29.07.2024

RESEARCH: BULGARIA IS AMONG THE MOST INTELLIGENT COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD, AHEAD OF ALL ITS NEIGHBORS

Bulgaria is among the top 20 countries in the world in terms of average IQ and ranks sixth in Europe, research shows. The data is from the International IQ Test.

The survey was conducted among 1,691,740 participants worldwide. They all completed the same IQ test in the past year 2023.

The average IQ for our country is 101.71, and the study was conducted among 1758 participants in our country.

In first place in the world ranking is South Korea, where the average IQ is 107.54. The last place in the ranking is the Republic of Gabon with an average IQ of 86.09.

It is curious that Bulgaria is ahead of all neighboring countries - Romania, Serbia, the Republic of North Macedonia, Greece and Turkey.

The European countries that are ahead of our country are Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Italy and Spain.

26.07.2024

ALMOST THREE-QUARTERS OF ROMANIANS EXPECT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO HAVE AN IMPACT ON THEIR WORKPLACE, A SURVEY SHOWS

Almost three-quarters (73 percent) of Romanian respondents believe that generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) will have some impact on their workplace, according to a survey titled "How work preferences are changing in the GenAI era" published by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), The Network and The Stepstone Group.

Also, 55 percent of respondents want to retrain and train to adapt to the new context, while 40 percent would do so only if necessary, and 5 percent do not plan to do so at all, the survey found.

Globally, three-quarters of employees believe that GenAI will bring some level of change to their workplace. Despite the uncertain times, they remain confident in their position in the labor market: 57 percent of them are willing to retrain for new positions to advance their careers.

Regarding the negotiating position, 60 percent of Romanian respondents believe they have an advantage when it comes to negotiating a new job, and 65 percent say that potential employers contact them at least once a year, 12 percent - once every few years, and only 23 percent reported never contacting recruiters.

Regarding adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), only 23 percent of Romanians report using this technology regularly, compared to 29 percent of the French and 39 percent of Americans. The report states that 23 percent of Romanians have never heard of AI, compared to 14 percent of respondents globally.

The survey results highlight the proactive approach employees are taking in responding to the impact of GenAI. By prioritizing retraining and development, they not only prepare to adapt to technological change, but also express confidence in their ability to thrive in an evolving job market. This adaptability is essential to maintaining a stable and sustainable workforce in the face of continuous technological advancement.

In terms of important job choice factors, financial aspects are the priority for Romanian employees, followed by work-life balance and relationships with superiors. Globally, the most valued factor is job security.

Romanian employees are also sure about what they don't want. For example, 69 percent would turn down an attractive job offer if they had a negative experience during the interview. In addition, 35 percent of employees say they would not work for companies that do not offer the option to work from home or remotely, and 41 percent value diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The "How work preferences are changing in the GenAI era" survey gathered responses from 150,735 employees from 188 countries and is the second part of the 2024 edition of the Decoding Global Talent series. The survey in Romania was conducted on a sample of 1,074 respondents.

25.07.2024

TECHNIQUES TO GAIN CONFIDENCE THAT LEADS YOU TO SUCCESS

I'm going to ask you something and the answer has to be "Yes". You've heard of this approach being negotiated. Communication experts categorically deny it. According to them, you can count on success only if you first gain the trust of your interlocutor. And the ways to do this are exactly the opposite.

Naturally, no sane person would utter that phrase. Unless it's a joke in front of a relatively close colleague or business partner. But often the words are not literally the same, but the meaning is the same. That `s a mistake. You will predispose your interlocutor by not attacking him, but by letting him speak first, experts advise.

This trick is greatly underestimated because most people think it will be of great benefit to appear competent and confident at the outset. You state what you want, you make it clear that you have considered everything well, because you are capable, experienced and honorable professionals. You suggest that you know what you are doing and the person has no choice but to trust you. If you think about it, you can easily translate all this as "I'm going to ask you something and the answer should be "Yes".

