This article was originally emailed as issue 173 of our monthly eBulletin at 11:30 on 11/04/2024. You can register here to receive them monthly.
WILL YOU MAKE A DONATION, PLEASE?
I’m taking a bit of a liberty here with a personal request but it’s the first time in nearly 15 years of eBulletins so I’m going to take a chance and hope you’ll allow it! This year, I’m raising money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity. This is a brilliant organisation that provides practical, emotional and financial support for serving military personnel, veterans, and their families in their time of need. I know that many people fundraise by doing physically demanding challenges like the Three Peaks or jumping out of an aeroplane. My brother, Mark, and I will be taking a less strenuous approach by driving an Aston Martin to Gibraltar and back. The most demanding test of stamina will be whether the air conditioning can cope with the summer heat in Spain and Portugal. However, I hope you will consider this request on the merit of the cause rather than the nobility of our effort! Obviously, Mark and I are paying our own way and we ask for any donations to be made straight to SSAFA via our donation page. All contributions, large or small, are most welcome. If you would like to make your donation more interactive, I am happy to discuss making myself and the car available for events such as weddings or proms, or just a ride (or maybe even a drive, subject to insurability). Contact me directly to explore options and availability.
PODCASTS – SIX MONTHS IN
Many thanks if you have already listened to one or more of my podcasts. The project is still a work in progress but the general format seems to be working and I’m having so much fun! There is something extraordinarily satisfying about a sit-down chat with somebody really knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what they do. We have had over 60 podcast name suggestions but there has still not been a ‘Eureka! This is it!’ moment. In fact, several people have now said “Why not use ‘As Yet Untitled’ permanently!”. If we do that, we shall provide some consolation prizes because we promised an Amazon voucher. Take a look (and listen) – the first six recordings are here.
BACK TO BASICS
If you follow us on social media, you will know that we aim to highlight the latest trends and thinking around workplace wellbeing in general, not just physical ergonomics. The other day, whilst reviewing our recent activities, it occurred to me that someone encountering us for the first time might not even realise we sell chairs … and desks … and keyboards … and mice … and monitor arms … and footrests! To correct this, we have introduced a weekly Back to Basics posting for the next five months. These will show short video clips of simple posture and setup information relating to good workstation ergonomics. Watch out for the postings or binge-watch all the videos here!
CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION SEASON
I know I have referred to this in the last two eBulletins but there really does seem to be a lot going on this year. Attending as many events as I do puts some stress on my office workload but there are too many workplace-related conversations going on to miss out at the moment. If you are attending any of these events in April and May, let me know and we can try to meet.
Workplace Trends Research Summit – London, 18.04.24.
CIEHF Ergonomics & Human Factors Conference – Kennilworth, 22-24.04.24.
Ergochair Charity Golf Day – Bristol 25.04.24.
The Workplace Event – NEC, 30.04-02.05.24.
Leading Continuous Change – London, 08.05.24.
Reward Gateway Summit – London, 15.09.24.
CIRCULAR DESIGN
For project work, we now have two approaches to sustainable furniture supply. If you have been watching my personal LinkedIn postings, you will know that our associate company, MSA Manufacturing, is active in the design and manufacture of 3D printed products – more about that soon. Alongside this, we now offer a range of repurposed and remanufactured seating and furniture. All products have already had a full life and are then lovingly restored for another owner. Contact me to explore this conversation further.