By Gerald Goh

Annual leave - it's one of the most anticipated and basic employee benefits, and often eagerly anticipated and judiciously planned out for weeks on end.

If you’re like most working professionals, you’d naturally appreciate having more vacation time to fully enjoy that getaway in the Barbados with your significant other. On the other hand, you might be a consummate workaholic who feels that annual leave is merely a nuisance to be cleared so as to keep Human Resources off your back.

By: Edmund Wang

Having pets in the office isn’t as barking mad as it might sound, as more and more employees are now bringing pets into the workplace.

By Ethan Sia

Yes, it’s that time of the year again – the week before Christmas.

The toughest challenge on your Christmas list this year isn’t your demanding mother-in-law – the honour falls to your boss and colleagues. How does one find the perfect useful gift that doesn’t only smack of professionalism but comes at a good price point? Well, we can’t work miracles but this guide will help you score brownie points with everyone in the office.

By Shi Tianyun

Some people just have all the luck – like the employees of these companies. Bet there’s no such thing as Monday Blues in these workplaces!

McLaren Technology Centre in Surrey, UK
The Formula One racing-car company is housed in a sleek, futuristic building that overlooks its own huge artificial lakes. Be transported to the future as you make your way along glass walkways amidst the sleek silver interior. All the trappings of an awesome office like a juice and coffee bar, and a swimming pool and fitness centre that look right out a posh country club, pale in comparison with the centre of attraction - the 145m long wind tunnel that the McLaren Team tests out F1 cars in. Plus, F1 drivers make frequent appearances in the centre too!

Red Frog Events in Chicago, US
One step into the events company’s office and you will know why they call it “Camp Red Frog”. The office looks just like a holiday camp, complete with foosball tables, rock climbing wall, a zipline and hammocks! Meetings are conducted on comfy beanbags in tree houses and once it is over, just glide down the slide to get back to work. Plus, there’s an unlimited candy supply everywhere, courtesy of strategically-placed dispensers.

Google Headquarters in California, US
And we saved the best for last, the Googleplex. The 500,000 square foot premises houses everything from a beach volleyball court, sculptures of dinosaurs and Android mascots outdoors, 18 different cafes so you never have to step outside for lunch ever (did we mention that meals are free too?), sleeping pods (relaxation devices that are sound- and light-proof) and of course a twisty slide that goes down multiple floors – who wants to take the boring lift, right?

Make your workplace more interesting

By Juliet Soh

There is a reason why there are so many idioms that describe moods with colours: having the blues, seeing red, tickled pink and green with envy. That’s because colours indeed have powerful effects on our psychology. In fact, the Egyptians and Chinese have been practising “chromotherapy”, an alternative treatment using colours to heal, for thousands of years. Now, tap on the knowledge of colour psychology and find out how you too can harness this understanding to help you at work.

By Shi Tianyun

Some people just have all the luck – like the employees of these companies. Check out these cool offices that they have the privilege of working in. Bet there’s no such thing as Monday Blues in these workplaces!

By Shi Tianyun

They are everywhere – a fellow worker who somehow manages to get under your skin all the time. They aren’t exactly malicious – they actually mean no harm but somehow you just feel that the workplace will be a much happier place if they just stop (fill in the blank with annoying habit here).

If the co-worker that makes you cringe falls under these five categories, don’t worry, we have got some tips to keep them at bay.

By Juliet Soh

A “gap year”, sometimes known as a “sabbatical”, refers to an extended period of time you take off work to undertake activities you wouldn’t otherwise have time to do. Many may think that taking a year off work is only justified if you want to pursue higher education. But this is also a great option if you are experiencing a career burnout - it gives you time and space to rethink your priorities. If you’re seriously considering to take this time off, jot down these notes on what you can do:

By Juliet Soh

It’s that time of the year again when you cave in to your wanderlust. After working hard for almost half a year, you feel you deserve a break to rest and recharge.

But you’re hesitating because you know you can’t just leave your work behind.

A survey has shown that 30% of workers bring their work along even while travelling.

We’re not going to dissuade you from doing so. Instead, we’re offering you tips on how you can catch up with work, while at the same time have minimal disruption to your holidays.