By Michelle Moss* (www.signium.co.za)

Valentine’s Day is not just about flowers and candle-lit dinners. It’s an annual opportunity to contemplate the power of love and the promise of happiness when you find the only one for you.

‘The one’ doesn’t have to be a person. It could be a job; especially one offering fulfilment and satisfaction. Research indicates love is good for you. You perform better and live longer. You feel happy, care-free. Everything seems possible. You feel less stress (love really is good for your heart). Love for your job is positive, too.

Happiness at work fosters team spirit while good health supports high productivity and quality outcomes. Unfortunately, true love for the job is rare. A 2017 Gallup survey found 70% of employees are “actively disengaged”. They are indifferent, confirming that the curse of ‘presentism’ afflicts countless companies.

The lovelorn are frequently misunderstood. It’s the same at work. 89% of bosses say staff leave for money while only 12% of job-movers say money prompted their exit – so says the book The 7 Hidden Reasons Your Employees Leave by talent-retention expert Leigh Branham.

You stop being faithful because you are out of love. Clearly, finding something to love about your job is key to a lasting relationship. This prompted the inclusion of a ‘love test’ in questions put to job candidates and clients over several months.

They were asked ‘what is the one thing you love about your job?’ Many said the coffee breaks, the great cappuccino and water-cooler moments when they could chat to colleagues. The office bar or on-site drinks also featured strongly. A chance to unwind with peers is greatly appreciated. Altruism and the opportunity to make a difference were also highlighted.

People love to feel their work matters, that what they do improves lives or addresses social problems. Technical proficiency can also instil love.

‘Digging out the truth’ created some loving moments for one claims investigator and childhood Nancy Drew fan. Change, unpredictability and surprises were also cited. People love facing the unknown, not knowing what to expect from day to day, but coming out on top. Many love to learn. They felt their position gave them a chance to broaden their knowledge and ask questions.

Wow moments also foster love – those occasions when you complete a project or champion an idea and see the impact on your company and industry. You love the firm for believing in you and letting you take the initiative. However, negative feedback was frequent. Some confessed they loved the day the boss was away (‘because he’s crazy and impossible to work with’).

Others said they simply loved going home, and many said ‘Friday’ and a weekend away from work. So, what can we learn about love for the job and the chance to get the best out of your loved ones? Firstly, small things matter. Colleague interaction and socialising are important. Secondly, create a sense of purpose. People need to see the bigger picture and have a role in the wider scheme of things. In addition, change the routine when you can. Same old, same old is boring. People love change and challenge.

Some even love occasional chaos for the thrill of conquering it. Building learning and development into the job also helps. It’s worth the effort. When people love their job, you’ll love the results. 

*Michelle Moss is a Director at Signium Africa (previously Talent Africa), a leading South African-based executive search and talent management company servicing sub-Saharan Africa.

Website:   www.signium.co.za Tel:    +27 11 771 4800 

This is no ordinary wall - this one is all about togetherness, friendship and love. Not only that, 3M will build the wall and wants YOU to fill it for Valentine’s Day! 

To celebrate Valentine’s Day 2018, 3M Consumer Division is setting up an exciting opportunity for you to tell your loved one how you feel. Your date with us is on Saturday 10 February 2018 from 10am to 3pm, at The Zone Mall in Rosebank. We’ll bring Post-it® Notes for you to express yourself in full colour and then stick your prose onto our Wall of Love. We’ll also be giving some fantastic prizes away on the day. 

There will be a photo booth for you to snap some fab pics in and post them to PostitSA Facebook page, tagging your friends or secret passion. We’d also love you to capture some videos and share those too - writing on your Post-it® Notes; sticking the brightest one you can find on the wall; or singing a short song that tells your Valentine how deep your love is . . . 

Whether you’re 16 or 60; “in a relationship”, “it’s complicated”, “married” or “just friends”, we’d love to see your Valentine’s Post-it® Notes filling up the wall with delight. Make a date with your friends now so you don’t miss out on being a builder of a Wall of Love with 3M and your favourite stationery products.  

Valentine's Day is around the corner, and according to a global survey, PANDORA Jewellery discovered that 60% of men find it hard to find the right Valentine's Day gift for their partner.

