring, then why not book your session with Min and start looking great and shopping better.