Showing competence is very necessary, but don't start with it. The first impression in the conversation should be positive for your partner. You won't achieve anything if he feels aggression. Then the fight or flight instinct kicks in. I.e. your interlocutor is tuning in for combat, not cooperation.

Your competence only matters if you have previously predisposed the other. As long as there is no trust between two people, competence can even be perceived as something negative, as a threat, experts point out. "If you're trying to influence a person whose trust you haven't earned, you won't get far. This approach raises suspicions because it makes you look like a manipulative person who wants to use others to achieve his goals," they explain.

There are several steps to trust, some of which are underestimated by the ever-busy people who try to be extremely business-like and not waste a second.

Let's say you meet with a colleague from another department with whom you need to work together on an assignment. You know each other but only vaguely. Try to learn more about her beforehand. People respond positively when you show that you know something about them. But be careful - it is not about details of the colleague's personal life, but about facts that you may have learned from publicly available sources such as the company's website or social networks. Otherwise, she'll think you've been asking about her, and you'll push her away. Allow about 5 minutes for general small talk.

Research shows that starting every meeting with this trick goes a long way in building a positive impression. On many of the topics (about the time outside, for example) there is nothing important to say and the minutes seem wasted. Nothing like that, they have an important function in building trust.

If this introduction turns to work and your colleague shares a problem of hers, consider how to react. Don't give unsolicited advice, even if you can give her a solution. It would be seen as an arrogant display of competence. You know what to do, but she doesn't. However, if he asks you for advice, say it delicately. It will help create trust between you.

Then give your interlocutor the opportunity to take the lead in the conversation. Listen carefully. Ask questions to encourage him.

Only at first glance you give him an advantage in this way. The trick is that you gain his trust by giving him the feeling that you respect and understand him. If you take the initiative in the conversation from the very beginning, the other person will take it as an attempt to gain superiority.

In addition to keeping your ego in check, be careful about what and how much energy you emit. You shouldn't be sluggish, but you shouldn't be over-enthusiastic either. You may startle your interlocutor with this elation, because he cannot "catch up" with you. He may consider it a pretense and an attempt to cover up something not entirely honest.

So calmly and confidently concentrate on what your interlocutor is saying and demonstrate that you are really following his thought. Don't lose focus on what he said and don't think about what you're going to say after him. Otherwise, he will sense your high self-esteem - you think you have something more important to say than him and you listen to him with half an ear.

This second stage of the conversation should now build trust between you. It's time to insert the questions you care about and start a substantive discussion.

Here you can show all your competence as a specialist, present and defend positions. They will be perceived much better as bridges to the mind of your interlocutor, who considers you a reliable and likable person.

Throughout the conversation, watch your body language as well. Smile. Maintain eye contact. Well, don't stare and stare. According to research, when a person finds the conversation and interlocutor interesting, they make eye contact 80% of the time.

Sit upright, but in a peaceful posture - with relaxed shoulders and arms. Don't cross your arms in front of your chest, because it's like you're putting up a physical barrier to trust. Even if this position makes you feel comfortable, try to avoid it if you want people to take you as sincere, experts advise.

However, sitting with relaxed shoulders does not mean hunched over. The brain is programmed to associate energy and power with the amount of space people occupy. It is because of this that the upright posture with slightly pulled back shoulders is perceived as powerful. In a slouched posture, the body takes up less space and therefore projects less energy and force.

Do not enter the personal space of your interlocutor, i.e. don't get too close because you break trust.

When an argument arises, try not to change your stance. Don't back down - you give the impression of defeat. Do not approach - it will be considered aggression. Maintain a confident posture ie. body upright and shoulders relaxed.

According to body language expert Patricia Stark, this also means keeping your head straight, never tilting to the left or right. "This is how you show, in the most literal way, that your mind is in the right place. Look the other person in the eye and talk patiently, no matter how long it takes," she advises.

