10 | Data protectionBe secure online

Officelife Volume 3 | Issue 12 | 2014

Official Publication of OPSA(Association for Office Professionals of SA)

20 | Tone bums and tumsExercises for all

26 | Go greenMake a plan

32 | Celeb baby boomStar tots for 2014

Ace that interview15 tips for success

Virtual assistantsOut of sight, but not out of mind

Raging bullWhy butting heads in the workplace is normal

You could be the next Marlene!

Enter for OfficeProfessional of the Year

The Other WomanCameron Diaz talks abouther new movie

Earn CPDpoints inthis issue

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issue 12 2014

in this issuePUBLISHED BY Panorama Publications (Pty) Ltd.

Private Bag X4, Kyalami, 1684, South Africa. 92 Campolino Road, Kyalami.

Tel: 011 468 2090 Fax: 011 468 2091

OfficeLife is published 11 times per annum. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission of Panorama Publications (Pty) Ltd. Copyright © 1997-2014 Panorama Publications (Pty) Ltd. The views expressed in OfficeLife are not necessarily those of Panorama Publications and the acceptance and publication of editorial and advertising matter in OfficeLife does not imply any endorsement or warranty in respect of goods or services therein described, whether by OfficeLife or the publishers. OfficeLife will not be held responsible for the safe return of unsolicited editorial contributions. The Editor reserves the right to edit material submitted and in appropriate cases to translate into another language. OfficeLife reserves the right to reject any advertising or editorial material, which may not suit the standard of the publication, without reason given. OfficeLife is published by Panorama Publications.

PUBLISHER Urs Honegger

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Gerard Peter

EDITOR Deanne Dudley

SENIOR SUB EDITOR Vanessa Koekemoer

SUB EDITORS Nicolette Els, Noleen Fourie

DTP STUDIO MANAGER Paul Kotze

LEAD DESIGNER Mauray Wolff

TRAFFIC & PRODUCTION MANAGER

Celeste Jacobs

GROUP ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Urs Honegger

ADVERTISING SALES Amanda Potgieter

amanda@panorama.co.za

SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@panorama.co.za

Tel: 011 468 2090 Fax: 011 468 2091

FINANCE accounts@panorama.co.za

ISSN 2221-6715

These rules apply to all competitions and giveaways in OfficeLife:1: Email entries are restricted to one per person or email address. You may enter via SMS as many times as you like. SMSes are charged at R1.50, including VAT. Free and bundled SMSes don’t apply. 2: Staff members of Panorama Publications, the sponsors of the prize, their advertising agencies as well as any immediate family may not enter. 3: Prizes are not transferable, and may not be converted into cash. 4: The judges’ decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into. 5: Panorama Publications staff cannot be held liable for any prizes that go missing, or are damaged in the post, or may cause harm to the recipients. 6: Please note that by entering our competitions you are opting into the Panorama Publications database. Should you receive any unwelcome communications, you will be given the opportunity to unsubscribe. 7: Panorama Publications makes every effort to contact prize winners on either the email address or mobile number used to enter the competition. Prizes that are not claimed within 90 days of the winner being published, will be forfeited. Prizes returned by the post office as unclaimed will be forfeited.

06 | Conflict in the office

Official Publication of OPSA (Association for Office Professionals of SA)

2 Bulletin board Short reads for the pressed-for-time

PLUS a note from OPSA

4 Virtual reality What does it take to be a virtual assistant?

6 Butting heads Why conflict in the office is natural

8 Seasonal slump? How to beat the winter blues

10 Keep your guard up Data protection is vital

14 Ace that interview Prepare yourself before you go

16 Reviews New books, movies and DVDs for your leisure

18 Dress for success Putting across a professional image

20 Bums and tums Exercise to keep those wobbly bits in check

22 10 Cool things About working for Google

24 Call for entries You could be the next Office

Professional of the Year!

26 Go green Tips for saving power at home

28 Delicious recipe Easter treat to try

30 Candid Cameron We speak to Cameron Diaz about her

new movie

32 Baby boom A look at celeb babies for 2014… so far

14 | Get ready to shine

26 | Make wise choices

OfficeLIFE | 1

Welcome to the crazy period – Easter holidays are here and less time at the office means ridiculous deadlines. Sit tight, it will all be okay!This issue of OfficeLife has lots of things for you to think about – from how well protected your information is online (pg 10), to how to prepare for a job interview (pg 14) and how you should dress to impress in your professional life (pg 18). Going green is a buzz term, and it may seem like one of those ‘nice’ ideas that you’ll never get around to because it is too much effort. With Earth Day coming up on 22 April, we give you some simple steps to cut back on your consumption, and this should have a positive impact on your pocket too (pg 26).Another exciting season is looming (no, not winter!) – it’s time to enter for OPSA Rexel Office Professional of the Year! So if you, or another OPSA member you know, deserve the title, make sure you enter. We show you how on page 24. We hope you’ve learned something from this issue of OfficeLife. If you wish to make any suggestions or have any comments, please do not hesitate to contact me on officelife@panorama.co.za. I would love to hear from you.Until next time, keep well

boardBulletin

News to know

Edutainment on the riseAs more and more children turn to iPads and other devices, local artist and entrepreneur Danielle Orkin has devised a local app called Monster Moogle. Aimed at children aged four to 12, the app includes an interactive storybook, which allows the story to come to life using sound and colourful animation. The Monster Moogle Collage Maker also allows kids to create their own characters and write their own short stories. You can buy the app via iTunes.

5 signs he’s marriedIf your partner does any of this, be suspicious, very suspicious…1 | He pays for everything in cash – leaving no paper trail for his wife to find.2 | He places restrictions on when he can see you, and the places he can meet you… you know, just in case you run into his wife or her friends.3 | He never introduces you to his friends and family… because you’re his dirty little secret.4 | He’s sketchy about taking phone calls in front of you… ‘I love you too’ may arouse your suspicions.5 | You’ve never been to his house… Because you may see his white picket fence, kids and dog.See page 30 for more on the new movie, The Other Woman, starring Cameron Diaz.

2 | OfficeLIFE

23 April is World Book Day.

First celebrated in 1995, it is

thought to coincide with the date

of the death of both Spanish

author Miguel de Cervantes

and English wordsmith

William Shakespeare.

