29 Sep CAN AUSTRALIA AVOID A RATE-INDUCED RECESSION? MEETING TIME? IT CAN BE A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY
Welcome to this week’s business and media intelligence update.
CAN AUSTRALIA AVOID A RATE-INDUCED RECESSION?
The OECD stoked fears about a looming recession for the US and Europe this week when it cut its global economic forecast and warned of the risks posed by the ongoing war in Ukraine and energy price spikes. But is it inevitable that Australia will also be dragged into a recession?
Not necessarily, says economist Peter Martin, who is a visiting fellow at the Crawford School of Public Policy at ANU. Martin argues there are several reasons to be optimistic about Australia, including the RBA’s track record of not always following the US on interest rates, as well as the economic cushion provided by rising commodity prices.
MEETING TIME? IT CAN BE A WASTE OF TIME – AND MONEY
Bosses might want to rethink their next meeting invite after new research found unnecessary meetings are not only wasting time but big bucks.
A survey by software firm Otter.ai and the University of North Carolina found workers spend on average 18 hours a week in meetings but would prefer to skip nearly a third of them.
While most workers are reluctant to say no to an invite, non-critical meetings come at a hefty price for businesses, costing about $US25,000 per employee annually – or roughly $US101 million a year for any organisation with more than 5,000 workers.
Should’ve stuck to an email…
WORKPLACE WORRIES
Companies are being urged to improve their workplace practices to help tackle the 19 per cent jump in the number of days Australian employees are taking off work because of mental health reasons.
More employees are feeling isolated from their workplaces, burnt out and dissatisfied with their jobs, a survey by insurance company Allianz found. Last financial year, the number of mental health days rose to 26,600, which Allianz said had caused financial and management challenges for companies.
Some companies are already developing more creative ways to reconnect and reengage staff, such as allowing workers to bring their dogs and other furry friends to the office and providing free team gym sessions and beauty treatments.
ON THE COUCH WITH ERIC JOHNSTON
The arrival of the internet and advancements in technology have transformed the way we gather, distribute and consume news.
It’s a competitive world out there for media, SO, how do publications attract readership?
Cannings Senior Consultant Simone Ziaziaris sat down with Associate Editor at The Australian, Eric Johnston, to find out for our latest podcast episode of “On the Couch”.
For Eric’s tips and tricks 👇
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