Have you decided that 2012 is going to be the year you achieve a better work/life balance? And are you thinking that the best way to do this is to find a brand new PA role? Then pay close attention to the gender of your boss to be

A study from Vodafone in the UK has revealed that when it comes to bosses the female of the species are far more forgiving of the odd personal task at work, compared to their male counterparts. The survey revealed that while female bosses are keen for staff to have a good work/life balance and so turn a blind eye to a spot of online shopping, banking or bill paying during the 9 to 5, male bosses are more likely to see red when spotting a colleague making a personal call, updating their facebook status or other personal task when they’re on the job.

Women’s attitude was that provided their staff were keeping on top of deadlines and workloads then personal tasks in work time were not a problem – compared to men who said they berated a staff member every day for bringing their personal life into their working day.