Don’t forget it is Mother’s Day on11 May! If you’re stuck for ideas, here area few:High TeaThe Mount Nelson Hotel, Gardens, Cape Townwww.mountnelson.co.za021 483 1948

The Westcliff Hotel, Johannesburgwww.fourseasons.com/johannesburg

The Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga, Kwazulu-Natalwww.oysterboxhotel.com PicnicsKirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape Town021 799 8782

Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, Johannesburg086 100 1278

KwaZulu-Natal Botanical Gardens, Durban033 344 3585 Spa treatmentsMangwanani (branches in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg) www.mangwanani.co.za0860 550 055

12 Apostles Hotel, Cape Townwww.12apostleshotel.com/spa

Bakwena Day Spa, Centurion, Johannesburgwww.bakwenaspa.co.za

1966The year in which singer Miriam Makeba was the first South African to win a Grammy

14.7 million The number of South Africans who have been tested for HIV as part of the HIV counselling and testing (HCT) campaign

2,000The number of shipwrecks, dating back at least 500 years, off the South African coast

R62The name of the longest wine route in the world, located in the Western Cape

2012The year Table Mountain was inaugurated as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature

OfficeLIFE | 3

Training MANUAL

Seeking a virtual assistantMany ask why businesses would hire virtual assistants when they can merely hire someone to work full-time. Often the answer is simple – money and convenience. A full-time PA’s salary can range anywhere from R59,935 to R245,230 per annum (according to the data given on Payscale.com for personal assistants in South Africa), while virtual assistants are usually paid by the hour for different projects. Depending on the size and type of projects, businesses can hire VAs temporarily, which in turn is more beneficial to an employer than the cost of hiring a full-time employee.

PA vs VA?A look at the small but growing trend of virtual assistance

4 | OfficeLIFE

In 2013, according to an online employment report by online staffing platform Elance, the demand for virtual assistants went up by 85% for the first quarter. A surprising statistic

if one takes into account that the virtual assistant career is still considered to be a relatively new one.

What is a virtual assistant?A virtual assistant (or freelancer) is a self-employed person who works on administrative, technical or creative projects from a remote location, usually their home office. Working independently for various clients (small businesses or executives), virtual assistants typically have a number of years’ experience in their area of expertise, which can range from general administration, social media, and web/graphic design to editing, translation, bookkeeping and online research.

Getting startedWhether you want to get away from the nine-to-five grind or work from your dream destination, virtual assistance could be the answer you’re looking for. Before starting, however, there are a few factors to consider:

• PersonalattributesSucceeding as a virtual assistant takes much more than just skill. You need to be committed and able to set a work schedule based on your client base. It’s crucial to have a high degree of organisation skills and to deliver high-quality work.

• OfficeequipmentBefore jumping the gun, you’ll also need to consider the set-up costs.

Reliable technology such as a computer/laptop, internet connection, phone with an answering machine or cellphone, fax machine/scanner, printer and the software to go with it is essential. Basic office equipment like storage cabinets and stationery is also important.

• Training,managementandnetworkingThere are a multitude of institutions offering training for graduates who would like to start out as virtual assistants. Yet, even if you already have extensive experience behind you, you may require the know-how to run your own business. In an online article by Alison Fourie, she writes that “as a virtual assistant, you are not just doing the work of a virtual assistant, you are also running a company. Therefore you need to make sure that marketing and networking is also part of the job.” (http://tavasa.co.za/) Online colleges such as Intec College, Damelin and GetSmarter offer a variety of courses useful for virtual assistants, but if you want to save on costs, you can also visit your nearest library or talk to those already in the industry.

Breaking it downPros• Ifyoualreadyhaveahomeofficeinplace, set-up costs will be low.• Thisindustryisgrowingexponentiallyas more employers opt to hire VAs.• Workingfromhome,youwillhaveahigh level of control over the hours you work with more freedom.• Lesstravelling(commuting)costs.• Youcanworkfromanywhereintheworld, which means if you want to spend a few months overseas, you can take your work with you.

ResourcesFor more information on starting out as a virtual assistant, or on hiring a virtual assistant, visit the following websites:•Consideringavirtualassistant?Fivetips to make it workwww.businessnewsdaily.com/6044-virtual-assistant-tips.html •Howvirtualofficeassistantsworkwww.howstuffworks.com/business-communications/virtual-office-assistant.htm •Virtualassistant(VA)businesshttp://homebusiness.about.com/od/businessservicesbusiness/p/virtual_assist.htm •Virtualassistanthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_assistant •Virtualassistantcareerguidewww.virtualassistantcareerguide.com •Tavasa–TranscriptionistsandVAsof South Africahttp://tavasa.co.za/ •Whatisavirtualassistant?www.sheknows.com/living/articles/990789/what-is-a-virtual-assistant •Elanceglobalonlineemploymentreportswww.elance.com/q/online-employment-report/2013-Q1 www.elance.com/q/online-employment-report

Cons• Endlessdistractionscouldcauseyouto lose focus. Inform family and friends of your working hours, so there will be minimal interruptions.• Nomorecompanybenefits!Vacationand sick leave will be a thing of the past. Medical aid and pension contributions will also be your own responsibility.• LovethoseFridayluncheonswiththe team at work? Other than liaising with your clients, you will not have any colleagues to chat with and will mostly work on your own. While this might be a benefit for some, for ‘people persons’ this might prove challenging.

iText: Danica PotgieterPhotography: Shutterstock

Earn CPD pointsSend the answer to this question to admin@opsa.org.za and your correct answer will contribute towards your CPD score:•Nameoneproandoneconof

becoming a VA.

CPD

OfficeLIFE | 5

Training MANUAL

off some steam?Blowing

Conflict in the office needs to be managed effectively to reduce its impact on organisational health

6 | OfficeLIFE

Conflict is as natural as breathing; when people are required to live, work or play together there is always the potential

for conflict. In fact, various studies show that as much as 60% of human resource management time is spent on managing and resolving workplace conflict.

In a business environment that relies heavily on team structures and task relationships in which individuals are collectively managed, assessed and rewarded, workplace conflict is almost inevitable.

However, not all conflict is negative, it depends on the type of conflict it is and how well it is managed. Within the workplace, conflict can arise as a result of opposing ideas, opinions, decisions and actions relating to a work-related issue or it can be personal; people just not liking one another and therefore being unable to get along and work together.“Irrespective of the type of conflict, if not managed properly, it can have a significant and negative impact on a business,” says Kay Vittee, CEO of Quest Staffing Solutions, Africa’s leading staffing solutions company within the white-collar recruitment industry. “This includes decreased productivity, lowered morale, increased absenteeism due to the physical and mental health-related consequences of stress, staff turnover and ultimately the knock-on effect these issues have on the business’ performance.”

She continues, “If workplace conflict is centred on a work-related issue and it is managed well, it can have a significant and positive impact on a business. After all, conflict is a form of communication that allows varying perspectives and ideas to be presented and analysed;

an opportunity to focus minds and energy on a common goal. This process could lead to a compromise that was previously not considered or to a solution that is more innovative and creative than any that existed prior to the conflict.”

To successfully manage and resolve conflict in such a way requires strong leadership. Widely regarded as one of the most challenging and difficult functions of people management, conflict management or dispute resolution demands specific skills and if not done properly, can have the opposite effect. For this reason, many companies choose to rather bring in the unbiased and professional skills of a mediator.

Some suggested tactics for successful resolution include the following:• Remaincompletelyobjective,donot mediate if you are directly involved in the issue, either personally or professionally. Rather refer the matter to another manager or an outsourced professional.• Ensurethatyouidentifyacommongoal up front and continually focus the discussion and interaction on that goal.• Setadeadlineforthedesiredresolution.• Askthatallpartiesinvolvedpresenttheir arguments in a professional and respectful manner. • Requestthattheypresentresearchand facts to back up their suggestions and opinions.• Encouragetheopposingsidesto acknowledge and compliment proposals and ideas that warrant it.• Brainstormallsuggestions,ideas,opinions and arguments in the hope that the process will reveal a compromise or spark innovation.