----- The Magic of the Handshake -----

It is key, it starts every meeting with it. Neuroscientists have found that a confident handshake increases a person's interest in interacting with their interlocutor, reduces negative associations and is an important factor in creating trust.

The predisposing handshake is strong, vigorous and short. It should be accompanied by eye contact. Otherwise, it seems that you do not show enough respect and interest to your partner, or you are hiding something.

If you want to give the impression of someone you can count on, use a two-handed handshake. It evokes a feeling of warmth and trust. However, be careful not to make this handshake seem too close or even intimate.

Any exaggerated gestures and facial expressions are taken as a sign that you are trying to manipulate, not telling the whole truth. Stick to unobtrusive gestures.

24.07.2024

WHAT ARE OUR RIGHTS IF SALARY PAYMENTS ARE DELAYED

In the business environment, where time is of the essence, delays in the payment of labor can create serious difficulties for workers. In the event of salary delays, it is important to know what our rights are and how we can act in accordance with them.

In this context, understanding employment rights and options for delaying pay is essential. According to the Labor Code, workers have certain rights in the event of salary delays. What are our rights in such situations and how can we exercise them?

According to the Labor Code, the employer is obliged to pay at least 60 percent of the labor remuneration, and this amount cannot be less than the minimum wage for the country. The difference between this minimum and the full amount of remuneration must be paid additionally by the employer and is usually reported as payable with interest.

It is important to emphasize that even a one-day delay in remuneration, including salary, bonuses, bonuses and travel allowances, is considered delay and falls under the requirement. If the delayed amount is not paid voluntarily, and if the employer delays at least one monthly salary, the employee has the right to terminate his employment relationship without notice.

For example, if an employee expected his salary until the end of the month, and it was delayed without reason, he has the right to send an application to his employer, notifying him of his decision to terminate the employment relationship due to salary delay. According to the law, the employment relationship is considered terminated from the moment the employer receives the application, without the need for his consent. These statutory provisions provide workers with a means of protecting their rights in the event of wage delays and emphasize the importance of timely and legal requirements for the payment of wages.

In case of termination of the employment relationship, the law provides for a number of benefits and rights that the employee is entitled to receive, in addition to the due salary and the interest on it.

Upon termination of the employment contract with notice, the employer is obliged to pay compensation in the amount of the remuneration for the notice period specified in the employment contract.

Upon termination of a fixed-term employment contract, if the employee suffers damages as a result of this termination, the employer is obliged to pay the amount of damages actually suffered.

You are also entitled to compensation for unused annual leave for the current calendar year.

And in the event that the employer does not pay the sums due after the termination of the employment relationship, the employee retains the right to seek legal protection by filing a claim against the employer within 3 years from the date on which it should have been paid the corresponding remuneration. After the expiration of this period, this right is lost.

In the event of a delay in remuneration, workers must be informed of their rights and remedies. The Labor Code provides the necessary framework to ensure timely payment, and if this process is delayed, workers have the right to take concrete steps to exercise their rights.

Each case of delayed wages is unique, but it is important to know that workers have legal remedies to protect their employment rights under the law.

19.07.2024

UNEMPLOYMENT IN BULGARIA FELL TO 5.3% IN JUNE

Registered unemployment in the country decreased to 5.3% in June. Its level is 0.1 percentage points lower than in May, according to the statistics of the Employment Agency. At the end of last month, there were 150,990 unemployed people registered in the labor offices. Their number decreased by 3,281 people on a monthly basis.

The Agency reports that unemployed persons who started work in June were, however, 2,423 fewer than in May. Their number has decreased to 14,964. 428 pensioners, students and employed people have also started work with the support of the labor offices.

In the labor offices in June, the number of new unemployed persons was 19,796 and grew by 7.7% compared to May. Another 2,820 people from the groups of jobseekers - employed, students and pensioners - have also registered at the labor offices. With this group, there was a decrease compared to May in the demand for the Agency's services by 596 people, the department stated.

