LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
Tuesday, 10 December 2019 19:10
This Is Athens
As you can already tell, this week's newsletter is all about Athens! Find out the reasons behind the name of the city, how you can spend the day there with just 5€ and secret museums to explore!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Newsletters
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Monday, 03 February 2020 07:00
Employee Wellbeing: Hot Topics In 2020
A competitive salary alone is no longer enough to attract and retain top staff. Instead, workers now expect companies to offer packages which support their wellbeing and lifestyle requirements too.
According to the Workplace Culture Trends report for 2018, 86% of millennials said they would consider taking a pay cut in order to work at a company that offers packages which suit their values and lifestyle. Such perks include access to healthcare, gym memberships and parental leave. And companies are listening.
The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans report that more than nine in ten companies around the world offer staff at least one form of wellness benefit, and more than three in five have an allocated ‘wellness budgets’. What’s more, these budgets are expected to increase by 7.8% in the coming years and, according to Deloitte, the corporate wellbeing market as a whole will be worth $11.3 billion in 2021.
The term ‘wellbeing’ is a broad one and can cover just about any aspect of an employee’s life. So, which specific areas are companies focusing on in 2020?
Stress And Mental Health
Already a hot topic, the mental health of employees will continue to dominate wellbeing agendas. It’s estimated that stress and lack of work-life balance support costs the EU €20bn per year, Australia ($30bn), Canada ($12bn) and US ($300bn) through reduced productivity. Furthermore, a study by the Britain’s Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development found that 80% of employees with mental ill health in the UK struggle to concentrate, 50% are potentially less likely to be patient with clients or customers and 37% are more likely to get into conflict with colleagues. It’s also estimated that in the UK alone, mental ill health costs employers between £33bn-£42bn per year, so it’s clear to see why businesses will continue to address these issues in 2020.
A good example of an organisation tackling mental health among its workforce is Transport for London (TFL), the government body responsible for transport links in the UK capital. An employer of around 27,000 people, TFL offers tailored metal health support in the form of counselling, trauma services and a telephone helpline offering emotional support to employees.
Financial Support
Employers are also set to offer more financial wellness support in 2020. According to research carried out by Salary Finance, in the US, almost half of US employees are worried about money. What’s more, the PWC Employee Fit and Wellness Survey also revealed that employees stressed about their finances are absent from work for twice as many days as those who were not stressed, again impacting productivity and a company’s ability to operate at full capacity.
This is an issue that businesses have begun to address in recent years, with figures from Bank of America’s 2019 Workplace Benefits Report showing that twice as many companies offer financial wellbeing support today (53%) compared to four years ago (24%). However, according to research done by Thomsons Online Benefits, there are still a number of barriers preventing businesses from offering financial wellbeing programmes to employees. For example, almost one in four companies are concerned about the risk of getting too involved in their employees’ financial lives, 20% think that it’s not their role to do so and 24% worry about the costs of offering such support.
Despite these concerns, there’s been a clear upward trend of businesses offering financial wellbeing packages to their employees as they continue to recognise the impact financial worry has on their wellbeing.
Flexible Working
As employees look to achieve greater work-life balance, they are increasingly seeking work with businesses that offer flexibility. This has become so important to employees that the latest IWG Global Workspace Survey found 83% of workers around the world would turn down a job that didn’t offer flexible working, with 54% saying that having a choice of work location is more important to them than working for a prestigious company.
As a result of this demand, in the past ten years, 85% of businesses have introduced a flexible workspace policy, or are planning to adopt one. However, a number of companies still have reservations about flexible working with 60% saying that changing the organisational culture is the main barrier to implementing a flexible workspace policy and over a third (41%) say that fear of how flexible working may impact the overall company culture is the biggest obstacle.
Employee Wellbeing In 2020
The employee wellbeing market has grown significantly in recent years with HR departments continuing to identify effective ways of building a happy and motivated workforce. This growth shows no signs of slowing up in 2020 with employee mental health, financial wellbeing and flexible working all expected to become integral parts of staff wellbeing packages.
For more information on how flexible working could benefit your business, please visit IWG.
This content has been sponsored by IWG - an XpatAthens Brand Partner.
Originally published at IWG
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Business News
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Tuesday, 04 February 2020 07:00
A Musical Bridge Over Syngrou Avenue
For the 5th year in a row, the students of Panteion University's culture program have joined forces with Onassis STEGI cultural center to organize a 3-day musical event titled "A Musical Bridge Over Syngrou."
The festival, which aims to bring young composers and musicians to the spotlight, is the culmination of an intensive workshop aiming to provide students with the experience of organizing music events.
The festival will take place at Panteion University and includes 5 musical concerts. Tickets are free on a first come, first-served basis will be distributed at the venue one hour before each event.
The festival, which aims to bring young composers and musicians to the spotlight, is the culmination of an intensive workshop aiming to provide students with the experience of organizing music events.
The festival will take place at Panteion University and includes 5 musical concerts. Tickets are free on a first come, first-served basis will be distributed at the venue one hour before each event.