The study also showed that 77% of women receive chocolates and flowers - when what they really want is - jewellery.

Get it right this Valentines and give her the perfect gift with a PANDORA Jewellery beautifully hand-finished keepsake.

Guess no more - beautiful, high-quality jewellery is most likely on her list! So find every feeling, listen to every beat, follow every flutter. Celebrate the unsaid, with a piece that says it all.

Because deep down, you know what to do.

Celebrate the most romantic day of the year at one of the three renowned properties within The Collection by Liz McGrath. On the 14 February 2018, The Cellars-Hohenort, in Constantia, Cape Town, invites you to enjoy a delectable six-course Valentine’s Day dinner at The Conservatory restaurant for just R695 per person. Take a romantic stroll through our beautiful gardens with your significant other, before sitting down to share a pre-dinner glass of bubbles while we prepare your food journey.

The menu consists of: a welcome drink on arrival, West Coast Oyster served with cucumber, basil, tomato and cayenne espuma. Cape Malay Seared Tuna Tataki served with octopus carpaccio, charred cauliflower and coriander salsa, lemon atchar and jintan putih vinaigrette. Springbok loin and Blueberries served with salt baked celeriac, onion marmalade, wild carrots and juniper jus. For dessert, begin with an Elderflower Sherbet served with grilled peaches, burrata panna cotta. Textures of Strawberry and Cream served with Amarula mousse, white chocolate and vanilla crumble. Complete your dining experience with Petit Fours served with coffee or tea.  

For more information and bookings:
021 794 2137 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
thecellars-hohenorthotel.com

For a truly decadent, luxurious Valentine’s Day celebration - sneak off for a stylish and sexy rendezvous to the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa, an opulent sanctuary and one of Joburgs best kept secrets. With close attention to detail and exceptional service, Fairlawns creates an idyllic intimate atmosphere where some of the globe’s most vibrant personalities converge.

Celebrate this Valentine’s Day like a celebrity, hiding in plain sight at one of the most exclusive establishments in the country. Fairlawns lends itself to romance with chic, upscale suites which are individually decorated in varying themes ranging from Eastern influence to French provincial, featuring every desired modern amenity.

The hotel also caters to a variety of culinary tastes with an array of elegant dining experiences to choose from. Whether you stay for a day or two, wined and dined for an evening, or spoiled with an indulgent spa day , Fairlawns will provide an unforgettably blissful experience. If you really want to spoil someone this Valentine’s Day this is THE way to do it.

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, an award-winning five-star boutique hotel, is conveniently situated in the Sandton suburb of Morningside Manor. A short 6 km from central Sandton, and 20 km from the Johannesburg city centre, Fairlawns offers the upmarket guest a delicate mix of luxury and convenience. Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa opens up a whole world of relaxation, complimented with superior service, a personal touch and always surprising guests by transporting them to a sanctuary that appeals to all six senses. A unique, exclusive, up-market oasis.

Telephone :         011 808 7300 Website :              fairlawnshotel.co.za Facebook :          facebook.com/FairlawnsBoutiqueHotel Instagram :          @fairlawnsboutiquehotel 

Valentine's Day is around the corner, and according to a global survey, PANDORA Jewellery discovered that 60% of men find it hard to find the right Valentine's Day gift for their partner.

The study also showed that 77% of women receive chocolates and flowers - when what they really want is - jewellery. Get it right this Valentines and give her the perfect gift with a PANDORA Jewellery beautifully hand-finished keepsake. Guess no more - beautiful, high-quality jewellery is most likely on her list!

So find every feeling, listen to every beat, follow every flutter. Celebrate the unsaid, with a piece that says it all. Because deep down, you know what to do. Jodi, click here to download the images in higher res, or pop me an email and I'll send it through along with the pricing.

#ValentinesDay      #ValentinesGift      #DoSurprise

Her Thanks, please let me know if you need anything - below and attached are some perfect gift ideas: In-store: mid-January 2018 Shop online at www.pandorashop.co.za or visit www.pandora.net or to be inspired, join the PANDORA Club, view the sizing guide or for your nearest stockist.

