Search Results for: employees

Remote work linked to rising isolation and poorer mental health, study finds

Remote work linked to rising isolation and poorer mental health, study finds

The rapid growth of remote work since the Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to increased social isolation and worsening mental health among workers, according to a major new studyThe rapid growth of remote work since the Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to increased social isolation and worsening mental health among workers, according to a major new study published in the journal Science. Researchers from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the University of Virginia and Harvard University analysed data from five nationally representative surveys covering nearly 590,000 American workers between 2011 and 2024. Their findings suggest that the shift towards home working may account for around one third of the rise in mental distress recorded in the United States since the pandemic. (more…)

London could generate £76bn boost to UK economy through ‘frontier industries’, says PwC

London could generate £76bn boost to UK economy through ‘frontier industries’, says PwC

London could help generate an additional £76 billion a year for the UK economy by 2030 if productivity growth in finance, technology, and science and research industries is acceleratedLondon could help generate an additional £76 billion a year for the UK economy by 2030 if productivity growth in finance, technology, and science and research industries is accelerated, according to a new report from PwC. The consultancy’s Grow London report argues that the capital is well positioned to support growth in what it describes as “frontier industries” due to its concentration of skilled workers, access to investment, established technology clusters and stable business environment. (more…)

What does Gen Z really think about AI? Boooooo!

What does Gen Z really think about AI? Boooooo!

I regularly meet with CEOs and Board members and the conversation always comes around to the same topic: how can we attract new talent? C-Suite upwards are borderline-obsessed by how to recruit and retain younger employees, eager to harness their energy, enthusiasm and the total lack of work-life boundaries that will come with experience. When keynote speakers were tasked with motivating graduating students during commencement speeches this year, they naturally looked at what was ‘in vogue’ and landed upon AI. This is hardly surprising. We cannot contact, purchase from or seek assistance from an organisation, without butting up against an AI agent, eagerly waiting to ‘help’. We are constantly being told that AI is the unavoidable future and so, for Gen X/ Boomer speakers seeking to connect with Gen Z and garner their approval, AI was a natural talking point. Except, it wasn’t. In a beautiful act of rebellion, Gen Z have taken a different path and have made their feelings about AI known. Loudly. (more…)

People impressed by corporate bullshit tend to make worse decisions

People impressed by corporate bullshit tend to make worse decisions

Employees who respond positively to management jargon and corporate buzzwords may be less effective at analytical thinking and workplace decision-makingEmployees who respond positively to management jargon and corporate buzzwords may be less effective at analytical thinking and workplace decision-making, according to new research from Cornell University. The study, published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, examined how office workers reacted to what researchers describe as “corporate bullshit” – abstract, jargon-heavy language that sounds impressive but often lacks clear meaning. (more…)

European workers upbeat about jobs despite low engagement, says Gallup poll

European workers upbeat about jobs despite low engagement, says Gallup poll

European workers are increasingly optimistic about their chances of finding a new job, despite remaining having some of the worst engagement levels of any employees in the worldEuropean workers are increasingly optimistic about their chances of finding a new job, despite having some of the worst engagement levels of any employees in the world, according to new Gallup research. The results of the poll suggest that over half (57 percent) of European employees thought it was a good time to find a job in their local market in 2025, maintaining record highs and representing the region’s strongest increase in job optimism since 2011. (more…)

Government report warns of ‘economic catastrophe’ as young people struggle with mental health

Government report warns of ‘economic catastrophe’ as young people struggle with mental health

Former health secretary Alan Milburn has warned that Britain risks a “generational, societal and economic catastrophe” unless employers and government adapt to rising levels of poor mental health among young peopleFormer health secretary Alan Milburn has warned that Britain risks a “generational, societal and economic catastrophe” unless employers and government adapt to rising levels of poor mental health among young people. An interim review led by Milburn into the growing number of 16 to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training argues that businesses will need to provide greater flexibility, pastoral care and mental health support to what he describes as an “anxious generation”. (more…)