• Utiliseyourhumanresourcedepartment or professional partners to guide, assist and oversee the process.• Documentandrecordtheprocessand all outcomes as the solutions may only present themselves on review of the content.

If the opposing parties have greatly different skill levels, maturity, confidence and/or communication skills, the situation may require that you investigate and research various conflict resolution strategies and tools, of which there are many.

“The ideal situation is to create a workplace culture that invites and welcomes individual thinking, diverse opinions and conflict conversations underpinned by the values of respect, open-mindedness and humility. This culture will foster a team environment that sees and realises the value of conflict as a constructive rather than destructive natural process,” concludes Vittee.

Quest Staffing Solutions is Africa’s leading staffing solutions company within the white-collar recruitment industry. Established in 1974, Quest has almost 40 years’ experience in the South African staffing industry, specialising in the recruitment and management of white-collar staff. Visit www.quest.co.za for more information.

About Quest Staffing Solutions

iText: SuppliedPhotography: Shutterstock

Earn CPD pointsSend the answers to these questions to admin@opsa.org.za and your correct answers will contribute towards your CPD score:1. How much of HR’s time is spent on conflict in the workplace?2. Name one negative impact badly-managed conflict can have on a business. 3. Name one tactic for successfully resolving workplace conflict.

CPD

OfficeLIFE | 7

Training MANUAL

i Text: Laura McKeenPhotography: Ignite Lab

and vegetables rather than processed and refined food. These foods provide your body with nutrients and stabilise your blood sugar and energy levels. Be sure to drink enough water daily to help flush out toxins. Get plenty of exercise – it isn’t only for maintaining your weight and staying healthy, it’s also great for relieving the stresses of life. Keep your stress levels in check and get at least seven hours of sleep every night – stress and lack of sleep affect your body’s natural resistance to infection.

But… take the sick leaveIf you do unfortunately fall victim to illness, it’s important that you take your sick leave. While you may be a workaholic who can’t bear the thought of calling in sick, it’s not in your or your company’s best interests to come to work sick and work until you’re sent home due to illness. People are most contagious during the first few days of illness, so if you have the flexibility to, and are up to working from home, do so rather than getting everyone at work sick. Also, if you’re not feeling your best, you won’t be able to work to the best of your ability. If you take sick leave and take the time to rest, you will get better faster and improve your overall productivity.

of the hands, you will greatly reduce the likelihood of nasty viruses and diseases remaining on your hands to be transferred to your mouth and nose – germs and bacteria should be killed by the alcohol in the sanitiser. On the plus side, your hands will also be left feeling clean and fresh.

3Keep your distanceWhile business often calls for coming into contact with others,

as far as possible, try to talk to your colleagues (especially infected ones) from at least 60cm away. This should reduce your risk of coming into contact with airborne viruses.

4Clean your keyboard and phoneGerms and bacteria are likely to

make your keyboard and phone their playground if you don’t keep them clean. Gently use a disinfectant wipe designed for use on computers, or spray disinfectant onto a soft cloth to clean your keyboard and phone, and you will prevent germs from spreading further and causing illness.

5Look after yourselfTry to keep your health at its best. Take a daily multivitamin to bridge

the nutritional gaps in your diet. Eat a healthy diet by opting for more unrefined foods and complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat breads, brown rice, fruit

Winter is when we spend more time indoors to avoid the cold conditions. In doing so, germs are spread

more easily, transferring from your home to your office and back again. Also, air-conditioning systems in the workplace and the many people you meet with and speak to, allow viruses and diseases to spread easily, creating an even more unpleasant winter. However, there are five easy steps you can take to help prevent catching any nasty germs in the workplace.

1WashyourhandsfrequentlyWhile it might sound like a broken record of your mother telling you

what to do, washing your hands is the best way to prevent the spread of germs. Also consider placing signs in restrooms that remind people to wash their hands. To assist with this decision, plenty of hand soap and paper towel to dry hands with and to use to open the door with afterwards, should be available. Once you have been supplied with these materials, put them to good use!

2Keep hand sanitiser on your deskBuy an alcohol-based sanitiser and

leave it on your desk so that you can use it frequently. Since 90% of diseases and viruses are spread through contact

How to avoid getting ill this winter

5 ways to beat winter

8 | OfficeLIFE

The winter bluesFewer hours of sunlight and freezing temperatures can be pretty cruel on your mental state. While many of us have probably referred

to feeling slightly under the (cold) weather at some point during winter, the winter blues is not just a myth. People who experience a

prolonged depressed mood, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, carbohydrate cravings and severe weight gain or loss during autumn and winter,

may suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a mood disorder where people experience depressive symptoms during the

colder seasons but are mentally healthy throughout the rest of the year. SAD is believed to be attributed to the shorter daylight hours.

Light functions to stop the production of the sleep hormone, melatonin. With shorter daylight hours, less light enters the eye and so

melatonin production increases, causing lethargy and depressive symptoms. SAD occurs throughout the northern and southern

hemispheres, but is rare among people who live near the equator.

OfficeLIFE | 9

Think MORE

Whether you are a home computer user, small business or large conglomerate, the integrity of

personal data is a concern that cannot be overlooked in this techno-centric age. Across the spectrum, computer users face a myriad of threats which seek to capitalise on unsecured data for fun and profit.

Various forms of sensitive data exist and these are not confined solely to computer hard drives and company servers.

Hard-copy information remains an underrated threat while most forms of modern technology have their weak spots which need bolstering from time to time.

More than you thinkJust what exactly is personal

data though? Personal data is any information that can be used to identify

or locate a living person, whether directly or indirectly, according to the common definition. Email addresses, home addresses, telephone numbers, credit card numbers and workplace addresses form the top tier of this data, being the most obvious examples of personal information. This at-risk information can be found in hard copy or digital format.

Another example that a smaller proportion of tech users are aware of are modern cellular phones and digital cameras. Some of these devices (including the iPhone and most N-series Nokia handsets) are capable of taking photographs that will enable someone to pinpoint your location via embedded GPS (global positioning system) data in the image itself. This geotagging information is stored in a digital image’s Exif (exchangeable image file format) metadata and can yield the precise location where

Protection is vitalKeep your personal information private

10 | OfficeLIFE

the details for online banking and other accounts can be lifted with relatively little effort.

