That Communications Company

“Stop awfulising! The presentation may not have gone perfectly but it doesn't mean your career is over.” This Wordy Wednesday, we’re taking a look at the word "awfulise"—a verb that means to perceive or interpret a situation as much worse than it actually is. Awfulising is often the result of underlying anxiety, fear of failure, or simply a pessimistic mindset. Believing that a failed relationship means you’ll never find love or that an embarrassing mistake at work will impact the rest of your career are common examples of awfulising—which can make ordinary setbacks feel like insurmountable challenges and make it hard to maintain perspective. Awfulising is similar to catastrophising, but it’s useful to understand how they differ. While awfulising perceives an event or situation as unbearable, intolerable, or “awful”, catastrophising is imagining or expecting the worst possible outcome of an event that hasn’t yet occurred, often leaping from one negative thought to another until you’ve spiralled into a worst-case scenario. The term is often used in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), where awfulising is identified as a cognitive distortion that can prevent one from seeing situations clearly, leading to high stress and anxiety. If you’re prone to awfulising, however, recognising this tendency is the first step to shifting your thinking patterns and promoting a healthier mental outlook. #WordyWednesday

A new analysis from Indeed’s APAC Economist, Callam Pickering, shows that despite the cultural focus on AI, employers are prioritising workers with basic digital skills.   According to data from Indeed’s Hiring Lab, while artificial intelligence is transforming the job market at a rapid rate, 11.6% of Aussie job postings mentioned basic computer skills in their job descriptions in the last year— compared to artificial intelligence, which was featured in only 2.2% and generative AI in just 0.07% over the same period.    Hit the link below to learn why basic computer skills—like proficiency in Microsoft Office—aren’t going anywhere in the age of AI.

“The framework is inspired by biophilic design principles that emphasise connection to nature through natural light, fresh air, and sensory-rich elements that foster student wellbeing, engagement and belonging.” Speaking with The Educator, Strathcona Girls Grammar Principal, Lorna Beegan, shares details on the school’s new purpose-built early learning campus.

CASE STUDY: Are you working two jobs this Christmas season? We’re looking for Australians who have secured or are looking for additional work this Christmas period. Whether it’s to earn some extra cash for the holidays or keep up with rising living costs, we’d love you to tell us about your holiday job. Please get in touch - talk@thatcomms.com. There may be an opportunity to speak with media.

If you’re A.) constantly juggling a million things at once, B.) feeling like your mental bandwidth is at capacity, C.) stressed, anxious and negative more often than you’d like, or D.) all of the above, then this book is for you. Featuring insights from 30 global experts, including Springfox’s Stuart Taylor and Peta Sigley, The Time Poor Series: Mindset Book shares strategies to shift your mindset and help you tackle the challenges of life with resilience, calm, and realistic optimism.

CASE STUDY: Have you been contacted after hours by your boss? We’re looking for Australians who have a story about being contacted by their boss outside of work hours. If your boss got in touch with an unreasonable request while you were on sick leave, holiday leave, or even after you’d clocked off for the day, we’d love to hear from you. (Can be anonymous if preferred.) Please get in touch - talk@thatcomms.com. There may be an opportunity to speak with media.

CASE STUDY: Are you working two jobs this Christmas season? We’re looking for Australians who have secured or are looking for additional work this Christmas period. Whether it’s to earn some extra cash for the holidays or keep up with rising living costs, we’d love you to tell us about your holiday job. Please get in touch - talk@thatcomms.com. There may be an opportunity to speak with media.

This Wordy Wednesday, we’re taking a look back at ‘further’ versus ‘farther’ – two words that are often used interchangeably when discussing distance, when in fact, they have distinct meanings. Simply put, the word ‘farther’ is used when speaking about physical distance, while ‘further’ suggests an extension or addition. Farther refers to measurable space between objects— for example, “Can you move the picture frames a little farther apart” or “How much farther do we have to go?”. An easy way to remember this is by focusing on the first three letters in farther—F-A-R—which can be associated with measurements like miles, kilometres, or centimetres. So, if you're discussing something that can be measured, farther is likely the word you need. ‘Further’, on the other hand, is the more versatile of the two. It can indicate an additional point, as in "further to our conversation"; imply more information, as in "further research is required"; or refer to advancing something, like in "to further one's career." Any further questions?

Did you tune into the TODAY Show this morning? The latest data from Indeed has revealed a 13.5% increase in Christmas job postings compared to this time last year, with top retailers like BONDS, Cotton On, and Sheridan leading the way in job advertisements. Indeed’s Career Expert, Sally McKibbin, shared advice on landing a Christmas gig, including asking about the company’s culture and values, and avoiding speaking too fast during the interview! Are you looking for a job this Christmas season? #Indeed #ChristmasJobs #ThatCommsCo

“I think the internet and social media might give us some unrealistic ideas or thoughts about what actually happens in the workforce. They're seeing influencers or other people seeking or getting perks that generally need to be earned, or you need to work your way up to.” Did you catch Indeed’s Career Coach, Sally McKibbin, in Yahoo! Finance? Sally discussed the rising expectations of young workers when it comes to workplace perks and offered advice for discussing work perks like a four-day work week with a new employer. #Indeed #WorkPerks #GenZWorkers #GenZCandidates #JobInterviews #ThatCommsCo