Companies are adopting AI more quickly than their staff can adapt

Companies are adopting AI more quickly than their staff can adapt

Adecco has warned that companies are accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence faster than they are preparing their workforces for the changeAdecco has warned that companies are accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence faster than they are preparing their workforces for the change, according to a new global study of senior business leaders. The report, The Human Premium: Leadership Beyond the Algorithm, is based on a survey of 2,000 executives across 13 countries whose organisations collectively employ more than 8.6 million people. It highlights what Adecco describes as a growing gap between AI ambition and organisational readiness. (more…)

UK is trapped in reactive cycle of sickness and inactivity, warn wellbeing experts

UK is trapped in reactive cycle of sickness and inactivity, warn wellbeing experts

Business leaders, policymakers and workplace experts have warned that the UK’s fragmented approach to work, wellbeing and welfare is undermining economic resilienceBusiness leaders, policymakers and workplace experts have warned that the UK’s fragmented approach to work, wellbeing and welfare is undermining economic resilience, with comparisons to Denmark highlighting the pressure placed on the NHS and benefits system in Britain. The warning came during a Westminster roundtable  for the Policy Liaison Group on Workplace Wellbeing chaired by Dame Carol Black on 13 May. The discussion followed shortly after the King’s Speech opened the new parliamentary session with a renewed emphasis on “economic security”. Participants argued that Britain’s rising levels of long-term sickness and economic inactivity will require a more coordinated approach involving employers, government departments, healthcare systems and insurers. (more…)

London is the second most expensive office fit-out market in the world

London is the second most expensive office fit-out market in the world

A new report from Turner & Townsend claims that a combination of a rise in demand for premium, Grade A office space and a shortfall in supply in many markets has led to double digit percentage increases in office fit-out costs over the past yearA new report from Turner & Townsend claims that a combination of a rise in demand for premium, Grade A office space and a shortfall in supply in many markets has led to double digit percentage increases in office fit-out costs over the past year in major global cities including Miami, Dublin and Bangalore London is now the second most expensive office fit-out market in the world, with Dublin 18th, Edinburgh and Glasgow 21st, Birmingham 22nd, and Manchester 25th. The year-on-year picture is mixed, as while Edinburgh and Glasgow saw costs rise by 12 percent, Manchester and Birmingham saw prices rise in line with inflation at 2 percent and 3 percent respectively, while in London costs fell by -1 percent, albeit they have increased significantly in recent years. (more…)

Firms are ignoring the needs of people in the adoption of AI, and it will cost them

Firms are ignoring the needs of people in the adoption of AI, and it will cost them

Companies that fail to adopt a people-focused approach to artificial intelligence risk losing their best AI employees within the next two years, according to new research from Gartner. The analyst firm predicts that by 2027, half of enterprises without a “people-centric strategy” will see top talent leave the organisation. The warning reflects growing concern that many organisations are pursuing AI deployment primarily through cost reduction and automation rather than workforce development. Gartner argues that firms focused solely on replacing jobs with the technology are unlikely to achieve the long-term returns they expect. (more…)

The qualities that get managers promoted are the reasons people don’t like them

The qualities that get managers promoted are the reasons people don’t like them

A new report from Hogan Assessments suggests that the qualities helping managers rise through organisations may be very different from those employees believe make effective leaders. The study, The Leadership Divide: Global Insights on Who Leads vs. Who Should [registration], found no overlap between the characteristics most commonly associated with senior executives and the qualities employees say they value in managers. Hogan analysed personality assessment data from more than 21,000 executives and surveyed 9,794 employees across 25 countries. The findings indicate that executives are often distinguished by confidence, competitiveness, visibility and self-promotion, while employees place greater importance on communication, integrity, accountability and decision-making. (more…)

People say they have a stronger sense of belonging at work, but daily experience still limited

People say they have a stronger sense of belonging at work, but daily experience still limited

A growing number of UK employees say they feel a stronger sense of belonging at work, although only a minority experience it consistentlyA growing number of UK employees say they feel a stronger sense of belonging at work, although only a minority experience it consistently on a day-to-day basis, according to new research from Procter & Gamble UK. The survey of 2,000 UK adults found that 82 percent of workers now say they feel a sense of belonging in the workplace, which P&G claims is the highest level recorded in more than a decade. However, only 20 percent said they consistently experience the conditions that make them feel they truly belong at work. (more…)