EMPLOYERS HAVE A DUTY OF CARE TO ENSURE BUSINESS TRAVEL IS STRESS FREE FOR EMPLOYEES

Business travel is not just the bastion of the procurement department; personnel and HR also need to take note as frequent travel is a little known and under-investigated stress trigger.

Of course any HR manager worth his/her salt, will be only too aware that stress – and distress – among employees causes impaired economic performance. Across the EU, nearly 25 per cent of workers are affected and stress is responsible for 50-60 per cent of all lost days. It’s also rated the second most common work-related health problem and estimated to cost the EU €20 billion annually. It’s also on the increase.

More progressive HR departments and procurement professionals involved in travel understand this and no longer base buying decisions solely on price. They create policies that suit the traveller and not just their budget. They are mindful of their corporate social responsibility and duty of care towards employees. They may miss out on short term savings, but they will also avoid making much bigger long-term financial losses.

It’s time that a more responsible and strategic view of the issues involved in business travel was taken by all, and all HR departments appreciated and understood their CSR and duty of care obligations.

If you’re interested in reading more on this topic, you can visit http://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/news/features/1040063/Employers-duty-care-business-travel-stress-free-employees/ to read the entire feature.

Posted by David Chapple, event director, Business Travel & Meetings SHow

Sources: ‘The Institute of Travel and Meetings, ICARUS report’, Frequent Traveller Wellbeing; Inicio 2010. For more information, www.icarus.itm.org.uk

Casa Mila Barcelona

Casa Mila Roof Terrace

Myself and Jenny at Casa Mila

Parc Guell Mosaics used as Garment Textiles

I spent this past Friday night doing exactly what I wanted to do; watching Vicky Cristina Barcelona with a glass of rose. I had no idea it would prove to be such a productive evening. About a week ago, Joe Denaro asked us to collage our class drawings. I still had not yet decided what location to place my figures in. After watching this film there was no question I wanted to put them in Barcelona. Much like the film's character Vicky, I too hold an unwavering love for Antoni Gaudi's architecture.

A few summers ago, my friend Jenny and I went on a Spanish escapade through Barcelona, Ibiza, and Madrid. Without a doubt, Gaudi's most ornate, exquisite works are what resonate with me most. To be honest, I had trouble deciding between Parc Guell and Casa Mila for the background on this piece. In the end I resolved to place them on the roof of Casa Mila, while incorporating the mosaics of Parc Guell into the fabrics of the garments. This work has me dreaming of the hot sun on Las Ramblas. Enjoy!!

Give Me Face

I was sorting through my first and second semester work today and stumbled across this acrylic paint study I did of an eye, nose, and mouth. It was for my color theory class and was done in preparation for my full-blown color painting otherwise known as Doll Factory. We had to paint on a deep purple ground to provide depth and I was shocked by the three-dimensionality that could be achieved through this process. I think they make a really nice series together. Its amazing to go back and look at how much work I've done in a little over a year. Hope you're having a great weekend and enjoy!!

Travel Write Draw Bloglovin' Widget

I've been thinking for the longest time about designing my own bloglovin' widget for Travel Write Draw. I just couldn't, for the life of me, figure out what to do for it. A few weeks ago, my illustrator class assigned us to design a luggage tag for a travel company called Eco Road. Suddenly the lights went off and I pleaded with my professor to let me design one for Travel Write Draw.

Fortunately the answer was yes and I once again turned to Vogue Paris for inspiration. I used the same references as I did for my suitcase banner and settled on a super sultry image of none other than Miss Lara Stone. She happens to be my favorite model du jour and I'm really pleased with the outcome. Would love to get these printed up for actual use. Enjoy!!

60's Society Girl

It's November 1st already which means I'm probably boarding on passe with this post, but I'm just dying to share photos of my costume from Saturday night with you all. As always, I left my costume preparation to the very last minute. In my defense, I had decided weeks ago to dress as a Maharaja, but could not find the right hat to finish the outfit.

Rather than being defeated by an epic fail, I decided to dress as Rosamund Pike from the movie 'An Education'. I met her once during my brief stint as a television extra and she was very sweet to me. Moreover, I was obsessed with her clothes in this movie. I had more people asking if I was January Jones from Mad Men, or a girl from Moscow, than Rosamund Pike. Regardless I loved every minute of this outfit. Enjoy!!

'An Education' photo still courtesy of http://nostalgicwardrobe.wordpress.com

Meagan's Guide to West Village NYC

Best Coffee at Jack's (138 W 10th St)

Favorite Street Corner Art (7th and Greenwich Ave)

West Village Florist (7th and Greenwich Ave)

Beautiful Brownstones

Day School Sign

Top 3 Brunch Spots: Cafe Cluny (284 W 12th St)

Myself, Kelly, and Jill at Cafe Cluny

Extra Virgin (259 W 4th St)

Morandi (211 Waverly Place)

Amazing View of Hudson River

The Magnolia Bakery (401 Bleecker St)

Mulberry (387 Bleecker St)

Ano 1868 Door

Ralph Lauren Children's Store (380 Bleecker St)

Rebel Rebel Records (319 Bleecker St)

Le Petit Puppy (18 Christopher St)

Cutest Little Puppies

Puppy in Storefront

Favorite Corner View (Gay and Christopher St)

Best Boutiques: Project 159 (159 7th Ave)

Zachary's Smile (9 Greenwich Ave)

Village Bazaar (351 6th Ave)

Village Bazaar Tattoo Artist Casey Hahn and I

Farmer's Vegetable Stand

Highlands Bar (150 W 10th St)

On August 2, 2010 I had the great pleasure of calling the West Village my new home. After spending a year living on the cusp of the Upper Eastside/Spanish Harlem, moving downtown came as a great relief. To outsiders the neighborhood is better known for the celebrities it houses, but any true local will boast of its vibrancy. The energy and quaintness of this place is worth savoring for a lifetime. I was tempted to title this post "A Love Letter to the West Village." Having lived here for three months, I've compiled photos of my most favorite village treasures that I would like to share with you. I know there is probably so much more I have yet to discover, but for now this will do. Happy Halloween everyone and enjoy!!

Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

Three Color Views in Illustrator

Greyscale in Illustrator

Shape in Illustrator. Me and Actual Ring below...

Especially when they don't cost a fortune ;) My latest assignment for my Computer Typesetting and Design class required us to render three views of an object in Adobe Illustrator. The more complex the better because it was intended to demonstrate our shape-making skill level. I chose to do my diamond encrusted wooden ring that I purchased from H&M many moons ago. I just loved the combination of the rustic wood combined with the hard metal. Talk about seeing double though. This project had my eyes watering for days after. I've included a picture of me wearing the real ring as well for comparison. Have a great weekend everyone and enjoy!!