Companies large and smallBusinesses also face phishing attempts in many forms and the need to secure networks, wireless or otherwise, should always remain a top priority. If the budget choice is between network security and more marketing, security should win. It doesn’t always, but it should. Another shared threat between the home user and companies is the existence of hard copy which can be used to lift personal information. When company records are thrown in the trash, they do not cease to exist. Unless one is quite careful. Every computer user is at risk from stolen machines, businesses even more so. A stolen company laptop could contain enough information to cripple a business for good in the worse-case scenario. Best-

but the email takes different forms. Ignore any email, no matter how sincere it is or how much it tugs at your heartstrings, that offers you something for nothing. Nobody has ever received a free iPad, PS3, money from Bill Gates or a portion of a fortune from any of these emails, despite the many testimonials to the contrary. A fantastic indicator of illegitimate emails is the total and utter disregard for spelling and punctuation. Nobody knows why the people who generate scam messages always seem to have a Grade 3 reading level but their stupidity can be your shield. A more technical problem is the existence of a wireless access point in the home. If these are left unsecured then someone using up your bandwidth is the least of your problems. An unsecured wireless router can be used to gain access to your computer, exposing personal documents and data. Keyloggers and spyware can be inserted into unprotected systems and

a photo was taken to anyone with a web-browser and a search engine.

Then there is also the cloud, where information is stored online. For those unfamiliar with the internet cloud, this is a nebulous support structure that makes up the online world. Think of it as an intangible entity that works for reasons that most of its users couldn’t ever explain. This data is often inaccessible and undeletable once it has hit the online sphere and preventative measures, rather than reactive ones, are required with regard to this information. Facebook or other social networking tools can, unfortunately, be used to pry open other repositories of information. This process, known as social engineering, can be used to leverage data that can later be used to access company servers.

Threats@homeHome computer users face a different, slightly lower level of threat when it comes to personal data, but this is countered by (often) a reduced level of protection than that offered by a company. The dangers are no less hazardous for individuals than they are for companies – the difference is simply one of magnitude. A company may lose millions; a person may lose their life’s savings or, worse, their identity. How to deal with these threats will be covered later but first you need to know what you are facing.

These home-based threats overlap with the risks facing businesses with only a few unique items to be aware of. Email phishing is a massive problem. Anyone claiming to represent your bank in an email is best ignored, even if it actually is your banking institution. It is simpler to correct an ignored legitimate email over the phone than it is to launch a fraud investigation, no matter how frustrating bank call centres may be. The 419 or Nigerian scam is better known,

OfficeLIFE | 11

Think MORE

IT team or outsourced support to plug that particular hole but it is not unheard of for someone to leave a router open to everyone who gets within range of it. A wireless router should have password-protected encryption enabled on it, preferably running WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) or WPA2 encryption. These features are built into most modern routers and a call to your router company’s local tech support will show you how to set it up. Older router models only support WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption. Enabling this is better than nothing but bear in mind that WEP passwords can be broken in less than 10 minutes.

Companies need to be mindful that server, website and network software is always patched up to the latest version. The recent devastating hack that shut down Sony Online Entertainment as well as its PlayStation Network, compromising the personal data of roughly 100 million users, was only possible because of an exploitable vulnerability that could have been patched. The patch existed, it simply hadn’t been implemented. Databases and hard drives that contain sensitive information can be encrypted to prevent loss of data in the event of a security breach or theft of a company workstation. Windows 7 comes with built-in encryption called BitLocker but there are many other options out there. TrueCrypt is a free alternative for personal encryption but be warned: losing a password for a TrueCrypt-encrypted drive means that the data is irrecoverable. Other useful company policies would include a mandatory

case, all the clients listed on that missing machine will begin receiving spam. Internal threats exist for companies in the form of removable media. The proliferation of USB thumb drives and ever-increasing storage capacity means that a random stranger could drop an entire company database into their pocket within minutes. A phenomenon known as podslurping is also a problem. With podslurping, the storage medium changes from a thumb drive to an iPod, smartphone or other media player. These are harder to control as they have legitimate, albeit personal, uses but they generally have large capacities and smartly double as data storage.

Hacking forms part of the risk that companies face. Networks are broken into by exploiting vulnerabilities in security systems or operating systems but there are more ways to gain access than you might believe. Some of the more brazen attempts to get access to a company’s systems involved doing research on a major figure in the company (by using information gleaned from Facebook and other cloud-based repositories of information), posing as that person and then simply requesting high-level passwords from network administrators.

Use protectionThe protection of personal data, whether it is your own personal data or it is under your care, is paramount in preventing larger crimes from taking place and protecting yourself and your clients. There are a few relatively simple steps that can be taken for each of the above-mentioned hazards, which will help minimise the risks.

A comprehensive antivirus (AV) program should be active on any computer system at all times, whether at home or in a company network. Deciding which AV package to use should always be according to performance rather than a sales pitch, so paying a visit to www.av-comparatives.org/ is a start.

Wire we hereSecuring wireless access points may seem like a chore. The short reply to that is: it is. It is also essential, particularly in the home. Most companies have either a dedicated

Combat phishing Attempts for both offices and homes come down to three things. Education, common sense and suspicion should be your watch-words when it comes to an email account. Firstly, educate everyone who works within a company or home environment as to what a phishing email looks like. This, coordinated with conventional company security guidelines, will help reduce the impact that phishing can have. A great place to check for examples of this sort of activity is Snopes.com (www.snopes.com/fraud/fraud.asp), which details many of the scams that do the rounds.

Common sense is just that. If it seems unlikely that someone would be throwing free money in your direction, ignore the email entirely. It is equally unlikely that a total stranger, no matter how dire their straits appear, has managed to secure your email address to ask for financial assistance. Those addresses come from spam databases and rely on philanthropic impulses to generate illicit income.

Suspicion is the final pillar and it is perhaps the most important. The simplest point of entry into any computer system is via an email account. Unfamiliar emails need to be treated with suspicion and one should never, under any circumstances, open any attachments that come with these mails until they are confirmed as legitimate. Even emails from sources known to you need to be regarded with a touch of paranoia. Always seek confirmation from an email’s sender if the message seems a bit off and always scan email attachments for viruses, malware and spyware before opening them, no matter who has sent them.

12 | OfficeLIFE

around 3,000 smaller bits that are all but impossible to decipher.

The threats outlined here and the methods that can be used to avoid them are far from comprehensive, but cover the entire range of dangers that exist for personal data security. The only safe assumption that can be made is that, no matter how good your security protocols are, someone somewhere has the means to circumvent them. However, being proactive and aware of the risks goes a very long way to making yourself, as an individual or as a company, a much less inviting target.

enough to breach security, other times the company letterhead and other details can be used for social engineering in a bid to gain access to a secure network. There are two options for any documents that are not in use/storage. The first is a weekly bonfire and the second is shredding. When it comes to shredding paperwork there are three major options. The first is the strip-cut shredder, which is the one everyone thinks of when they think of paper shredders. However, this method is not the most secure and a determined person rifling through your garbage can piece together documents with a little time and patience. Cross-cut shredders render documents down into smaller pieces, making reconstruction more difficult but still not impossible. The last option is the micro-cut shredder, most commonly used by government agencies and larger corporations that have trade secrets to protect. These machines can convert pages into

password change for all users at timed intervals. Passwords themselves should be unique for each and every login, be they website or internal company systems, and (preferably) comprise a random string of alphanumeric characters. A password like ‘sallyjenkins’ can be broken in short order but something along the lines of ‘5a||yJ3nK1N5’ will defeat most password-sniffing programs. A no-thumb-drive policy is also an option, but implementing and enforcing this is a security issue that would have to be put together with the assistance of the IT folks. Some companies may even take this a step further and ditch USB ports on company workstations altogether. Filling USB ports with epoxy prevents them from being accessed but will also drive the IT department bonkers when the time comes to fix that workstation.

