National Edition - December 2, 2007  Workplace attitudes change toward 'face time' It's 10:48 a.m., but do you know where your boss is? For an increasing amount of North American employees who are embracing telecommuting, "face time" with their bosses is becoming a thing of the past as e-mail and other forms of communication replace face-to-face encounters with the boss. Note to Micro-managers: Don't assume the worst. Recent data shows increased productivity levels in the order of 30% among telecommuters. In other words, employees may be working from home in their pyjamas, but aren't necessarily asleep at the switch. (Source: Christian Science Monitor) Mobile cubicle gets employees walking at work It's been in the works for quite some time now, but the treadmill cubicle for fitness-forward firms is finally slated for production. Steelcase, a Michigan-based office furniture manufacturer, has combined a height-adjustable computer desk with a low-speed treadmill to force sedentary employees out of their chairs and onto walking is worth every penny considering the negative impacts of obesity on the public health care system. (Source: CTV) 007 gives MI6 recruitment headache Like Star Trek, James Bond movies have a large fan base. Part of the attraction of Ian Flemming's character is his status as an international person of mystery. Sure, almost every guy's alter ego is a tall, dark, handsome stranger, but that doesn't mean they'll make it into the ranks. Not to worry, a spokesman for M16, the British Secret Intelligence Service, has gone on record stating that the work isn't all it's cracked up to be in the movies. (Source: Reuters) Make your references count "Don't you know who I am?" you may be tempted to scream at the hiring manager across the boardroom table. Resist. Instead, provide potential employers with solid, professional references who will fill in the blanks. This requires some homework and preparation. First, you need to screen your references for the sake of your own reputation, although it is rare for a colleague to agree, only to torpedo your bid. Next, give your references details about the opportunity on the table. Lastly, remind them about your recent achievements, thus ensuring everything's fresh in their minds and on the tips of their tongues. (Source: Jobboom, Career Zone) Surviving your first evaluation The end of the year is fast approaching, and it's time for that dreaded performance evaluation. Count up all your marbles if you want to cash them in for a favourable review and perhaps a chunk of the company's profit-sharing plan (keep in mind, the after-tax amount is generally somewhat disappointing). The key to surviving these evaluations, particularly if it's your first time, is to stay positive and avoid getting defensive. After all, you don't want the meeting to dissolve into a rash of finger pointing and blame. Just smile and nod - before you know it, the performance review will be over! If you need help getting through the review, just think about pranks you can play on your supervisors at the holiday party. (Source: Jobboom, Career Zone) Are you expecting a favourable end-of-year performance review? To answer, click here. Mind the gap! London's transportation authority has sacked the woman behind the voice of the Tube's public address announcements. Emma Clarke lost her job after posting spoof Tube announcements on her own website, which promotes her work as a voice-over artist. Some of the mock Tube announcements include:  - "We'd like to remind our American tourist friends that you are almost certainly talking too loud."  - "Passengers are reminded that like all voice-over artists, I may look nothing like you've imagined and may turn out to be somewhat of a disappointment."  - "Would the passenger in the pinstripe suit and £1000 glasses who obviously works in the media please take one step forward onto the track as the train arrives. Thank you."  - "Passengers should note that the bearded gentleman's rucksack contains the following items only: Some sandwiches, a library card and a picture of a bare ankle and is no cause for alarm" (Source: AFP) December 2 – 5 CSTD Annual Conference Toronto, ON December 3 International Day of People with Disabilities Conference Toronto, ON December 4 Fraser Valley Education & Career Fair Abbotsford, BC December 6 Alberta Post-Secondary Fair Calgary, AB December 6 Studio to Big Screen Montreal, QC December 6 Vancouver Island Education & Career Fair Victoria, BC December 6 - 7 Making Sense of Biotechnology Toronto, ON December 10 Pacific Economic Forum Vancouver, BC December 10 - 15 Business of Design Week (BOWD) Hong Kong, China December 13 BC HRMA's Holiday Party & Silent Auction Victoria, BC December 17 - 18 The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Montreal, QC December 18 The Power of "n" New York City, New York December 19 Networking over the Holidays Oakville, ON NOTICE: Jobboom and its sponsors do not necessarily endorse the opinions conveyed in the articles selected for this e-zine and do not assume any legal liability in consequence thereof. Comments: info@jobboom.com Research and editing: Austin Macdonald #noDossier#