#ChoosetoChallenge – International Women’s Day 2021

#ChoosetoChallenge is the theme of this years International Women’s Day. At a time when we have experienced so much challenge already over the past year, do we have the appetite for more challenge? Of course, to this, the answer has to be a resounding ‘yes’. To call out bias, to challenge gender stereotypes, to maintain an attitude of positivity and inclusion seem even more important right now. And yet when many of us feel a little battle-weary and exhausted from the events of the last years pandemic,  finding the energy and commitment for these very necessary and admirable sentiments means digging deep. Read More

Has it been a robot all along?

This recent BBC article raises some interesting questions about the ever-growing use of AI in the job application process. I understand the frustration some must feel at having their CV rejected by an automated system – but is this actually such a seismic change? Is it really a case of the robots taking over?  and, up to a point, would that even be a bad thing?

Now, I should make clear that I’m generally an advocate for more human engagement through the job application process, not less – but I wonder what mythical heavenly system is being ruined by more technology here? Read More

The Impact of the Pandemic: Working Practices

The Impact of the Pandemic. Do working practices need to change? Is there the expectation that they will? How’s it been for people? The results of our recent survey provide some answers.

Thanks to everyone who completed the BLT ‘How Are You?’ Survey that we ran in December 2020 amongst the Indirect Tax community – fascinating results. Here are the headline conclusions of the questionnaire.

Personal life vs. Professional life? What’s caused individuals the most concern during the Covid crisis? Read More

Company Culture – Has it been missed?

How do you assess company culture and make sure it’s properly communicated? Especially now when interviewees don’t even have the opportunity to chat to a few other people between interviews while in the office or have a look around the lay out and general atmosphere.

Two thirds of employees surveyed by Career Builder felt they’d taken jobs that were a bad fit and over 50% left those jobs within 6 months. Given the time, money and effort expended on new employees in this period this is something companies can ill afford at this time. It’s a crucial aspect of remote interviews that can often be overlooked and the onus is on both parties to bring it up. Read More

Face Time not FaceTime: do we need to ‘Check the Tech’​?

Ever the optimist, I’ve tried to look on the bright side of strife as much as possible recently. It’s not always easy, but the question I keep coming back to is where we would be if this pandemic had happened, say, 20 years ago? Or even 10?

Purely in the context of what technology makes possible, we’re lucky this has happened when it has. Without today’s technology I dare say we’d either all still have to be commuting on packed trains and politely passing Covid along to the next colleague in the office each week, or we’d literally all be sitting at home doing nothing and with probably no company to return to anyway. Read More