Search Results for: security

November 10, 2014

New report urges firms to protect against BYOD security breaches

by Mark Eltringham • Flexible working, News, Technology

According to a new report from BT, security breaches related to the practice of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and related forms of mobile working have affected 41 percent of UK organisations over the last year. Despite this, the report claims organisations are still not taking sufficient measures to protect themselves against threats such as lost or stolen devices and malware infections. The report reveals that at least one fifth of respondents’ organisations that suffered a mobile security breach, experienced more than four incidents in the last year. The research is based on a total of 640 interviews with IT decision makers from large sized organisations (1000 or more employees) across 11 regions: Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Middle East, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, UK and USA. Respondents’ organisations were from the financial, retail and public sectors. It shows that uptake of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and COPE (Corporately Owned Personally-Enabled) devices is very high, with 95 percent of UK organisations allowing employees to use these devices for work purposes.

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December 6, 2013

Battle lines being drawn as wearable tech raises privacy and security fears

by Mark Eltringham • Comment, Facilities management, Legal news, Technology

We are starting to see the first shots fired in the coming war about wearable technology. The most talked about early salvos related to the very recent and highly publicised case of a diner in a Seattle cafe who was ejected when it was discovered he was wearing and using Google Glass despite being asked not to and reminded of the restaurant owner’s policy regarding wearable tech. The ensuing media storm broke on social media first as it does these days, with the Google Glass owner arguing – perhaps unreasonably – they were his glasses and he should be allowed to do what he wanted with them , while the cafe owner argued –perhaps reasonably – that his other customers don’t want to have a meal out while wondering if they are being filmed or recorded by a complete stranger with the ability to upload it all instantaneously.

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November 5, 2013

It’s not all about BYOD; data security also remains a low-tech issue

by Mark Eltringham • Legal news, Technology

While firms worry about the loss of data through the practice of BYOD, employees continue to find low tech ways of breaching security according to a report from Iron Mountain. While under half (42 percent) of employees describe their organisation’s approach to hard copy as secure, one in ten describe it as chaotic. Nearly half claim to have seen confidential information lying around in the usual places such as on desks or photocopiers. The most common types of information exposed in this way are details of salaries and performance reviews as well as commercial and financial data, although many will remember the scandal that broke two years ago when Government minister Oliver Letwin (above) repeatedly dumped classified information in a park bin including some about Al Qaeda, Libya, Afghanistan, the Dalai Lama and Aung San Suu Kyi.

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September 11, 2013

Three quarters of companies allow BYOD, but most admit data security concerns

by Sara Bean • News, Technology, Workplace

In the same week that Apple launches the iPhone 5S, over half (56%) of CIOs have said they allow employees to use their own smartphones in the workplace, and over three quarters (76%) of staff are allowed to use their own mobile data devices. While the research from Robert Half Technology found the biggest BYOD challenge is security, cited by over half (53%) of respondents, the Verizon 2013 Data Breach Investigations Report into global data breaches provides some reassurance that 86 per cent of cyber-attacks do not knowingly involve insiders. However lax internal practices, like copying data onto a USB drive or leaving a device in a cab does lead to security breaches, accounting for 41 per cent of cases of misuse. (more…)

August 30, 2013

Flexibility doesn’t equal insecurity suggests new report into casual working

by Sara Bean • Flexible working, News, Workplace

Flexible working and part time working tend to conjure up different images, with the former perceived as the preserve of the professional/management class and the latter associated with administrative/semi-skilled workers. That impression has been reinforced by trade unions’ complaints over the increase in the use of casual or Zero Hour Contracts that allow employers to hire staff with no guarantee of work. Yet new data shows that a significant share of those on casual contracts (43%) are in the top three occupational groups (managers, professionals and associate/technical staff), just a fifth (17%) are in manual skilled or semi-skilled jobs, only one in ten are unskilled and one in ten in administrative; and just 18 per cent are looking for a new job. (more…)

November 12, 2025

Younger workers are upbeat about career prospects but expect more from employers

by Neil Franklin • News, Technology, Workplace

Younger workers are the most optimistic about their career prospects but also the most likely to look for new opportunities if their ambitions are not met, according to PwC’s 2025 Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey. The study, which gathered responses from 2,023 UK employees across 28 sectors, found that 62 percent of Generation Z professionals (aged 18 to 28) feel optimistic about the future of their roles, almost double the proportion of Generation X workers at 35 percent. Despite economic uncertainty and technological disruption, Gen Z also show the highest levels of motivation, with 71 percent saying they look forward to going to work compared to 55 percent of Gen X respondents. (more…)

November 5, 2025

HR leaders don’t really get why people are worried about the changing workplace

by Neil Franklin • News, Technology, Wellbeing, Workplace

A quarter of UK employees have considered leaving their jobs because of the constant pace of change in the workplace, according to new research commissioned by Investors in People. The nationally representative survey, conducted by Censuswide, found that nearly 20 percent of workers feel worn down by the volume of organisational change. More than a third said they can cope but find it increasingly exhausting. The findings form part of Investors in People’s latest white paper, Finding the Frequency [registration], which explores how British organisations can manage change more effectively and build resilience among employees. (more…)

October 29, 2025

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

by Neil Franklin • News, Workplace

Employees 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…)

October 21, 2025

How modern FNP programs prepare nurses for a changing workplace

by Freddie Steele • Company news

The healthcare landscape is evolving faster than ever before. From the rise of telehealth to new models of patient-centered care, nurses today face a dynamic workplace that demands not only clinical expertise but adaptability, leadership and a commitment to lifelong learning. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) programs are stepping up to meet this challenge and equipping nurses with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a changing environment.