The occupations most in demand by businesses in June are: staff caring for people; personnel employed in the field of personal services; machine operators of stationary machinery and equipment; drivers of motor vehicles and mobile equipment; workers in the mining and processing industries, construction and transport; sellers; teachers; waste collection and related workers; skilled workers in the production of food, clothing, wood products and related; cleaners and helpers etc.

18.07.2024

SMART PEOPLE DON'T STOCK MONEY BUT THEIR PEOPLE FOR CAREER SUCCESS

It's clear - you work to earn money and live well. Whoever claims that this was not his original career goal is not telling the whole truth. This goal, of course, is not the only one, because if what you do five days a week for 8 hours does not bring you at least a little pleasure, it is slave labor.

Both income and satisfaction will be helped if you adopt an old wisdom as your principle. It says that a smart person accumulates not money, but people. If you think about it, you will think of many times when it was extremely important for you to have friends to get out of a difficult time, to achieve success in your profession, to take a step forward in your career.

Specialists call the gathering of their people with the term networking. It can be translated from English as creating a network. It is a must for anyone who wants to do their job well and move up the ranks.

Networking means communicating with people who can be useful to you, making connections thanks to which you will achieve success faster and easier.

Maybe it seems a bit rude to you - you don't want to be "users". Networking is not about exploitation, it's about collaboration. And the role of valuable acquaintances is emphasized by all career development specialists.

"Good skills can help you get the boss's attention from day one. However, when they are the main focus of your job, over time they can become an obstacle to your growth. If you want to climb the professional ladder, the ability seeing the bigger picture and knowing how to select the right people are far more important than your personal skills," says Allison McWilliams, an expert in personal and career development at Wake Forest University.

Closest to the mind is that good relations with colleagues and with the boss are an essential factor for your professional growth. Not only because you will collaborate, but also because you can learn from them.

This also means not neglecting purely human communication during breaks during the day or after work. Never shy away from spending money to treat yourself when you have an occasion to go out for lunch or drinks together at the end of the day. "When your colleagues know that you are interested in their desires, aspirations, problems, worries, they are more likely to trust you," emphasizes Lolly Daskal, president of a large American consulting company.

Networking is also not missing business or informal company events where you will talk to people from other departments. A colleague from marketing or accounting can sometimes bring valuable information or give you a shoulder in a stressful situation.

"Initiative, motivation, the ability to handle everything that may be asked of you at work, will make you an extremely valuable employee for any company. To reach a manager's position, you must learn to rely on others. Relationships , you build with your colleagues is what will get you to the top professionally. The idea that you can only rely on yourself is self-defeating," explains Michelle Lederman, author of Seven Ways to Increase Your Influence.

It is good to look for your people outside the company you work for. At events to which other companies from the industry or partners invite you, you can make extremely useful contacts. Right there are the people you need to make your own by creating a good impression of yourself.

If the event will be crowded, decide on a goal - whether you will mainly communicate with acquaintances to refresh old connections, or make new contacts.

The first involves knowing which people you want to meet and seeking them out. In order to "hunt" for new ones, it is necessary not to stay long with acquaintances and to go around from group to group.

In both cases, in informal contacts, try to be casual, interesting and memorable. You will become likable by listening carefully and showing keen curiosity.

The golden rule of networking is sympathy first, business second. So don't ask for something from a person you just met. This way you can become a customer and earn money, but you will not make him your person.

You're not the only one making acquaintances at such events. When someone wants to get to know you, pay attention to them, even if they don't seem valuable to you at first. You never know who knows who and when it will come in handy.

You're not building a reliable network if you don't take care of your contacts. Don't wait until the next event to meet your precious people. The very next day, write emails or call on the phone to say how nice you are to meet and how interesting it was to talk. This is part of business etiquette, but few bother to follow it. If you follow it, the rapprochement is much more secure.

Networking everywhere is the watchword of the smart person with career ambitions. Find an opportunity to talk to those you meet at the gym. If you are there at the same time, then you are working, you have similar understandings (you value health and good looks), and probably approximately the same financial capabilities. No wonder acquaintances work so well for you.

