Search Results for: covid

Early detection of COVID-19 in the workplace

Early detection of COVID-19 in the workplace

A Thermo Fisher Scientific site has managed to avoid an uptick in cases of COVID-19 thanks to the installation of cutting edge techMost workplaces have returned to full operational capacity following the COVID-19 pandemic, with the majority of restrictions being lifted, much to the delight of staff. Unfortunately, the initial relief of newfound freedom has been short lived, as the relaxation of rules continues to result in surges of COVID-19 cases, forcing some production facilities to close down due to high levels of employee sickness. A Thermo Fisher Scientific manufacturing site in Erlangen, Germany, has managed to avoid this situation, thanks largely to the installation of air sampling equipment that flags any positive cases in its vicinity. This article describes how this early warning system allows individuals to test and self-isolate if necessary, and discusses how this has improved employee peace of mind and ultimately contributed to limiting the spread of the disease within the facility. More →

Three quarters of people who left their pre-covid employer now want to go back

Three quarters of people who left their pre-covid employer now want to go back

According to a new poll from recruiter Robert Walters, almost three quarters of professionals (71 percent) who left their pre-covid employer in search of better pay or working culture say that they are open to returning. Half of the 3,000 people surveyed say that the reasons as to why they left in the first place are no longer applicable. Nearly half (45 percent of workers) who had left their job after lockdown did so for better pay – with a further 35 percent leaving for a better workplace culture or more purpose/fulfilment in their role. More →

Central London office market take-up returns to pre-Covid levels

Central London office market take-up returns to pre-Covid levels

central london office marketThe Central London Office leasing market has seen occupiers expanding their footprint at record levels, according to the research from real estate advisor, CBRE. Following what CBRE claims was an unprecedented downturn in activity as a result of the pandemic, Central London office take-up reached 12.7m sq ft for the 12-months to the end of Q2 2022, an increase of 153 percent when compared to the same period last year and 5 percent above the ten-year average. More →

Wellbeing and mental health drop down business agenda, despite COVID fallout

Wellbeing and mental health drop down business agenda, despite COVID fallout

wellbeing at workWellbeing and mental health are beginning to slip down the business agenda, a new report from the CIPD and Simplyhealth claims, despite the fact that organisations are still dealing with the fallout from COVID-19 and it remains an on-going concern for workers.  The Health and Wellbeing at Work 2022 report suggests that the number of HR professionals who think that wellbeing is on the agenda of senior leaders has fallen from 75 percent to 70 percent in the past year. There has also been a drop in the proportion of HR professionals who think senior leaders encourage a focus on mental wellbeing through their actions and behaviours, falling from 48 percent in 2021 to 42 percent in 2022. More →

COVID-19 has contributed to the gender pay gap

COVID-19 has contributed to the gender pay gap

womenAccording to new research by the ADP Research Institute, People at Work 2021: A Global Workforce View, women are being left behind when it comes to being rewarded financially for taking on new roles or additional responsibilities to fill gaps left by COVID-19 related job losses. More →

Long Covid could become a major problem for employers

Long Covid could become a major problem for employers

long covid and employeesAs workers are encouraged to return to offices in greater numbers, employers should prepare for an influx of employees reporting symptoms of Long Covid.  Cases are rising in the UK and it is estimated that a significant percentage of those testing positive for Covid-19 go on to develop Long Covid, a debilitating condition with symptoms ranging from fatigue and muscle aches, to breathing-related problems and chest pain.  The duration of symptoms varies, with some sufferers recovering after 12 weeks and others continuing to suffer for far longer.  While working remotely, it may have been possible for some employees to manage their symptoms privately; however, the requirement to attend the office may prompt them to disclose their condition and seek the support of their employer. More →

New air cleaning guidance for reducing Covid-19 spread

New air cleaning guidance for reducing Covid-19 spread

air cleaningTwo new pieces of guidance on reducing COVID-19 transmission through ventilation and air cleaning technologies have been issued by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). More →

Almost half of UK firms have decreased their research and development since covid-19

Almost half of UK firms have decreased their research and development since covid-19

researchAlmost half (45 percent) of UK firms have decreased their research and development initiatives during the covid-19 pandemic, with even 18 percent of firms halting theirs altogether, according to new research from Durham University Business School. More →

A digital presence saw some small businesses through Covid, but support now needed

A digital presence saw some small businesses through Covid, but support now needed

digitalNew research commissioned by Cisco claims the digital priorities and growth opportunities for small businesses in the UK, as they navigate a new hybrid world. More →

Surge in use of digital learning in wake of COVID-19

Surge in use of digital learning in wake of COVID-19

digital learningThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in digital learning with seven in ten organisations (70 percent) reporting an increase in use of digital or online solutions over the last year, according to the latest Learning and Skills at Work report from the CIPD and Accenture. More than a third of organisations (36 percent) have also increased their investment in learning technology in the last year. More →

Half of workers expect their employer to make Covid vaccine mandatory

Half of workers expect their employer to make Covid vaccine mandatory

vaccineHalf of Britain’s workers expect their bosses to demand a vaccine passport before they can return to their workplace claims new research from BrightHR. The study of 5,000 British workers across various sectors claims only 17 percent have had a conversation about their companies’ policy on vaccines, but over a third said they expect it will be mandatory. More →

Business leaders share lessons in resilience from the Covid crisis

Business leaders share lessons in resilience from the Covid crisis

resilienceMost businesses were ill-prepared to deal with the pandemic and muddled though the challenges stemming from it, according to new report ‘Resilience reimagined: a practical guide for organisations’, produced by Cranfield University, in partnership with the National Preparedness Commission (NPC) and Deloitte. More →