TonightonHard copyHard copies, whether they are telephone accounts or company missives with client details on them, are one of the more underrated threats to personal data security to be found. Sometimes the information on paper is

i Text: Brett Venter is a staff writer for PCFormat, a monthly computer technology magazinePhotography: Shutterstock

OfficeLIFE | 13

Training MANUAL

Ace thatinterview!

Job interviews are always daunting, so be prepared

14 | OfficeLIFE

i Text: Penelope Peter Photography: Shutterstock

So, you’ve decided to start the job hunt and you’re lining up interviews. It is a very stressful period, but if you take the time to sit down and prepare

yourself, you will find that it is not as bad as you think… Here are a few tips to help you on your way.

1Do your researchGather background information on

the company and the work it does. Prepare yourself to answer questions about it during the interview. People are impressed when you have taken the time to do your homework.

2 PhoneafriendGet a friend or partner to do a mock

interview with you so you can practise (use the questions in the block on this page). It will help settle your nerves a little.

3 Look sharp!Prepare your outfit in advance.

Make sure your shoes are polished, your clothes ironed, and your hair and nails are clean and neat.

4 PackbeforehandPack what you think you may need

for the interview – two pens, some printouts of your CV and references, and a notepad with questions you may have for the interviewer.

5 PractiserelaxationtechniquesBreathe deeply, focus your mind and

calm yourself down before you enter. If you get yourself into a panic, you will not impress the interviewer.

6Always be polite and respectfulSaying please, thank you and pardon

me can go a long way in showing that you’re a lady. Manners matter – from the

receptionist to the tea lady to the MD. Show everyone the respect you’d like to be treated with.

7Be honestLying on your CV or in an interview is

never a good idea – the truth will always come out and you can be sure the fallout will be bad. If you do not have a certain skill, rather impress that you’re a quick and eager learner.

8Watch your body languageDon’t slouch or fidget. Make eye

contact, but don’t stare. Cross your legs and place your hands in your lap. Try to appear at ease. Nervous people make others uneasy.

9Be on timePlan your route ahead of the big day

so you allow yourself ample time to get there. Nothing short of a catastrophe can be an excuse for tardiness for an important meeting like this.

10Be all earsListen carefully to what is being

said and asked so that you can answer the questions properly. In a nervous state, we sometimes blurt things out rather than stopping to think about our answer, so make a point to take that time.

11Zip itDon’t talk too much. It’s one thing

to be friendly, and another to over-share. Telling an interviewer about your intense love for your nine cats won’t do you any favours, unless you’re applying at a vet perhaps…

12 PractiseinterviewetiquetteTurn your phone off, walk in

confidently and greet the interviewer by shaking their hand. Make a point of

finding out their name beforehand so you can address them by it. Don’t interrupt when the interviewer is talking. Just be courteous and pleasant and be sure to thank the interviewer at the end.

13Always prepare some questions

At the end of every interview, there is generally room for some questions from your side. Plan these beforehand and write them down in case you forget them. Asking pertinent questions shows that you’re interested, but don’t ask too many – after all you’re the one being interviewed.

14We’ll get back to you…If the interviewer hasn’t mentioned

it as you depart, make sure to query when you might know the outcome. That way you will not phone too early to follow up. If you have not heard back within the specified time, send a courtesy email that asks politely if they have made a decision.

15If the answer isn’t positiveDon’t lose heart; you cannot get

every job you apply for. Keep your chin up and move forward. Use each interview as practice for the next, and stay positive.

•Whyshouldwehireyou?•Whyareyouleavingyourpreviousjob?•Wheredoyouseeyourselfinfiveyears?•Whatisyourgreateststrengthandweakness?•Tellmeaboutyourself.•Doyouworkbetterinateamoralone?•Whatareyoursalaryexpectations?•Whatdoyouknowaboutthiscompany?•Whatskillsdoyouhavethatwillhelp in this position?•Doyouhaveanyquestions?

Dreaded questions you should prepare for:

OfficeLIFE | 15

Lite SIDE

Book – Spilt MilkBy Amanda Hodgkinson1913. Unmarried sisters Nellie and Vivian Marsh live an impoverished existence in a tiny cottage on the banks of the Little River in Suffolk. Their life is quiet and predictable, until a sudden flood throws up a strange fish on their doorstep and a travelling man who will change them forever. 1939. Eighteen-year-old Birdie Farr is working as a barmaid in the family pub in London. But as the years pass, Birdie discovers she cannot escape the Marsh sisters’ shadowy past.

Reviews

OnDVD–CloudywithaChanceofMeatballs2This, the second movie in the series, picks up where Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs left off. Inventor Flint is now seen as a genius and is invited by his idol, Chester V, to join a company that creates new technologies. Flint’s dream of being a great inventor is fulfilled, until he finds out his machine that turns water into food is still operating – and is now making food-animals (‘foodimals’). Now Flint must battle hungry tacodiles, kiwi birds and fruit cockatiels to save the world – again! © 2014 Sony Pictures Animation. All rights reserved.

Onthebigscreen–WalkofShameMeghan Miles has had a rough day. A very rough day. After losing an audition for her dream TV news anchor job, she goes out for an uncharacteristic night of partying. She awakes in a stranger’s bed to a phone message announcing the job is hers, if she can make it to the news station by the time of broadcast. Stranded in an unknown area without money, a phone or a car, Meghan – clad in a provocative yellow dress – embarks on a series of misadventures. As she races to the most important job interview of her life, she finds herself among drug dealers and hookers, all while being pursued by the LAPD, an angry taxi driver, and a young kid with an attitude. © 2014 Lakeshore Entertainment. All rights reserved.

Book–TheOnePlusOneBy Jojo Moyes With two jobs and two children, Jess Thomas does her best day after day. Jess’ gifted daughter Tanzie is brilliant with numbers, but without a helping hand she’ll never get the chance to shine. And Nicky, Jess’ stepson, can’t fight the bullies alone. Ed Nicholls is a man whose life is in chaos, and who is running from a deeply uncertain future. The One Plus One is a captivating romance about two lost souls meeting in the most unlikely circumstances.

16 | OfficeLIFE

Cool Mags.com

The latest copy of Braintainment as well as all 2013/14 copies are available online. For online information, single purchases or subscriptions go to www.coolmags.com

DIGITAL VERSIONAVAILABLE ON

Training MANUAL

impressDress to

The clothes you wear to work send subconscious messages about you…

18 | OfficeLIFE

i Text: Deanne Dudley Photography: Shutterstock

Wearing certain colours says things about you as a person on a subconscious level. Here’s a rough guide of colours to wear when you want to project certain traits:• Red – powerful, strong, ambitious• White – well-balanced, self-reliant,

likes simplicity• Yellow – active, happy, interesting• Purple – sensitive, compassionate,

wise• Black – strong-willed, has authority,

disciplined• Pink – sympathetic, calm,

understanding• Blue – intelligent, loyal, successful• Green – generous, positive,

energetic• Orange – spontaneous, optimistic,

independent

Colour coded

Most companies have a dress code, but they can be a little vague. If you want to put your best foot forward, make sure

you follow these golden rules.

