The more time I spend on this planet, the more I have come to really appreciate communication. I have also come to realise that good, clear communication is an underrated ability and underused skill. What causes us to miscommunicate and how do we improve our interactions?

Where does the time go? I find myself asking this question a lot during the week. I use several apps to help manage the various tasks I have to complete and keep some order to proceedings. Although the majority of these apps are used for business, some are invaluable for my personal life too but are not always well received.

Scheduling apps such as Calendly are used for scheduling meetings, more specifically it allows people to choose my available times to book a meeting. The appointment is neatly synced to my calendar and I receive notifications ahead of the meeting. It is easy to see how useful this would be as a business tool but what often makes people recoil in disgust is when they receive a Calendly link from a loved one to book an informal “catch-up”.  Understandably this may seem like a boujee, detached way to connect for some. However, the opposite is often the case.

Today's grumble

I am fortunate to have the perspective of a 'service provider' and all the joys and challenges it brings. Technology is excellent in helping to bring about more joyful moments but when human error comes into play, technology can be destructive for a business.

I have been guilty myself of not correctly updating contact information on all of my social media platforms or creating email diverts and missing the emails all together (the latter I was able to salvage thanks to a very understanding client). These things happen and it is difficult to estimate how much such mistakes may have cost in bookings, leads, collaborations, etc.

Today's grumble however originates from my perspective as a consumer. A few days ago, I booked a treatment online. I received the automated confirmation email and an automated reminder email a few days before the appointment.

I guess the first thing to consider is what do we mean by 'emotional' and to what level can we express them. Stomping to the corner of the office and sobbing uncontrollably - possibly not. Or the recent case of the man in Liverpool who drove a digger into a newly-built hotel reception, causing extensive damage and possible harm to others - no. But we are human and certain elements of our psyche do not switch off just because we are at work. In fact, the workplace may emphasise the emotions we desperately try to hide.

More than a quarter (26.2%) of days lost through sickness absence in 2017 were attributed to minor illness (such as coughs and colds). This adds up to 34.3 million days per year.

The cold and flu season is upon us, and unless you plan to spend this time travelling to work and sitting in meetings wearing a hazmat suit, you will need to take some action. As well as the usual good hygiene tips, there are some simple things you can do which were proved effective by somewhat unsavoury characters.

Over the last week or so I've noticed that the evenings are getting darker earlier and there is that slight nip in the air that signals colder days to come.

Despite the cold weather, I love autumn. The most stunning shades of gold, red and orange can be seen in nature and it is a time when we can start to reflect and welcome changes.

Check out these 10 tips to help you stay happy and healthy this autumn.

Like many millions of women in the UK, I have experienced menstrual cramps at work. Struggling to stand up, to talk to people, to not burst into fits of tears. However, hearing about the possible workplace reforms for period leave, did not make me feel as happy as the women in the sanitary towel adverts. 

Many people assume that hiring a Well-Being Consultant is just for big companies however, my Well-Being Mentor services are ideal for small businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals.

Leveraging tasks or collaborating on projects is actually cost-effective, drives business growth and gives you more time to focus on key areas of your business or your personal life.

Recent figures indicated that no-shows or missed appointments cost the National Health Service £1bn in 2017. Self-employed practitioners and therapists feel the sting of missed appointments even more acutely.