People are now more interested in job rewards now rather than at some point in the future

People are now more interested in job rewards now rather than at some point in the future

by • News, Workplace

Employees place far greater importance on being respected, fairly compensated and other job rewards now than on their future career prospectsEmployees place far greater importance on being respected, fairly compensated and other job rewards now than on their future career prospects, according to new international research. The Work Remastered 2025 report from United Culture, which surveyed 1,500 employees in the UK, US and Western Europe, found that respect topped the list of workplace priorities, cited by 36 percent of respondents. This rose to 43 percent among US workers and 45 percent among those aged 18 to 24. Job security followed at 31 percent—rising to 40 percent in the UK—while fair pay ranked third at 29 percent. (more…)

People no longer want to network, and it’s harming them and their careers

People no longer want to network, and it’s harming them and their careers

by • News, Wellbeing, Workplace

The report sets out the biggest challenges holding young people back from making real life connections to build relationships and a network.The art of networking is fading from the modern workplace, with a new poll from Nova suggesting that nearly two thirds (60 percent) of young professionals actively avoid in-person networking events, while around a third (29 percent) say they feel socially anxious when faced with real-life small talk. The report sets out the biggest challenges holding young people back from making real life connections to build relationships and a network. One in four (26 percent) dread awkward silences more than anything and one in five (19 percent) secretly hate small talk and wish they could skip it altogether – despite it being one of the simplest ways to build rapport and make professional connections. (more…)

The real reason why your workplace strategy isn’t working

The real reason why your workplace strategy isn’t working

by • Comment, JB, Workplace

In a world where how we work keeps evolving, it’s worth stepping back to ask: What are you about as an organisation? Not your product. Not your structure. Your purpose. Your direction. Your why. What are you ultimately trying to achieve as an organisation and why? What’s the bigger outcome you’re working toward? How do you want your people, your customers, your industry to be different because you exist? These aren’t just philosophical questions. They’re practical ones because your answers shape everything including your strategy, your team structures and your culture.  It also shapes a seemingly straightforward question on your workplace strategy. (more…)

Very few people say they enjoy their work, HP study suggests

Very few people say they enjoy their work, HP study suggests

by • News, Wellbeing, Workplace

Just 15 percent of UK knowledge workers say they have a healthy relationship with work, according to the latest findings from HP’s third annual Work Relationship IndexJust 15 percent of UK knowledge workers say they have a healthy relationship with work, according to the latest findings from HP’s third annual Work Relationship Index [registration]. The poll of more than 18,000 desk-based employees across 14 countries, including 1,300 in the UK, shows an 11-point fall from 2024 and a figure five points lower than this year’s global average. The report suggests that business leaders in the UK influence most of the factors shaping employee wellbeing, yet many workers feel their needs are not being met. Only 14 percent of respondents believe leaders show empathy, and the same proportion say leaders communicate transparently. At the same time, 41 percent feel their company prioritises profit over people, while 61 percent say expectations and demands have increased – the highest level across developed markets. (more…)

Young people aren’t lazy or disloyal. They just expect different leadership

Young people aren’t lazy or disloyal. They just expect different leadership

by • Comment, Workplace

As they join the workforce in greater numbers, this new cohort is helping to redefine what work and leadership meanFor decades, the idea of a “good job” was measured with a simple formula: a stable contract and competitive salary. That rule does not seem to hold in the same way for Generation Z, broadly understood as those born between 1995 and 2010. As they join the workforce in greater numbers, this new cohort is helping to redefine what work and leadership mean. Salary still matters, of course, particularly when it comes to gaining independence in a time of high living costs, but many young people no longer see pay as the decisive factor in choosing or staying in a job. Instead, they are attentive to whether companies are genuine in their values, whether their work carries purpose, and whether employers are aware of their social impact. (more…)

‘Side hustles’ are now a survival strategy for many UK workers

‘Side hustles’ are now a survival strategy for many UK workers

by • News, Workplace

A growing number of UK workers are holding down more than one job because what was once a side hustle to pursue a passion or provide a little extra cash has become a financial lifeline for many peopleA growing number of UK workers are holding down more than one job because what was once a side hustle to pursue a passion or provide a little extra cash has become a financial lifeline for many people. According to Employment Hero’s 2025 Annual Jobs Report, 21 percent of UK employees now work multiple jobs. The trend is especially marked among Gen Z, of whom 42 percent say they juggle more than one role just to make ends meet. The report, based on insights gathered from more than 350,000 small businesses and two million employees across Australia, New Zealand and the UK, plus a YouGov survey of 3,635 UK workers, highlights a workforce under pressure from cost-of-living challenges and a cooling labour market. Among full-time employees, 17 percent now also hold additional roles. Nearly a third (29 percent) of all workers surveyed say they have taken on extra hours to cope with rising everyday expenses. (more…)