SayNOto…• Cleavage• Openbacks• Boobtubes• Stomachondisplay• Visibleunderwear• Slopsandtekkies• Visiblepiercingsasidefromears• Hatsotherthanforreligiousreasons• Shortshorts,dressesorskirts

It’s Tekkie Tax day on 30 May, so get your company involved! It’s R10 a sticker and you can choose to support one of five types of causes – from animals to kids, family care, disabilities and education. For more info visit www.tekkietax.co.za.

One day when tekkies are okay!

• Anythingtoobrightlycolouredorpatterned

• Visibletattoos• Anythingsee-through

Dress how you want to be perceivedThe way you present yourself says a lot about who you are as a person, and what your ambitions are. First impressions count, and looking professional can really advance your career as you will be seen as someone who commands respect. People will know you are serious about your job, and the truth is that people who don’t take care to dress properly come across as lazy. “The problem with appearance is that it translates to performance,” says Nicole Williams, a career expert at LinkedIn. If you cannot be trusted to look after your appearance, will people really trust you to handle the work?

Rule of thumbUnderstanding what is appropriate is key. We don’t all have uniforms to guide us, so we have to rely on common sense. When it comes to the corporate world, being overdressed is better than being underdressed. It would be very embarrassing to arrive at a meeting wearing jeans and slops and see that everyone else is in corporate attire. Always make sure your clothing fits: too loose looks slobby and too tight is revealing. Never try to be too sexy, work is not the right place to flaunt your assets. Keep your accessories simple and tasteful and don’t go for outrageous hair colours and styles.

Be mindful of offending others with slogans on your clothing, and remember that with perfume, less is more. Keep up with your personal hygiene – your hair and nails should be clean and neat, and you should always wear deodorant. Iron your clothes and check for stains and holes/fraying. Polish your shoes, and generally just make sure you look well kept.

You would think that all of the above is common sense, but you’d be surprised. Calling someone out on any of the above is embarrassing for the individual and for you. If we all just take pride in our professional appearance, there will be no issues.

OfficeLIFE | 19

Home TIME

Bums and tumsGet in shape with these targeted exercises

20 | OfficeLIFE

It’s getting colder and we naturally eat more to keep us warm. Avoid winter bulge by keeping up a good fitness routine. Here are some handy exercises to try.

TUMSScissor kicksLie on your back with your arms extended by your sides. Contract your core muscles and lift your legs about 5 to 10cm off the ground. Keeping your abdominal muscles contracted and firm, ‘scissor’ your legs over one another (left above right, right above left). Do this for 30 seconds, rest for 15 seconds, and repeat.

BridgeLie flat on your tummy with your arms by your sides. Contract your core and abdominal muscles, bring your arms up, lift your body, and place your elbows below your shoulders on the ground. Your body is now resting on your elbows and on the tips of your toes. Keep this ‘planking’ position for as long as possible. Concentrate on keeping your body in a straight line. Repeat a couple of times.

Leg raisesSitting on the edge of a chair, on the edge of your bum, grasp the chair or seat with both your hands behind you. Slowly

recline until your back nearly touches the back of the chair, while simultaneously lowering your legs to touch the ground. Keep your core contracted. Now, raise your upper body while slowly lifting your legs and bringing them in, closer to your chest. This is one rep. Repeat this exercise for 15 to 20 reps.

BUMSSquatsStanding with your feet shoulder-length apart, contract your core and raise your hands in front of you. Now, keeping your core contracted, slowly lower yourself until your heels slightly leave the ground (lower yourself as if you were going to sit on a chair). Return back to standing position, count to three, and repeat.

Walking lungesStanding with your feet shoulder-length apart, hands on your hips and core contracted, take a step forward with your right foot, but keep your left foot in its current position. ‘Kneel down’ until your knees are 90 degrees with the ground. Now, slowly bring your left foot forward, and step in front of your right – repeating the movement with your left foot. Repeat this with your right and left foot a couple of times. This is called a walking lunge. Remember to keep your core contracted for the entire exercise.

Donkey kicksGet on your hands and knees, with your wrists and shoulders aligned, and your knees and hips aligned. Contracting your core, lift your right leg so it is parallel to the floor, with your knee bent, and your foot flexed. Return your leg to the starting position, rest two to three seconds, and repeat. When you are done with the right leg, do the same with the left.

iText: Mariska van WykPhotography: Shutterstock

OfficeLIFE | 21

10 cool things

Google has repeatedly been voted one of the best companies in the world to work for. What makes them so special?

about

Google

Lite SIDE

22 | OfficeLIFE

1They have medical and dental facilities on site, as well as three wellness

centres and a sports complex.

2 They have over 35,000 employees, and create more than 5,500 new jobs

a year.

3 They have a daycare facility, valet parking and a room with washers

and dryers.

4 Every day staff get free breakfast, lunch and dinner made from organic

and sustainable ingredients.

5 They have meaningful community service programmes that staff can

get involved with, and they are passionate about being environmentally friendly.

6 If you want to study, you can make use of their global education

programme, which allows you to take a leave of absence for up to five years.

7 Subsidised massages are available for those feeling stressed. Free on-site

haircuts, ping pong and foosball tables and video games are also a treat.

8 They have ‘tech stops’ where you go to get immediate solutions to any

of your technology issues – no waiting around for problems to be fixed. And if you need a new mouse, adaptor or battery, simply visit the Hardware Depot and pick one up.

9 They regularly have inspirational people come and give speeches

for staff – from presidents to Nobel Prize winners.

10 You work alongside some truly brilliant minds, who you can learn

from and respect.

OfficeLIFE | 23

OPSA NEWS

Office professionals are key contributors in any business, providing a wide range of attributes and skills, including

strong organisational, project management and customer service skills which enhance the operations of management.

This prestigious award has been presented since 1982 and serves as the benchmark for outstanding performance and achievements by office professionals within both the private sector and government.

It acknowledges an office professional who demonstrates a continued commitment to:• servingasaninspirationalrole

model to others in the profession.• deliveringexceptional

administrative support services in their organisation.

• offeringinnovativeinputsintotheirworkplace.

• continuingprofessionalandpersonal development.

Recent winners2013 Marlene Mienie (Sportron)2012 Nomvula Moloko (Oxfam)2011 Priscilla Bouwer (SAP)2010 Anneke Janse van Rensburg (Johnson & Johnson)2009 Pamela Khumalo (Telkom)

Who can be nominated?• Thisawardisopentoindividualswho

strive to excel and further themselves in their role as office professional.

• Nomineesmustbelegalresidentsof South Africa and have been in an administrative role for a minimum of five consecutive years.

• Thefinalistsandwinnerareexpectedto act as ambassadors in promoting OPSA to the wider business community and profession and to regularly write for publications and speak at events.

