Article provided by Salman Raza is founder and CEO of training and development consultancy Razalution Bureau
Working remotely was one of them. Gone were the office cooler talks, the camaraderie during lunch breaks, and even in-office politics. These facets were replaced by virtual meetings behind a screen, conference calls, and electronic communications.
Now is the time to recalibrate. As people migrate back to the office and face to face communication is again vital, soft skills and emotional intelligence are more important than ever. Here are a few tips to enhance them:
Different personalities mean different egos. And different egos can be triggered by different things. When you’re working remotely, you have the option for example, to tap your foot under your desk to release anxious energy or fiddle with your phone. This is not to say these behaviours are acceptable, but there are more behaviours you can get away with in a virtual workspace than in person.
A key tip is to remember you can be seen. When your boss is giving a presentation, he or she can read your body language. Do you appear alert and engaged? Or are you slouched and daydreaming. Facial expressions need to align with expectations because this observation can trigger your boss’s ego and cause an uncomfortable conversation to take place after the meeting.
What about that coworker who is not your favourite? When he or she sends you emails or calls you, your body may react with an eye roll or deep sigh. You cannot exhibit these behaviours in person at the office. Be mindful of your tone of voice, posture, eye contact, and behaviours when interacting with your colleagues and superiors in-person. This awareness will strengthen your relationships and pave the way for a harmonious work environment.
Before returning to the office, you may want to do a quick brush up on personality types. These categories of behaviours and perceptions are extraordinarily helpful when it comes to navigating office politics. When you know that Sarah is an introvert and requires a good 10 seconds of silence before responding to a question and Evelyn is an extrovert who will answer a question immediately, but the crux of the answer may come 30-40 seconds after a stream of consciousness response, you can better prepare yourself for interacting with these individuals.
The same can be said for the personality types who like to meticulously plan every item and those who choose to wing it. You also have personality types who thrived in the remote-only environment and are going to have a tougher time readjusting to the in-person workspace.
Also, identify for yourself what type of personality you have. (The Meyers-Brigg’s Personality Type spectrum is great place to start learning about personality types). When you take steps to acknowledge your own ego and personality traits, you can clearly articulate to others what you need to be happy, productive, and engaged in your work.
A surefire way to strengthen your in-person office relationships is to support your colleagues emotionally as best as you can. With the awareness of personality types, you can further gauge what you can do to help them along the way. Maybe it is as simple as exchanging “work from home” stories at the water cooler so your colleagues do not feel so alone or offering tips to spruce up the office.
Don’t be afraid to ask for support as well. We’re all human and no one is perfect. We all need support from time to time. Instead of letting your concerns and insecurities fester, only to rear their ugly head in a form of passive aggression, talk to the appropriate parties to find a solution.
Humans are social creatures. We learn by interacting with others. We make lasting friendships and build our support system through one-on-one interactions. Even if you find the transition back to the office to be difficult, try to find some positive aspects. It could be how Connor’s booming laugher always makes you smile or Claire’s “just because” brownies she bakes from the heart. Whatever the reason, write it down. Consider making a gratitude journal and list all the positive elements. That way, when you’re feeling stuck, stunted, or discouraged, you can return to your list and recall a few things you are grateful for.
This is an unprecedented time that millions of people around the world are facing. Remember you are not alone and there are many wonderful things to absorb, learn from and enjoy- All it takes is a little awareness, a little patience, and an open mind.
Salman Raza is a biomedical engineer, has an MBA in innovation management & entrepreneurship and a MS in strategic management. He is also a certified international auditor and consultant.
He has lived on four continents and worked in thirty countries. The diversity and experiences have given him an insight into working with different cultures, values, and personality types. Through his consulting company Razalution Bureau; he leads training and workshops on soft skills, emotional intelligence and leadership development.
April
23apr12:0013:00The Perfect CV Masterclass | WeAreTheCity & City CV
23/04/2025 12:00 - 13:00(GMT+01:00)
WeAreTheCity & City CV are thrilled to present
Your CV is the passport to your professional future. The right one will bypass the technology and the initial 5-second human scan to earmark you for your target role. Isn’t that what a great CV is all about?
Writing your own CV doesn’t come naturally. Everyone benefits from fresh eyes, perspective and industry insight. Your CV must articulate your distinctive skills and attributes in a way that shows the value you bring to your future employer. With fewer open roles in the market, it’s never been more important to understand what recruiters look for in a CV, overhaul your CV and have your burning questions answered.
