Search Results for: anxiety

Artificial intelligence appears to cut more jobs than it creates

Artificial intelligence appears to cut more jobs than it creates

Artificial intelligence appears to be contributing to a net loss of jobs, according to a new analysis of how organisations are adopting the technology across their operations.Artificial intelligence appears to be contributing to a net loss of jobs, according to a new analysis of how organisations are adopting the technology across their operations. Research by Morgan Stanley, based on responses from nearly 1,000 companies that have been using AI for at least a year, suggests that British firms have shed more roles than they have created as a direct result of AI deployment. The study indicates a net reduction of around 8 percent of roles in the UK over the past twelve months, a higher figure than reported in comparable surveys of companies in the United States, Germany, Japan and Australia. (more…)

Embedding AI into daily tasks can heighten stress and confuse people about their role

Embedding AI into daily tasks can heighten stress and confuse people about their role

While AI is taking on work across the economy, it may also create new demands on the human workforce that employers must stay ahead of and respond to.While artificial intelligence is taking on work across the economy, it may also create new demands on the human workforce that employers must stay ahead of and respond to. Researchers from Microsoft and Imperial College London highlight in the Society of Occupational Medicine’s (SOM) journal Occupational Medicine  that AI tools will bring a multitude of benefits to the workplace. The technology is likely to make accessing workplace health support much easier for employees and managers, for example by automating and simplifying booking processes and appointments. (more…)

The role of local businesses in promoting mental health and wellbeing

The role of local businesses in promoting mental health and wellbeing

Once seen as an individual responsibility, mental health is now recognised as a shared, community wide issue.Across the UK and over recent years, there has a change in how the general public views mental health and wellbeing. Once seen as an individual responsibility, mental health is now recognised as a shared, community wide issue. Our mental health is both our individual and collective responsibility and requires effort from family members, workplaces and organisations. For many, the workplace is where they spend most of their time. For others, local cafés, gyms, hairdressers, or local shops are their daily social spaces. These are the places that people connect, relax, and interact with other people. It’s in these spaces that local businesses have a unique power to influence how people think and feel as well as their mental health. (more…)

Neuroinclusive workspace design – addressing the current industry shortfalls

Neuroinclusive workspace design – addressing the current industry shortfalls

There is one area which is emerging as the next critical evolution in workplace strategy: neuroinclusive workplace designIn recent years, there have been significant developments in making workplaces more inclusive and accessible for a diverse range of individuals. However, there is one area which is emerging as the next critical evolution in workplace strategy: neuroinclusive workplace design. Neurodivergent employees often bring unique strengths in areas like innovative problem-solving, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional pattern recognition, but many workplaces are still failing to adequately accommodate these individuals. (more…)

Health Secretary orders review into acceleration in mental health diagnoses

Health Secretary orders review into acceleration in mental health diagnoses

The UK government has commissioned an independent review into the rise in mental health and neurodevelopmental diagnoses, reflecting growing concern about the number of people leaving the workforce because of conditions such as depression, anxiety, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.The UK government has commissioned an independent review into the rise in mental health and neurodevelopmental diagnoses, reflecting growing concern about the number of people leaving the workforce because of conditions such as depression, anxiety, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The announcement signals a renewed focus on welfare spending and the wider economic impact of long-term sickness, with ministers arguing that too many people are becoming detached from work for reasons that may not always require formal medical intervention. (more…)

Flexible working continues to be the enduring theme of workplace conversations

Flexible working continues to be the enduring theme of workplace conversations

Economic uncertainty and rapid technological change are reshaping expectations for both employers and employees, with flexible working continuing to be underlying themeEconomic uncertainty and rapid technological change are reshaping expectations for both employers and employees, with flexible working continuing to be underlying theme of most workplace conversations. According to the 2025 Global Workplace Report from WorkL based on feedback from more than half a million employees across over one hundred countries, there are also widening divides between generations, differing attitudes towards career ambition and a continued rise in anxiety linked to automation. (more…)

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

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

A quarter of UK employees have considered leaving their jobs because of the constant pace of change in the workplaceA 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…)

There’s a simpler, more natural and diverse approach we can take to workplace design

There’s a simpler, more natural and diverse approach we can take to workplace design

A different approach to workplace design, one that values clarity, quiet and coherence, is being driven more by carbon reductions and overall user experienceOur buildings do more than house activity. They shape our states of mind. Yet many contemporary spaces, whether offices, schools or public buildings, are full of visual noise, synthetic finishes and unnecessary complexity. These elements are often justified in the name of expression or efficiency. But they can leave people disoriented, distracted or exhausted. A different approach to workplace design, one that values clarity, quiet and coherence, is being driven more by carbon reductions and overall user experience than by neurodiversity alone. Through seeking simpler, more durable ways to build: an architecture grounded in natural materials, minimal finishes and thoughtful restraint. (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

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…)

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

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

There is growing unease among employees about the impact of AI on their working lives, with many reporting fears of skill loss, job security and reduced human interaction.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…)

Workplace AI doesn’t appear to be having a negative effect on wellbeing for now, research suggests

Workplace AI doesn’t appear to be having a negative effect on wellbeing for now, research suggests

A new study published in the journal Nature: Scientific Reports offers a cautiously optimistic view of how artificial intelligence is affecting workers’ wellbeingA new study published in the journal Nature: Scientific Reports offers a cautiously optimistic view of how artificial intelligence is affecting workers’ wellbeing. Contrary to common fears, the research finds no clear evidence that AI exposure is harming workers’ mental health or job satisfaction. In some cases, it may even be contributing to small improvements in physical health, particularly among workers without a college degree. (more…)

Jobs are getting better, but a quarter of people still think they are bad for their wellbeing

Jobs are getting better, but a quarter of people still think they are bad for their wellbeing

Although job quality appears to be on the rise, a quarter of UK workers - an estimated 8.5 million people - say their jobs have a negative impact on their wellbeingAlthough job quality appears to be on the rise, a quarter of UK workers – an estimated 8.5 million people – say their jobs have a negative impact on their mental health (25 percent) or physical health (24 percent), according to the CIPD Good Work Index 2025. The latest poll claims the negative impact of work on wellbeing has remained high for many people for the eight years the survey has been running, despite improvements for some employees on certain areas of job quality. The CIPD Good Work Index, which provides what the troubled trade association claims is the UK’s most in-depth annual survey of job quality, suggests that the strongest factors associated with unhealthy work are excessive workloads, stress, poor relationships with colleagues and the quality of line management. (more…)