• Nominations/applicationswillbeaccepted from 15 April to 11 July 2014.

Enter now!The OPSA Rexel South African National Office Professional of the Year Awards 2014 entries

are now open!

24 | OfficeLIFE

Entry form

SECTION1:REGION¨ Eastern Cape ¨ Free State¨ Gauteng¨ KwaZulu-Natal¨ Limpopo¨ Mpumalanga¨ Northern Cape¨ North West Province¨ Western Cape

SECTION2:CATEGORYSELECTIONIndicate with a cross which category/categories you would like to enter:¨ Upcoming Office Professional of the Year Award¨ Office Professional Leadership Award¨ Office Professional Communications Award ¨ Office Professional Extraordinaire Award – Outstanding all-rounder

SECTION3:PLEASEPROVIDEYour application should be forwarded as a PDF with the photograph as a jpeg attachment.• A two-page abridged copy of your current CV• A reference in support of your application• A covering letter motivating why you should be selected as the 2014 OPSA Rexel SA National Office Professional

of the Year• A head-and-shoulders photo (professional business pose) in electronic format (minimum 300dpi resolution)

SECTION4:PERSONALDETAILS

Name of nominator: (n/a if entering yourself)

Contact details of nominator: (n/a if entering yourself)

Full name:

Job title:

Company:

Street address:

Telephone:

Email:

Are you currently in a secretarial/PA/executive assistant role?

How many years have you been active in the office support profession?

SECTION5:ASSIGNMENTS

A Upcoming Office Professional of the Year AwardIf you are entering this category you are required to complete a two-page, 12-point, 1½ line spaced essay on the following topic: Five skills a ‘stand-out PA’ needs to succeed at work.

B Office Professional Leadership Award If you are entering this category you are required to complete a two-page, 12-point, 1½ line spaced essay on the following topic: What have you done, and what would you like to do in the future, to promote and grow the office profession?

C Office Professional Communications Award If you are entering this category you are required to complete a two-page, 12-point, 1½ line spaced essay on the following topic: What skills do you think office professionals will need to be successful in the future?

Office Professional Extraordinaire Award – Outstanding all-rounderIf you are entering this category, you are required to complete assignments B and C.

SECTION6:TERMSANDCONDITIONSOFENTRY

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

To participate in the 2014 OPSA Rexel SA National Office Professional of the Year Award, all questions in the nomination form must be completed and forwarded with the requested information and documentation. All nominations and any attachments provided will remain strictly confidential.Entry into the competition constitutes your acceptance of all the terms and conditions.The five short-listed national finalists will be required to attend the final judging and Office Professionals Day event in Gauteng during Office Professionals Week (first week of September).The judges’ decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.Every endeavour has been made to ensure the presentation of all prizes is as advertised. However, in the unlikely event that a sponsor, due to unforeseen circumstances, is unable to honour their commitment, the award winners acknowledge that OPSA will not be expected to supply or replace the prize, although every effort will be made to do so.

Endorsement by nominator (not applicable if nominating yourself)I (name) _________________________________________________Position/title ______________________________________________Support (nominee’s name) ____________________________________In his/her nomination for the 2014 OPSA Rexel SA National Office Professional of the Year Award.

Signature of nominator ______________________________________Date ___________________________________________________

Applicant declarationI understand that, should I be selected as a national finalist, I am required to complete certain work-related exercises and to be interviewed by the judging panel. I further give my consent that if I am selected as a finalist, any photos and details may be used for future OPSA publicity/promotions and that I may

be required to feature in publicity for the sponsors. I have read and agree to all the terms and conditions contained in this document and have completed all questions openly and honestly in accordance with the spirit of fair competition.

Signature of applicant _______________________________________Date ___________________________________________________

Forward your completed application before 5pm on 11 July 2014 to:

Samantha BrownAssociation for Office Professionals of South Africa (OPSA)E: info@opsa.org.za T: 012 993 0881W: www.opsa.org.za

OfficeLIFE | 25

Home TIME

Be agreen queen

26 | OfficeLIFE

i Text: Roger Bulgin from Mr. PowerPhotography: Shutterstock

With National Environment Month in June and World Environment Day on 5 June, it’s vital to

remain conscious of our environment and scarce resources. To begin living a more economical and environmentally aware lifestyle, Roger Bulgin from Mr. Power recommends you break down the year into quarters and create a plan that suits your budget with the maximum impact on return on investment. “Many homeowners feel overwhelmed by the perceived cost of becoming more energy efficient, which is why I suggest taking a methodical and step-by-step approach, by tackling the greatest electricity guzzler first – with a roll-out plan that suits your budget,” advises Roger.• Stepone–defineyourbudget.• Steptwo–identifywhatusesthemostelectricity.• Stepthree–createaroll-outplanforimplementation.• Stepfour–measurethereturnoninvestment.Divide the transformation into a step-by-step process such as outlined below by the Mr. Power team:

Firstquarter:geyserThe geyser uses up to 60% of the total electricity bill, so it’s best to tackle this first. When choosing a device to manage the geyser, bear in mind that there is a big difference between a controller and a timer. The controller checks for current

during the pre-set time period while a timer continuously heats and reheats the geyser during the pre-set time period.Lifestyle changes:• Setthegeyserthermostatto65degrees.• Switchofflightsandplugpoints–basically anything that draws a current and isn’t in use.• Avoidusingthehotwatertapwhereverpossible – for example wash your hands in cold water.

Secondquarter:lightingCalculate the average number of hours the various lights are on, beginning with the biggest energy-eating lights, whether they are outdoor floodlights or in-door lighting (usually kitchen then living areas). Replace with LED lights – choose a reputable supplier with a guarantee. LED lighting has a low energy consumption, long lifespan (20,000 hours plus) and provides a variety of lighting ambience.It gives a fuller spectrum of light and doesn’t attract insects. There are many factors to consider when working out how much you will save, but you are looking at a saving of at least 10 to 20%.Lifestyle changes:

• Washclothesincoldwaterwheneverpossible. As much as 85% of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes into heating the water.• Placeabrickinthecistern–thisreduces the amount of water used fora flush.

Thirdquarter:lightingandshowerheadUse this quarter to continue the transformation to LED lighting throughout your home. Install a water-efficient showerhead, which can save up to 40% of the water usage per shower, saving about 10% of the associated electricity costs. Lifestyle changes:• Don’tleavethetaprunningunnecessarily, for example when brushing your teeth.• Ensureyourovendoorsealsproperly,so the heat doesn’t escape. A seal is inexpensive to replace.• Electrichotplatesandpotskeepagood temperature for several minutes after switching off, so turn them off just before the cooking process is complete.

Fourthquarter:finaltouchesAppliances and electronics consume approximately 20% of the energy in your home, so start replacing appliances with energy-efficient ones. Consider a pool pump controller, which works in a similar way to the geyser controller.Lifestyle changes:• Considerpurchasinganenergy-saving kettle.• Whenonholiday,switchyourgeyser/s off.• Whenonholidayoraway,turnthesetting down on the fridge, as it won’t be opened and closed regularly, thus it will retain the cold more easily.