It's even easier with fellow hobbyists. Once you have the same passion, topics to discuss and bond - a lot.

Similarly, make an effort to communicate with relatives, neighbors, parents of the children's classmates. The more people you are close to, the better chance you have of finding those who can help you succeed in your career.

----- Reverse the power of envy -----

You accumulate, accumulate your own people, and your boss praises a colleague for doing a good job. You have done yours no worse, but there is no praise for you. You feel dislike for your boss and envy for your colleague. And your inner voice asks "Why didn't this happen to me?".

It's not unusual to feel envious of people who have achieved success, explains Dr. AJ Marsden, a psychologist and associate professor at Beacon College in Florida. Everyone has a fundamental need to know where they fit in hierarchical systems. "When we see someone we perceive as a person on our level receive something we value highly - such as a promotion or praise, our first reaction is to envy their success. Then we begin to feel sorry for ourselves and look at the success of others as a sign that we have failed. Envy often leads to anger directed at the successful person," says Marsden.

It is quite possible to limit the negative influence of this feeling and turn it into an incentive for personal growth. It can be a tremendous motivator to push you to achieve more. Study the person you envy. Observe what he does and analyze how he achieved his success. Then ask yourself how you can do it too, says Marsden.

"Envy, by its very nature, can be illustrated by saying, 'I want this,'" comments Kathryn Shay, associate professor of organizational behavior at Carnegie Mellon University. When you admit that you envy someone for their success, you are telling yourself that you want to achieve the same This allows you to immediately start working on the desired goal.Envy actually gives you information about the things that are really important to you.

However, people tend to distance themselves from those they envy. And far more useful to spend more time with them. "There is some reason why this person is successful and you are not. It may be his skills, professional contacts, the fact that he is more liked by other people and can count on their support. Find out what the reasons are behind his success, and take advantage of his example," advises Shay.

17.07.2024

FROM VIVALDI TO PINK FLOYD: WHAT TO LISTEN TO FOR MORE PRODUCTIVITY IN THE OFFICE?

Music is an integral part of the work environment in most companies and serves as a background that looks simply as a pleasant addition to everyday life.

However, its impact on productivity is much more significant than it may seem at first glance.

Choosing office songs can have a serious impact on the performance and efficiency of employees.

Different genres affect differently.

For example, classical music, which is characterized by harmonious and soothing tunes, improves concentration and memory.

This genre is especially useful for tasks that require prolonged attention and mental endurance. Lack of texts is a key factor as it minimizes distraction, allowing the brain to process information more efficiently.

On the contrary, genres such as pop or electronic music can be excellent motivators for repeated or physical tasks. The rhythm and energy in these songs increase mood and energy levels, which makes routine tasks less monotonous.

This type of music can be especially effective in a team environment where collective energy increases are of great benefit.

The volume with which music is played is also a decisive factor. Too loud music can be intrusive and unproductive, overshadowing thoughts and conversations. Moderate music can create a pleasant and stimulating work environment.

In conclusion, it can be said that the role of music in the workplace extends beyond ordinary entertainment. Its ability to influence mood, concentration and overall productivity is significant.

The key lies in the choice of the right genre with the right volume and accounting for individual preferences. Given these factors, music can turn the workplace into a more dynamic, enjoyable and productive space.

With this in mind, CEOWORLD has analyzed nearly 12,000 public playlists related to work in Spotify and YouTube, including over one million songs.

The study found that Antonio Vivaldi's "four seasons" is the most popular job tune in the workplace.