Local PR Contact: Jodi Lynn Karpes, GreenQueen Communications, 084-876 5431 Facebook: PANDORATwitter - PANDORA 

Valentine's Day cherishes love and romance, and is a day to celebrate your partner. 

GLAD has a few handy hints and ideas to help make your Valentine’s day that little bit better.

When the weather is fine, plan a romantic picnic!

• Pack a picnic basket using snacky foods that you can enjoy under the sun or stars; use GLAD Zip Seal Snack Bags to store them in to keep the pesky ants out and to keep the food germ-free
• Keep your refreshments cool using GLAD Ice Cube Bags in your cooler box – you can also take out the hygienically sealed ice blocks to use in your drinks once you’ve opened and poured the drinks
• Wrap plates of food in Cling Wrap to keep everything from spilling or messing
• Keep salad dressing or sauces in a small GLAD Zip Seal Snack Bags. To serve, simply snip the corner of the bag and pour!
• Use large GLAD Zip Seal Freezer Bags to put dirty dishes and cutlery in so that there is less mess at the end of the evening
• GLAD WaveTop Tie Citrus Fresh Scented Bags are perfect for cleaning up mess after a picnic - the WaveTop Ties let you easily and hygienically close the bag and the citrus fresh scent helps control odours for the car ride home

Making a nice dinner?

• Use GLAD Bake & Cooking paper to wrap meat, chicken or fish in individual ‘parcels’ to bake or steam – be creative and use different herbs and spice it up!
• A heathy, low-fat way to cook is to use GLAD Bake & Cooking Paper over the pan, between the food and the pan. It has a special non-stick coating that eliminates the need for fats and oils. It also saves you pan-scrubbing time

Time for a little dessert!

• Wrap and seal chocolate chips and crushed nuts in GLAD Press’n Seal, keeping them in the fridge/freezer. They are kept fresh and ready to sprinkle over chocolate desserts and ice creams.
• Make chocolate dipped strawberries and refrigerate on a plat or tray lined with GLAD Bake & Cooking Paper to stop them from sticking

GLAD is happy to help on all special occasions and fits in to every space, time and budget!

GLAD – Save good food. From going bad.

Romantic Valentine’s Picnic by the Sea @ the Radisson Blu Waterfront Cape Town 

This Valentine’s Day enjoy an exclusive picnic for two on the rolling lawns of the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. 

Soak up the scenery and watch the sun go down while enjoying a delicious picnic prepared by Chef Norman Heath.  

The picnic basket includes freshly baked baguette, marinated olives, summer berry salad, Asian basted chicken skewers, a selection of local cheese and biscuits, peanut butter brownies and a bottle of wine.

Guests also get a blanket, umbrella and a great spot on the water’s edge to picnic with your loved one.

The Valentine’s picnic at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront starts at 6:30pm on Tuesday, 14 February 2017. 

The cost for this Valentine’s picnic is R695 per couple.

Book now on +27 (0)21 441 3000 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

January 2017 – Pamper your loved one this Valentine’s month with three tantalising offers at Four Seasons The Westcliff Johannesburg! Enjoy the Valentine’s Day Romance Package, valid for 14 February 2017 only, which includes a one night’s stay in a romantic Panoramic Room, a scrumptious breakfast for two and a five course set menu dinner, accompanied with a bottle of bubbly, at the hotels signature restaurant View, for R7, 500.00.

Or the Pre and Post Valentines Romance Package, which includes a one night’s stay, in a Garden View Superior Room, breakfast for two and a five course set menu dinner for two at the signature restaurant View with a glass of bubbly on arrival for R4, 300.00, which is available from February 10-13 & 15-18, 2017.

On the most romantic day of the year, indulge in a Valentine’s 3 course set menu dinner at Flames Restaurant, for R1, 250 per person, which includes a bottle of sparkling wine. There are various decadent menu highlights to choose from to suit everyone’s palette. During the month of February, spa guests will receive a surprise gift when booking any Omorovicza treatment.

For bookings and enquiries please visit - http://www.fourseasonsevents.co.za/product/joburg-festive-getaway-package/