Search Results for: budget

Lead boldly, pivot strategically: redefine change leadership, before it redefines you

Lead boldly, pivot strategically: redefine change leadership, before it redefines you

by • Business, Comment, JB

The question isn't whether change will continue to accelerate—it's whether we'll rise to meet it with the leadership our times demand. Change management is no longer just a discipline, it’s a mindset. In today’s hyperconnected, rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to lead through constant transformation has become the defining characteristic of exceptional leadership, and one that is weighing heavily on all leaders. When leaders claim that “people don’t like change,” they’re missing a fundamental truth about human nature. We navigate change every single day, adapting our morning routines when a loved one falls ill, finding alternative routes when our train is cancelled, or pivoting our plans when circumstances shift. Change itself isn’t the problem. The issue is that people don’t like being changed or having transformation imposed upon them without agency, understanding, or involvement. (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…)

Employer confidence falls to record low as UK employers face rising costs and uncertainty

Employer confidence falls to record low as UK employers face rising costs and uncertainty

by • News, Workplace

The number of UK employers expecting to increase headcount in the next three months has fallen to a record low outside of the pandemicThe number of UK employers expecting to increase headcount in the next three months has fallen to a record low outside of the pandemic, as they grapple with rising employment costs and growing global uncertainties. This is according to the latest Labour Market Outlook report from the CIPD, which shows that the rate of employers expecting to increase headcount has fallen sharply among large private sector employers, and in retail in particular. In response, the CIPD is urging the government to closely consult with employers and business bodies to limit the potential impact the Employment Rights Bill could have on employer’s hiring plans as businesses face mounting external pressures. (more…)

Half of businesses who have made people redundant in favour of AI think they may have messed up

Half of businesses who have made people redundant in favour of AI think they may have messed up

by • AI, News, Technology

A new poll from Orgvue claims that 39 percent of business leaders who have deployed AI in their firms have already made employees redundant. Of those, 55 percent think there's a good chance they made wrong decisions about those redundancies.A new poll from Orgvue claims that 39 percent of business leaders who have deployed AI in their firms have already made employees redundant. Of those, 55 percent think there’s a good chance they made wrong decisions about those redundancies. Orgvue first conducted its international survey of 1,000 C-suite and senior decision makers at medium and large organisations in 2024. This year, the research highlights what Orgvue says is growing caution in deploying artificial intelligence and acknowledgment that businesses need to reskill people to work with the technology. (more…)

Firms scale back recruitment plans in wake of National Insurance hike

Firms scale back recruitment plans in wake of National Insurance hike

by • News, Workplace

Nearly half of all companies across the UK are scaling back recruitment plans because of the hike in employers’ National Insurance which comes into effect on April 6thNearly half of all companies across the UK are scaling back recruitment plans because of the hike in employers’ National Insurance which comes into effect on April 6th, according to a new poll by Reed. The survey found that 46 per cent of firms said that recruitment decisions would be impacted due to the tax increase, with many reporting that they were already not hiring or postponing recruitment. Reed say the findings demonstrate the negative impact the increase in employer’s NI is having on the labour market, which has already seen vacancies fall for a record period. (more…)

Office fit out costs rise as firms adapt to new ways of working

Office fit out costs rise as firms adapt to new ways of working

by • Environment, News, Property

A renewed focus on office space comes at a price, with businesses facing rising office fit out and design costsAccording to a new report from JLL, the office sector is again taking ‘centre stage’ in commercial real estate as companies worldwide adapt hybrid work policies to encourage greater in-office attendance. However, this renewed focus on office spaces comes at a cost, with businesses facing rising expenses to design and fit out their work environments. According to JLL’s newly released Global Office Fit-Out Costs Guide 2025, 59 percent of organisations globally plan to increase investment in office space design and fit-outs over the next five years. The report, which analyses data from 68 cities across 40 countries, highlights significant cost variations, key cost drivers, and the growing demand for sustainable office spaces. (more…)