To read more about the festival, please visit: Onassis Stegi
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Local News
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Wednesday, 12 February 2020 02:20
Maluma Live In Greece
Colombian superstar Maluma will perform in Greece (Athens & Thessaloniki) for the first time, as a part of his 2020 world tour!
With his charismatic voice and explosive stage presence, Maluma has cemented himself in the heart of the world music scene, with countless sold-out concerts and collaborations with some of the music industry’s biggest names including, Madonna, Ricky Martin, Shakira.
The 25-year-old Latin singer and sexiest man alive for 2018, already counts nearly 200 sold-out concerts worldwide with more than 1,000,000 tickets. His latest album F.A.M.E. was to the top of Billboards chart, since its first release, and he has already won a Grammy in the category of the best contemporary pop album. The exotic Maluma aims to raise each one of his 76 million followers in Twitter, Facebook & Instagram and make them dance to the biggest stages and concert halls of the planet.
The ultimate Greek pop star Eleni Foureirawill be the special guest at both of MALUMA concerts in Greece (Athens and Thessaloniki).
She has already released 5 personal albums and many hits! Her impressive participation in Eurovision in 2018 with her hit single "Fuego" gained the second place and launched her international career. She has already collaborated with J Balvin as well as Snoop Dogg among others and she is established as the ultimate show woman that the audience is looking forward to her spectacular dance and her live shows.
Reggaeton vibes, Colombian beats and the world's biggest hits, as well as giant screens, fireworks and spectacular dancing will make these two concerts the events of the year!
Special guest Eleni Foureira!
MARCH 11th 2020 - O.A.K.A. Olympic Indoor Hall
MARCH 13th 2020 - PAOK SPORTS ARENA
With his charismatic voice and explosive stage presence, Maluma has cemented himself in the heart of the world music scene, with countless sold-out concerts and collaborations with some of the music industry’s biggest names including, Madonna, Ricky Martin, Shakira.
The 25-year-old Latin singer and sexiest man alive for 2018, already counts nearly 200 sold-out concerts worldwide with more than 1,000,000 tickets. His latest album F.A.M.E. was to the top of Billboards chart, since its first release, and he has already won a Grammy in the category of the best contemporary pop album. The exotic Maluma aims to raise each one of his 76 million followers in Twitter, Facebook & Instagram and make them dance to the biggest stages and concert halls of the planet.
The ultimate Greek pop star Eleni Foureirawill be the special guest at both of MALUMA concerts in Greece (Athens and Thessaloniki).
She has already released 5 personal albums and many hits! Her impressive participation in Eurovision in 2018 with her hit single "Fuego" gained the second place and launched her international career. She has already collaborated with J Balvin as well as Snoop Dogg among others and she is established as the ultimate show woman that the audience is looking forward to her spectacular dance and her live shows.
Reggaeton vibes, Colombian beats and the world's biggest hits, as well as giant screens, fireworks and spectacular dancing will make these two concerts the events of the year!
Special guest Eleni Foureira!
MARCH 11th 2020 - O.A.K.A. Olympic Indoor Hall
MARCH 13th 2020 - PAOK SPORTS ARENA
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Music
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Thursday, 20 February 2020 01:44
15% Discount At Athina Luxury Suites In Santorini
We are thrilled and honored to begin our new collaboration with Athina Luxury Suites by offering all XpatAthens readers a 15% discount for reservations made by February 29th!
If you are planning to visit Santorini this year, take advantage of this exclusive offer and give yourself the opportunity to relax and unwind in a magical setting of unique beauty and impeccable service!
If you are planning to visit Santorini this year, take advantage of this exclusive offer and give yourself the opportunity to relax and unwind in a magical setting of unique beauty and impeccable service!
Situated at a privileged caldera location in Fira, with unlimited views of the volcano, the sunset, and the whole island, and only a few steps away from the town center, but still with a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, Athina Luxury Suites is an excellent place to stay in Santorini.
Athina Luxury Suites has been fully renovated in 2019 and offers an attractive minimal design, upgraded services, and great amenities. It is an ideal accommodation for those who want to enjoy privacy, high-end services, comfort, and luxury, with a backdrop of the majestic scenery of Santorini’s caldera!
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Sports & Wellness
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Saturday, 08 February 2020 01:24
2nd Athens Fashion Film Festival
A 3-day international gathering where fashion meets cinema 14-16 February 2020 in Athens.
Following its successful premiere last year at Megaron, the Athens Fashion Film Festival returns with its 2nd edition, which will be hosted at the innovative Technopolis industrial museum and more specifically at the recently renovated, 300+ capacity Amphitheater, at the vivid area of Gazi, in the heart of Athens.
A cultural meeting for cinematographers, fashion designers, creative directors, visual artists, advertising agencies, production companies, brands, fashion companies, fashion-model agencies, actors, scriptwriters, journalists, VIPs, celebrities, bloggers, independent, producers, TV channels, schools of art/fashion / audio-visual studies, art curators, artists, collectors, NGO (ethical- sustainable fashion), fashion and cinema enthusiasts.