Here are the others in the top 20:

Four Seasons, Antonio Vivaldi

Brandenburg Concertos, Johan Sebastian Bach

St Matthew Passion, Johann Sebastian Bach

VIVALDI: recomposed, Max Richter

Symphony No. 5 in C minor, opus 67, Ludwig van Beethoven

Vespers, Claudio Monteverdi

Symphony No. 6, Piotr Ilich Tchaikovsky

Suite Bergamasque, Claude Debussy

Fur Elise, Ludwig van Beethoven

Requiem, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Comfortably Numb, Pink Floyd

Angie, The Rolling Stones

Sultans of Swing, Dire Straits

Champagne Supernova, Oasis

Mrs Robinson, Simon and Garfunkel

Only the Good Die Young, Billy Joel

Whene Doves Cry, Prince

Hotel California, The Eagles

Don's Stop Me Now, Queen

Helter Skelter, The Beatles

16.07.2024

VOUCHER TRAINING APPLICATIONS FOR UNEMPLOYED AND INACTIVE PERSONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED

The Employment Agency started accepting applications for free training with vouchers for unemployed and inactive people from yesterday 15 July. The courses will be financed under the "Getting Started" project - Component 2 - "Training".

The project is implemented by the Employment Agency and is financed by the Human Resources Development Program 2021-2027, co-financed by the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus. It aims to train people to meet the needs of employers in sectors where a shortage of personnel has been identified. Its total budget is BGN 42 million. It is expected that 14,000 unemployed and inactive persons will be included in the training.

It is planned to provide vouchers for trainings to acquire a professional qualification or part of a profession. With the documents provided by the Employment Agency, people will be able to enroll in a course for language literacy, foreign languages, for mathematical competence or for one in the field of exact sciences, technology and engineering.

Unemployed and inactive persons will be able to undergo training in personal and social competence, as well as in acquiring learning skills. Vouchers will also be received for civic and entrepreneurial competence courses. A list of trainings and providers that offer them can be found here.

Applications for training vouchers can only be submitted by completing an electronic application available here. After submitting the application, the applicant will receive by e-mail information about the number under which he is registered in the system of the Employment Agency. If approved, he will be issued an electronic voucher for the requested training, and if not approved, he will receive a motivated answer.

The training provided for in the project will be implemented by providing named vouchers to the persons from the target group, according to the Regulations for determining the conditions and procedure for providing vouchers for training under the "Human Resources Development" Program 2021-2027, the National Recovery and Sustainability Plan and the Just Transition Fund, adopted by Decree of the Council of Ministers No. 48 of 04/04/2023.

Additional information, as well as consultation on inclusion in training with vouchers, can be obtained at all labor offices in the country.

15.07.2024

WHAT IS THE INFLATION RATE FOR JUNE?

Monthly inflation was -0.2%, and annual inflation for June was 2.5%. This was announced by the National Statistical Institute.

Inflation is measured by the Consumer Price Index, with monthly inflation for June 2024 compared to the previous month and annual inflation for June 2024 compared to the same month of the previous year.

In June 2024, compared to the previous month, the biggest decrease in prices was in the groups: "Messages" (-1.5%), "Clothing and shoes" (-1.2%), "Transport" (-0.9%) and "Food products and soft drinks" (-0.5%).

The largest increase was registered in the groups: "Restaurants and hotels" (+2.2%), "Miscellaneous goods and services" (+0.4%), "Entertainment and culture" (+0.3%) and "Health care" (+0.2%) ).

15.07.2024

INFLATION IN ROMANIA DECREASED FOR THE FIFTH MONTH IN A ROW

Consumer price inflation in Romania fell for the fifth consecutive month in June to the lowest level in nearly three years, according to data released today by the Romanian National Statistics Institute.

Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation was reported at 4.9 percent year-on-year in June, up from 5.1 percent in the previous month.

It is also the lowest level of inflation since July 2021, when price growth was also recorded at 4.9 percent.

The prices of non-food goods increased in June by 6.3 percent compared to the same month last year. In May, inflation of 6.4 percent was reported for this group of products.

Services rose in price by 8.8 percent on an annual basis, although here there was a decrease compared to the previous month, when the increase was 9.3 percent.

The data also showed that food prices rose by 1.1 percent compared to June last year.

On a monthly basis in June, consumer prices in Romania increased by 0.2 percent.