People are still powering productivity in the era of AI

People are still powering productivity in the era of AI

by • AI, Comment, Workplace

The rise in employers committing to employee-first productivity practices is encouraging. Ultimately, people are still at the heart of every organisation. AI will continue to develop, but with teams that bring personality and spark to their roles, businesses can boost efficiency without losing the human element.Employee productivity has been cast into the spotlight in recent months, thanks to the acceleration of AI. Our new research shows that 50 percent of businesses are prioritising employee productivity over the next two years, budgeting for resources that promote individual staff performance and effectiveness. AI’s growing role in the workplace is, of course, a key driver of this trend. But it’s not the only factor. Increased remote work and other operational challenges mean businesses are looking to maximise efficiency and get the best possible return on their investment. (more…)

Employees on a four-day week use their extra day off for housework, hobbies, ‘me-time’ and moonlighting

Employees on a four-day week use their extra day off for housework, hobbies, ‘me-time’ and moonlighting

by • Flexible working, News, Workplace

New research claims to shed light on how employees who switch to a four-day week spend their additional day off – and some are using it to take on extra jobs.New research claims to shed light on how employees who switch to a four-day week spend their additional day off – and some are using it to take on extra jobs. As well as housework, hobbies and voluntary work, staff are also devoting time to education, caring responsibilities and side businesses that can sometimes compete with their main employment. The study, led by Dr Mengyi Xu, Dr Daniel Wheatley, Dr Holly Birkett and Professor Tony Dobbins of Birmingham Business School at the University of Birmingham, explored the experiences of employees, managers and executives at UK organisations using the ‘100:80:100 model’, where staff receive 100 percent of their pay while completing their workload in four days rather than five. (more…)

AI, automation anxiety and the future of work: lessons from Daniel Susskind

AI, automation anxiety and the future of work: lessons from Daniel Susskind

by • AI, Comment, Workplace

Jo Sutherland reports from an enlightening lecture on how automation anxiety and fears about the future of work may not be quite as you thinkWhen I joined the audience at Gresham College for Professor Daniel Susskind’s inaugural lecture on automation anxiety, I expected the familiar line: AI is coming for our jobs. That’s not what I heard. Instead, Susskind, Professor of Business at Gresham, made a surprisingly nuanced argument, explaining that the real story was less about the number of jobs losses, and more about how the very nature of work is shifting. This piece reports on that event (available to watch below) and reflects on what his ideas mean for workplace leaders – and, from my vantage point as a communications professional working with organisations through workplace and digital transformation, how we talk to and engage our colleagues through the change. (more…)

AI and National Insurance rise linked to jobs market slowdown

AI and National Insurance rise linked to jobs market slowdown

by • News, Workplace

New research from Reed suggests that the combined impact of artificial intelligence and rising National Insurance costs is contributing to a slowdown in the UK jobs market.New research from Reed suggests that the combined impact of artificial intelligence and rising National Insurance costs is contributing to a slowdown in the UK jobs market. The survey claims that 15 percent of employers said the adoption of AI had led them to reduce hiring, while 22 percent cited higher National Insurance contributions as a reason for cutting back. In total, around a fifth of organisations reported putting a freeze on recruitment. The findings coincide with official data from the ONS, which confirms continued weakness in the labour market. According to Reed’s own figures, job postings on its platform were down 18 percent year on year in August, while applications fell by 25 percent despite a modest rise in advertised salaries of 1.4 percent. (more…)

Return to office policies now more common, but raise people’s expectation of better workplaces

Return to office policies now more common, but raise people’s expectation of better workplaces

by • Flexible working, News, Property, Workplace

The news that Microsoft has introduced a formal hybrid working policy has sparked the usual pointless to and fro on social media about return to office policies, but it would seem for a growing number of firms and their employees, the debate is overThe news that Microsoft has introduced a formal hybrid working policy has sparked the usual pointless to and fro on social media about return to office policies, but it would seem for a growing number of firms and their employees, the debate is over. According to new global research from JLL, 72 percent of employees now view attendance requirements in a positive light, but this shift comes with heightened expectations for workplace quality, flexibility and wellbeing. (more…)

People want performance over quirky features in their offices

People want performance over quirky features in their offices

by • News, Workplace

A new report claims that employees are less interested in quirky office features and more concerned about how well their workplaces support performance.A new report claims that employees are less interested in quirky office features and more concerned about how well their workplaces support performance. Mitie’s latest Productivity Reset Report [registration requires you to receive marketing – you can’t opt out] highlights that while games areas and other recreational facilities may generate headlines, only 14 percent of employees believe such features contribute meaningfully to workplace satisfaction or productivity. In contrast, almost nine in ten (88 percent) said that a safe, well-maintained office is a critical factor in their day-to-day working experience. (more…)

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