2021 March Article Archives

World Hearing Day, 2021

Have you noticed how difficult it is to hear someone speaking with their facemask on? It gets frustrating, doesn’t it? Now stop for a moment and imagine switching the sound off too. The challenges of being hearing impaired are huge, especially during this time. We not only rely on the spoken word to communicate but on facial cues too. Communication is a fundamental aspect of human functioning, but it’s not that easy for everyone. On a daily basis hearing impaired people face difficulties communicating with the world around them.

On World Hearing Day, 3 March 2021, there is a global call to action, to address hearing loss and ear diseases across all ages. Attention needs to be brought to the fact that the number of people living with unaddressed hearing loss is unacceptable, and that action needs to be taken to prevent and address hearing loss. Good hearing and communication are crucial at all stages of life. Often hearing loss can be prevented or can be dealt with effectively when it is identified and treated early on.

In a win for the deaf community, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in 2020 that South African Sign Language is set to become our 12^th official language! This will uplift the deaf community by creating a sense of belonging and inclusion. Being an official language means that it’s a language for everyone, and not just for the deaf. So, what can you do? Do your bit by watching this video and learning some basic signs. Teach your friends and kids too, and close the gap for people who are hearing impaired!

DOWNLOAD THE SIGN LANGUAGE ALPHABET. Learn how to spell your name and teach your children too!

Rising Up! Tips for Becoming More Successful at Work

If you’re looking to get ahead at work, these habits will help you to get the recognition you want.

Communicate
Communicate clearly with everyone you work with. Good communication helps to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. Make sure you understand what your manager or supervisor expects from you.

Ask Questions
If there’s something you don’t understand, ask someone to explain it to you; don’t keep quiet until it becomes a problem.

Be on Time
Arriving on time at the start of the workday and for meetings, shows that you respect the rules and other people’s time.

Keep Your Word
Meeting deadlines on time is important, but not always possible. Don’t make promises you can’t keep; if you’re going to miss a deadline, speak up and let your manager know ahead of time.

Step Up
If you get the chance to take on a new challenge at work and show some leadership (like training a new employee), take it! Even if you need some help at first, it will show that you’re willing to take on additional responsibilities and perform some management functions.

Listen
When you’re talking to someone you work with, give them your full attention without any distractions. This shows that you care and also helps you to focus better on the conversation.

Stay Positive
A good attitude goes a long way. Don’t complain to other employees or make negative comments out loud; if you have a problem, take it to your supervisor in private and discuss solutions with them.

Be Professional
Stay focussed on your job during work hours. Try to avoid bringing your personal life into the workplace and or participating in office gossip.

Write Down Your Achievements
If you accomplish something at work that you’re proud of, make a note of it so you can refer to it when you’re negotiating a raise or a promotion.

Never Stop Learning
Keep learning new things about your job, the business and the industry. Asking questions, taking courses and attending conferences can all help you to improve your skills and gain important knowledge about your work.