These cases are perfectly simple and easy to distinguish. In a free hour, when our power of choice is untrammelled and when nothing prevents our being able to do what we like best, every pleasure is to be welcomed and every pain avoided. But in certain circumstances and owing to the claims of duty or the obligations of business it will frequently occur that pleasures have to be repudiated and annoyances accepted. The wise man therefore always holds in these matters to this principle of selection: he rejects pleasures to secure other greater pleasures, or else he endures pains to avoid worse pains.

But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful.

Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?

Enhancing the worker experience

Attracting and retaining the best staff will require businesses to look at providing a first-class working experience. This could involve creating a work culture that is positive, rewarding, collaborative and sufficiently flexible to deliver work/life balance.

“We see that the best candidates value the challenge and impact of their work more than ever. To attract them, you need to show that your workplace culture offers an environment for them to thrive. And that means empowering them with the necessary resources, skills and autonomy,” says Chris Sandham, Managing Director of recruitment company M&T Resources.

Successful businesses are building brands, reputations and client bases via topical, engaging, expert content that reaches out and speaks to its audience at the right time and in the right places across multiple channels.

The sales team

Sales teams have evolved, and in 2015 are becoming increasingly focussed on expert product knowledge, a wealth of industry wisdom and a mission to provide clients with timely solutions and on-going support.

“Our clients tell us they want to deal with those who bring expertise, insights and quality answers to the table. It’s all about building relationships based on respect, trust, fulfilled needs and providing superior service.” says David Gonano, National Head of Sales for Macquarie Business Banking.
The rise and rise of content marketing

Seamlessly integrated, multi-channel content marketing is expected to continue to be one of the most commercially significant digital marketing trends. Content marketing is becoming increasingly strategic, targeted and of higher value.

Successful marketers are building brands, reputations and client bases via topical, engaging, expert content that reaches out and speaks to its audience at the right time and in the right places across multiple channels.

“Context is the kingmaker and as such trends like newsjacking are proving popular with content marketers this year – ride the wave of interest already in market and your promotional dollars will go a lot further,” says Kate Gamble, Head of Product Content Marketing and Director at Resolution Media.

“Gone are the days of ‘build it and they will come’ – companies need to reach out and find these people in synergistic addressable communities and encourage them through the door.”
Computing everywhere

Wearable technology, smart phones and other mobile devices, known as endpoints, will connect screens in a raft of new contexts and environments, including workplaces and public places.

The trend for computing everywhere for business purposes is expected to increase this year, with the aim being to ramp up mobility for workers in order to boost efficiency, agility, responsiveness and flexibility.

Enterprise IT will be kept busy this year, ensuring end point devices work together and create a positive user experience.