Young women say they need help to escape the trap of insecure work

Young women say they need help to escape the trap of insecure work

by • Flexible working, News, Wellbeing, Workplace

New research from Young Women’s Trust suggests that insecure workers are feeling trapped, disposable, undervalued and unprotectedYoung women are urging employers to improve flexibility, provide more notice of shift rotas and cancellations, and invest in training and skills development for workers on zero-hours and fixed-term contracts – as new research from Young Women’s Trust suggests that insecure workers are feeling trapped, disposable, undervalued and unprotected. Young women are one of the groups most exposed to the challenges of insecure work because they’re more likely to enter the industries that use it. They’re also paid less than men in insecure jobs. On top of this, there’s a ‘sticky floor’ effect whereby young women feel trapped and unable to leave – almost 3 in 10 (27 percent) said that they don’t feel confident enough to move out of insecure work when they want or need to. Many also cited the lack of opportunities to develop their skills leaving them feeling ill equipped to find permanent employment. (more…)

Genuinely unmissable workplace events are thin on the ground. The Workspace Design Show is one of the best

Genuinely unmissable workplace events are thin on the ground. The Workspace Design Show is one of the best

by • Features, Workplace design

We’ve been here before, of course. We’ve been here many times before – for a variety of workplace events. What’s more, we like coming here. We like the Business Design Centre. We like Islington. And we very much like the Workspace Design Show.For some unknown reason the Business Design Centre was once derided, disliked and generally dismissed by many in the workplace sector. We never really understood this. Why would an industry with a hub just down the road in Clerkenwell not like the idea of visiting an exhibition centre that is so local? Why would they not be happy to come to Islington, with its enviable array of restaurants bars cafés etc? It’s not as though anyone’s being forced to head out to a slightly random, innocuous residential area of London. For those not based in and around Clerkenwell and the City, communications in and out of Islington are extremely good, unlike some of those more problematic destinations to the west of London. (more…)

A third of employers are responding to the Employment Rights Bill by cutting jobs

A third of employers are responding to the Employment Rights Bill by cutting jobs

by • News, Workplace

four in five firms anticipate increased employment costs as a result of the Employment Rights Bill's proposed measures, and nearly a third are planning on reducing headcount as a result.A survey of more than 2,000 employers conducted by the CIPD reveals that nearly four in five anticipate increased employment costs as a result of the Employment Rights Bill’s proposed measures, and nearly a third are planning on reducing headcount as a result. The measures include reforms to Statutory Sick Pay, changes to unfair dismissal rules, and the introduction of guaranteed hours for zero-hours contract workers. Among those expecting costs to rise, 30 percent foresee reducing their workforce through redundancies or cutting back on recruitment, while 23 percent plan to introduce or expand automation to offset expenses. Other strategies being considered include reducing training budgets (22 percent), cutting staff working hours (17 percent), or increasing reliance on temporary workers (17 percent). (more…)

UK Government set to ditch ‘right to switch off’ and make concessions on other employment rights

UK Government set to ditch ‘right to switch off’ and make concessions on other employment rights

by • News, Wellbeing, Workplace

The government is set to abandon plans to introduce a legal right for employees to “switch off” outside working hoursThe government is set to abandon plans to introduce a legal right for employees to “switch off” outside working hours, in a move aimed at easing the burden of Labour’s employment reforms on businesses. The policy was a key element of Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge to establish a “new deal for working people.” Although it was not included in the Employment Rights Bill currently passing through Parliament, ministers had previously committed to implementing a right to switch off in the future. (more…)

We need to address the UK’s creative skills shortage 

We need to address the UK’s creative skills shortage 

by • Comment, Workplace

With the right investments in skills, tools, and training, the UK can continue to lead the world in creativity and cultural influenceThe UK’s creative industries, from film and television to the dynamic video game sector, are cultural flagships and economic cornerstones. Valued at £125 billion annually, the creative industries are named one of the UK government’s eight growth-driving sectors in its Industrial Strategy. Yet, a significant obstacle looms over their continued success: a persistent and growing skills shortage. This gap threatens to stifle innovation and global competitiveness, particularly in the booming video game industry. (more…)

How employee benefits offer value for money

How employee benefits offer value for money

by • Company news, Workplace

Every pound spent on employee benefits is a pound that could boost your profits. That's why it's vital to ensure your benefits package aligns perfectly with what your employees need and valueIf you want to provide great employee benefits but are constrained by budget, there are some company perks that not only keep your employees happy, but can also provide serious value for money. Whether it’s leveraging tax-efficient Salary Sacrifice schemes or taking a more holistic approach such as flexible working, it’s definitely possible to offer great benefits while boosting your bottom line. (more…)

«< 2 3 4 5 6 >»