In this one-hour masterclass, learn CV writing tips and strategies from Victoria McLean, Founder and CEO of City CV – and a career industry expert, award winning CV writer and coach, who has helped over 20,000 candidates secure their dream role. Victoria has developed a nuanced and strategic approach, fusing market knowledge with a deep understanding of recruitment techniques to help build your brand and create a compelling CV story.
Learn how to create a strong and authentic CV which will get you noticed for the right reasons. Expertise and insider knowledge gathered from years of international CV writing and recruiting will be shared, including:
Looking for more career support? Explore our Career Resources page. Ready to take the next step? Browse the latest opportunities on our Job Board and find your perfect role today!
24apr10:0010:45Menopause & Mental Health | Free Taster Session
24/04/2025 10:00 - 10:45(GMT+01:00)
Menopause can have a profound impact on mental health – but too often, this is misunderstood, overlooked, or even ignored in professional environments. While organisations are
The truth is, for many women and those experiencing menopause, symptoms can go far beyond hot flushes. Brain fog, anxiety, low mood, and sleep disruption can affect confidence, performance, and overall mental health. Without the right support in place, these challenges can lead to increased absenteeism, presenteeism, or even cause people to leave the workforce altogether.
This 45-minute session is designed to change that. It’s a practical, supportive space for managers, HR professionals and wellbeing leads to build the confidence to spot the signs, open up conversations and create a culture where no one has to suffer in silence.
Whether you’re at the beginning of this journey or looking to strengthen your organisation’s approach, this session will help you better understand the mental health impact of menopause – and empower you to respond with empathy and confidence.
You’ll walk away with:
✅ A clearer understanding of how menopause can affect mental health in the workplace
✅ Confidence to recognise when someone may be struggling – and how to offer support
✅ A simple, effective approach to starting wellbeing conversations that make a difference
DATE: Thursday 24 April 2025
TIME: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
This isn’t about becoming an expert – it’s about showing up, listening, and learning how to create an environment where people feel seen, heard and supported.
Because when organisations take menopause seriously, everyone benefits.
Let’s start the conversation.
29apr11:4514:00Women in Business Networking - London networking - London City
29/04/2025 11:45 - 14:00(GMT+01:00)
The Anthologist
58 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7BB
Kick off your 2025 in style by networking with us. A fabulous mix of formal & informal networking over a facilitated business lunch
WIBN networking is here to create a platform for like-minded women, who passionately drive their business forward and collaborate with others to help them achieve success.
WIBN is a business network organisation for women business owners and employed professionals, who network each month over a facilitated business lunch. Our members support and encourage each other through collaboration and the sharing of business contacts and opportunities. The meetings are structured and effective, whilst also being supportive and friendly!
As Women Business Owners we know that one person can transform your business but think what you could achieve with a tribe of supportive and passionate business owners?? At WIBN we recognise that often women lack relevant networking opportunities simply because they network in a different way to men!
Our monthly meetings are a fabulous mix of formal and informal networking which includes your own 60 secs pitch, a focused spotlight session from a member and lunch.Our philosophy in this group is simple – No sister left behind! Come along to our WIBN group as a visitor and experience the potential to grow your business in a more productive way.
WIBN has a professional exclusivity policy so it’s one profession per group – see below * . As long as your profession is not already represented you would be welcome to visit a group twice before deciding if you want to join.
WIBN is a monthly membership group and a 12 month commitment will be required after you have visited a maximum of two times. Full details and prices will be given at the meeting.
*in the event that your profession is already represented at your chosen meeting then the organiser saves the right to propose another place or date. If we cannot relocate you then a full refund will be given.
30apr10:0016:00Women's Health Champion Course (CPD Accredited)
30/04/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+01:00)
Periods, menopause,
They’re everyday realities for millions of women and they directly impact performance, engagement and retention.
But stigma, silence and a lack of knowledge mean many managers and HR professionals don’t know how to spot the signs or have the right conversations.
It’s time to change that.
Our Women’s Health Champion Training is designed to break the silence and build real, practical support in your organisation – every single day.
Delivered by two expert trainers, this engaging course covers:
✅ Menstrual health and managing period-related challenges
✅ Fertility, pregnancy, and baby loss (including returning to work)
✅ Gynaecological conditions like endometriosis, fibroids and PCOS
✅ Menopause and long-term wellbeing
✅ Practical strategies to create a truly inclusive culture
Date: Wednesday 30th April 2025
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Place: Zoom
Cost: £495 per person
Or get in touch if you’d like us to create a bespoke course for your organisation.