With this easy-to-follow plan your home will progressively become more energy efficient and the investment you put in will start paying itself off immediately.

Be a

InfoFor more information and to find your closest distributor, please visit www.mrpower.co.za or call the Mr. Power team directly on 011 804 2988.

green queen OfficeLIFE | 27

Home TIME

28 | OfficeLIFE

Hot cross buns

Have a happy homemade Easter treat!

INGREDIENTSForthebuns• 500gstrongwhitebreadflour• ½teaspoonsalt• 2heapedteaspoonsmixedspice• 50gcastorsugar• 50gbutter,choppedintocubes• 200gmixeddriedfruit• 7gsacheteasy-blenddriedyeast• 200mℓmilk• 2eggs

Forthecrossesandglaze• 3tablespoonsplainflour• 2tablespoonswater• Honeyorgoldensyrup,forbrushing

METHOD1. Tip the white bread flour into a bowl and stir in the salt, mixed spice and sugar.2. Rub in the butter with your fingertips. Stir in the dried fruit, then sprinkle over the yeast and stir in. Gently warm the milk so it is hot, but still cool enough to put your finger in for a couple of seconds. Beat with the eggs, then pour into the dry ingredients.

3. Using a blunt knife, mix the ingredients into a moist dough, then leave to soak for five minutes. Take out of the bowl and cut the dough into eight equal pieces.4. Shape the dough into buns on a floured surface. Space apart on a baking sheet, cover loosely with cling film, then leave in a warm place until increased in size by half. This will take 45 minutes to one hour and 15 minutes, depending on how warm the room is.5. When the buns have risen, heat the oven to 220°C. Mix the plain flour with two tablespoons water to make a paste. Pour into a plastic food bag and make a nick in one of the corners. Pipe crosses on top of each bun.6. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until risen and golden. Trim the excess cross mixture from the buns, then brush all over with honey or golden syrup. The buns will keep fresh for a day. After that they are best toasted and served with butter.

Recipe from Good Food magazine, sourced from www.bbcgoodfood.com.

OfficeLIFE | 29

Some men are very adept at cheating. They have several women on the go, and none has any idea about the other. In The Other Woman, Carly

(Cameron Diaz) finds out her charming boyfriend, Mark, is married. Horrified, she befriends his wife, Kate (Leslie Mann), and the pair is further shocked to find out that Mark has a second mistress, Amber (Kate Upton). The three women form a close bond and decide to take Mark down… Here’s what Cameron had to say about the movie.

How would you describe Carly?Carly is a gal who’s chipping away at life. She’s a very successful lawyer. She’s dating and she meets a guy whom she thinks has real potential. They enjoy being with each other and she thinks that this could turn into something more. But she has the feeling something strange is going on, because he cancels a date that they had planned. He was going to meet her dad. All of a sudden he can’t come to dinner. He makes it really clear that he’s not available. Carly’s ears perk up. This relationship might not be exactly what

she thought it was. She ends up going to Mark’s house and discovers that he’s married [laughs]!

Whatisthefilmaboutessentially?It’s about friendship and about the relationship between these women. The film is about the circumstances that brought them together and the way that they move through the journey they take, getting through the heartbreak, towards the acceptance of the deception and then how they move forward and let it all go away. It’s not about revenge; it looks

OMANWTHEOTHER

Home TIME

The Other Woman releases at cinemas on 1 May 2014.

30 | OfficeLIFE

iText: SuppliedPhotography: Twentieth Century FoxFilm Corporation

at how they learn about themselves. I have no interest in making a movie about revenge or adultery. That’s not what this is about.

ThegirlsdotakestepstoteachMarkafewlessonsthoughdon’tthey,withvery funny results. Can you discuss what they do?They do take the low road for a moment, sure, which is a fun part of the movie. They basically undermine all of the things that Mark depends on as a man. They take away his masculinity, his ability to manipulate all three women, which they can do because they have the upper hand now. He’s motivated by sex, so they won’t sleep with him. He relies on his looks, so they take a little jab at his own self-perception. Knowing that he is a liar, they realise he must be lying in other aspects of his life, and so they investigate his business deals. They want a little bit of justice. If you suffer from being deceived, you want the other person to hurt as badly as you do for a second. But once the women get over that, they thrive on the other side, and they are able to move on through their friendship.

How valuable is friendshipbetween women?The wonderful thing about female friendship is that we are always rooting for one another. Even when we’re not together, we know that our friends are there for us, with all their love and energy going towards something good. Friends support you no matter what. And friendship is so nurturing, it feeds your soul, because it’s positive energy. It’s all about acceptance and wanting one another to be stronger and better and more capable, helping each other through hard times, celebrating the good times, the ups and downs, being there through life as it plays out, not being judgmental, but being honest.

How friendly did the three of you get while making The Other Woman?We were working 12-hour days together. We were together all the time and a lot happens in a day. We made a movie together. We became good friends.

How do you spend time withyour friends?I go over to my girlfriends’ houses for dinner and we cook together and we

hang out. We go out to the movies or watch a movie at the house.

Themovielooksatamanwhoisanincorrigible cheater. Do you think bothmenandwomencheat,ordomen cheat more?I think everyone, male or female, has been cheated on. I don’t know what the ratios are [laughs] or the percentiles, but nobody gets out unscathed. It’s something that happens and that we all have been through, I don’t think there are any exceptions. That’s just life.

Whatdoyouthinkthefilmsaysaboutrelationships?Whenever there’s an end, there’s a new beginning. You never know what’s going to happen next. You can’t waste your time and energy dwelling on what happened or what could’ve been or what might’ve been. Relationships come, relationships go, or they stay or evolve, but we stay alive. © 2014 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

OfficeLIFE | 31

Lite SIDE

Baby boomA look at all the new celeb mommies of early 2014!

Kelly Clarkson and her husband, Brandon Blackstock, are expecting their first child – a baby girl.

OliviaWilde and fiancé Jason Sudeikis are due on 4 May. They have yet to reveal the baby’s gender.

MeganFox and husband Brian Austin Green welcomed their second son, Bodhi, on 12 February.

Kevin and Danielle Jonas tried for a long time before having baby daughter Alena in February.

Rob and Amber Mariano from Survivor and The Amazing Race fame are pregnant with their fourth child – they currently have three daughters:

Lucia, Carina and Isabetta.

Drew Barrymore and husband Will Kopelman have just welcomed a second daughter.

Gwen Stefani and rocker husband Gavin Rossdale now have a third son, Apollo, brother to Kingston and Zuma.

Lil Kim is due any day now, but hasn’t revealed any details about the father or gender of the baby.

Christina Aguilera is expecting her second child, rumoured to be a girl, with fiancé Matthew Rutler.

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher are reportedly expecting a baby – but are being very coy about her growing baby bump.

Pho

togr

aphy

: Shu

tter

stoc

k

Gwen Stefaniand GavinRossdale

Megan Fox andBrian Austin

Green

Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis Drew Barrymore

Kevin and Danielle Jonas

32 | OfficeLIFE

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