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Art
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Saturday, 08 February 2020 00:50
Technopolis Vinyl Market
Get ready for a big festival celebration of vinyl during February 7th,8th - 9th in Technopolis!
The Vinyl Market returns fresh and enriched with new collections and new vinyl releases, as well as many other music exhibits. Visitors will have the chance to wander around Technopolis and explore rock, soul, funk, jazz, Latin, blues, and ethnic discs, while popular tunes by well-known DJs will fulfill this ultimate vinyl experience!
Friday, February 7th: From 17:00 p.m. until 22:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 8th: From 11:00 a.m. until 22:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 9th: From 11:00 a.m. until 22:00 p.m.
The Vinyl Market returns fresh and enriched with new collections and new vinyl releases, as well as many other music exhibits. Visitors will have the chance to wander around Technopolis and explore rock, soul, funk, jazz, Latin, blues, and ethnic discs, while popular tunes by well-known DJs will fulfill this ultimate vinyl experience!
Friday, February 7th: From 17:00 p.m. until 22:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 8th: From 11:00 a.m. until 22:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 9th: From 11:00 a.m. until 22:00 p.m.
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Music
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Monday, 03 February 2020 07:00
Blue Air Links Athens with Bucharest
The Romanian flight carrier Blue Air will be adding Athens to its new summer flight program for 2020. As part of this new program the Bucharest-based company, will introduce eight new routes departing from Bucharest, Bacau, and Iasi.
As of June 15th, Blue Air will provide flights from George Enescu International Airport in Bucharest to Athens International Airport. It is reported that the prices of Blue Air’s new destinations will be starting from as little as €19,99 and may include other discounts through the airline’s yearly subscription program.
So, for those seeking to travel to Athens from Romania, or the other way around, it may be worth looking into the largest Romanian airline.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
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International Travel
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Monday, 03 February 2020 07:00
Greek Literature Appeals To China Book Market
China is the second-largest book market in the world, with an impressive turnover of about 10 billion euros a year.
Regarding Greek literature, translations of ancient Greek works are very popular in China coming in the first place, Nikos Kazantzakis is the most translated contemporary Greek writer. At the same time, Seferis, Cavafy, and Elytis are among the most translated Greek poets.
Author and historian, Emilios Solomos researched to investigate the image and ranking of Greek literature abroad and spoke to Hellenists and translators who bridge Greek literature with faraway languages and cultures.
Solomos spoke with Jingjing Hu, translator, and Head of the Department of Modern Greek Studies at the Shanghai International University, regarding Greek literature in China. "I adore Greece and I want to introduce it to my compatriots," she explains.
According to Hu, modern Greek literature is still relatively unknown but appealing to Chinese readers because of their genaralized admiration of the ancient Greek world. She suggests that boosting publishing exchange between Greece and China will eventually make it easier for Greek writers to communicate directly with Chinese publishers.
To read this article in full, please visit: Tornos News
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Greece In The News
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Sunday, 02 February 2020 07:00
Fanouropita – A Cake For Finding Lost Things
Have you ever lost something and would try almost anything to get it back? Well, maybe try making a Fanouropita! This spicy cake is traditionally baked in Greece to honor St. Fanourios, the patron saint of revelation, between the 26th and 27th of August. Many Greeks, however, also regularly bake a Fanouropita in the hopes that the saint of revelation will help them find their lost belongings. In fact, the cake’s name also reveals its supposed object-finding powers: it was named after St. Fanourios, whose name originates from the Greek word “fanerono,” which means “I reveal.” So, Fanouropita quite literally means, “a pita that reveals.”
Even if you don’t believe in the Fanouropita’s power, or have an app to help you find lost items, the cake is still worth making! This quick, easy-to-make, and versatile cake is perfect for the Lenten season, and can easily be made vegan—all you have to do is replace the honey with sugar and add tahini.
Just a word of caution, though. While the main ingredients for the cake are walnuts, a dried fruit of your preference (we suggest raisins here), cinnamon, oil, sugar, and flour, it is said that all the ingredients must add up to an odd number (e.g. 7, 9, 11, 13, and so on). The recipe at the bottom has 11 ingredients without the icing sugar. If you chose to include the icing sugar, which we suggest you do, consider adding a second type of dried fruit to make the number of ingredients odd again.
Hopefully, this cake will help you find what you are searching for... And if it doesn’t—at least you got a tasty treat out of the experience!
Yield: 1 cake (25cm)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooks in: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 450g of flower
- 260g of sugar
- 1 cup of olive oil
- 1 cup and 2 tbsp of orange juice
- 100g of walnuts
- 90g of raisins
- 4g of powdered cinnamon
- 1 tsp of powdered cloves
- 20g of baking powder
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tbsp of red wine vinegar
- Icing sugar for dusting (optional)
To find out important tips on how to prepare a Fanouropita, please visit: Kopiaste
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Greek Food & Diet
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