Modern FNP programs recognize that healthcare is no longer confined to traditional hospital settings. Graduates may find themselves working in clinics, community health centers, telemedicine platforms or even corporate wellness programs. To prepare for these diverse roles, FNP programs emphasize flexible learning pathways that combine online coursework, simulations and in-person clinical experiences. This hybrid approach mirrors the evolving nature of the healthcare workplace itself where technology and adaptability are essential for success.

For example, a nurse pursuing an FNP program may complete a significant portion of theoretical learning online, allowing them to balance work, family or other commitments while still gaining essential knowledge. Clinical rotations in multiple healthcare settings ensure exposure to a wide variety of patient populations and workplace environments. This combination prepares graduates to adapt quickly and perform effectively no matter where they practice.

Bridging clinical expertise and leadership skills

Healthcare organizations today require practitioners who can make independent decisions, lead teams and coordinate care across multiple settings. Modern FNP programs integrate leadership training, evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration into their curriculum. Nurses graduating from these programs are not only clinically competent but also prepared to take on managerial roles, lead quality improvement initiatives and contribute to organizational strategy.

Leadership training often includes exercises in conflict resolution, team communication and project management. Students may participate in simulated scenarios where they lead a patient care team, making decisions under pressure while coordinating with physicians, nurses and support staff. These experiences build confidence and practical skills, ensuring graduates can navigate the complexities of modern healthcare workplaces.

Emphasizing technology and innovation

Digital transformation is changing healthcare delivery. Electronic health records, remote patient monitoring and telehealth platforms are now standard tools in many practices. FNP programs are adapting by incorporating training in healthcare technology, data analysis and telehealth. By familiarizing students with the tools they will use in practice, these programs ensure that graduates are ready to thrive in technologically sophisticated workplaces.

For instance, students may practice conducting virtual consultations or learn to interpret patient data from remote monitoring devices. They also gain skills in digital documentation, privacy compliance and cybersecurity, which are increasingly important when it comes to protecting sensitive patient information. By integrating technology into the curriculum, FNP programs produce graduates who are capable of improving efficiency and patient outcomes through innovation.

Prioritizing well-being and workplace resilience

The pandemic highlighted the critical importance of well-being in the healthcare workforce. Nurses are at risk of burnout due to long hours, high stress and the emotional demands of patient care. Modern FNP programs increasingly focus on self-care, stress management and professional resilience. By fostering emotional intelligence and coping strategies, these programs help nurses sustain long and demanding careers.

Courses may include mindfulness techniques, time management strategies and guidance on maintaining work-life balance. Mentorship programs provide additional support, helping students navigate the challenges of both education and professional practice. Graduates who have been trained to prioritize well-being are better equipped to manage stress, contribute positively to their teams and maintain high-quality patient care over time.

Preparing for the future of healthcare

Modern FNP programs aren’t just about clinical skills. They are about preparing nurses for a rapidly changing workplace that values flexibility, leadership and technological competence. Graduates are ready to meet the challenges of healthcare environments that range from traditional hospitals to community clinics, telehealth platforms and corporate wellness programs. They are equipped to support patient-centered care while also advancing organizational goals and improving workplace resilience.

Healthcare organizations benefit from hiring nurses trained in these comprehensive programs. FNP graduates bring advanced clinical knowledge, strong leadership capabilities and the ability to adapt to new technologies. They are prepared to implement evidence-based practices, mentor junior staff and contribute to innovations in patient care delivery. In short, FNP programs are shaping a workforce that is ready for the demands of modern healthcare.

Building a resilient healthcare workforce

The role of the Family Nurse Practitioner is now more important than ever before. Modern FNP programs prepare nurses to meet the needs of a complex and changing healthcare workplace by combining clinical expertise, leadership training, technological skills and well-being strategies. Graduates leave these programs ready to deliver high-quality care, lead teams and adapt to new challenges. For nurses pursuing advanced education and healthcare organizations seeking a resilient workforce, FNP programs provide the tools and training necessary to succeed in today’s evolving healthcare environment.

September 30, 2025

Service charges rise as firms invest to encourage people to spend more time in the office

by Neil Franklin • Flexible working, News, Property

Office occupiers faced a 9 percent increase in service charges last year as landlords and managing agents invested more heavily in maintenance and amenities to encourage people back into physical workplaces. The findings come from BDO’s latest PropCost benchmarking report, which tracks more than £600 million of expenditure across over 1,000 commercial properties. The data shows the average cost increase for offices followed a 15 percent rise the previous year, underlining the pressure on both landlords and tenants from higher running costs. (more…)

September 22, 2025

Workers voice concerns over AI in the workplace, think it makes them less intelligent

by Neil Franklin • AI, News

A new survey claims to highlight growing unease among employees about the impact of artificial intelligence on their working lives, with many reporting fears of skill loss, job insecurity and reduced human interaction, as well as brain rot. The research, carried out by Howdy in August 2025 among 1,007 full-time workers aged 19 to 77, found that while the majority are already using AI tools in some form, significant numbers are questioning the consequences. Around one in four believe they risk losing critical abilities through over-reliance on artificial intelligence, while a fifth said the technology already makes them less capable. A smaller group, around 10 percent, said they now rely entirely on AI to perform their jobs. (more…)

September 17, 2025

People are still powering productivity in the era of AI

by Nick Gold • AI, Comment, Workplace

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…)