Search Results for: government

Co-working spaces bring a whole range of benefits for employees and communities

Co-working spaces bring a whole range of benefits for employees and communities

by • Comment, Flexible working, Property, Workplace design

Today’s co-working spaces have evolved into something more powerful – particularly in a world still reshuffling office work practices in the wake of the COVID pandemic.When you think of co-working spaces – where workers from different industries come together to share a convenient workplace – you might picture a group of young freelancers hunched over laptops. But today’s co-working spaces have evolved into something more powerful – particularly in a world still reshuffling office work practices in the wake of the COVID pandemic. As workplaces adapt to new ways of operating, from hybrid to “digital nomadism”, co-working spaces can do more than simply offer flexibility. They can support workers’ wellbeing and work–life balance by enhancing a sense of community, building trust and new friendships, and encouraging continuous learning. (more…)

Only half of Europeans say they work in psychologically healthy workplaces

Only half of Europeans say they work in psychologically healthy workplaces

by • News, Wellbeing, Workplace

Only a little over half of employees across Europe believe they work in psychologically healthy workplaces, according to a new pollOnly a little over half of employees across Europe believe they work in psychologically healthy workplaces, according to a new poll from Great Place To Work [registration]. The research, which surveyed nearly 25,000 employees across 19 countries, highlights significant disparities between industries and regions, with the UK falling slightly below the European average. The authors argue that, while many organisations have recognised the importance of fostering mentally healthy workplaces, the survey suggests that progress remains slow. (more…)

Two thirds of people would like to quit jobs for a more meaningful career

Two thirds of people would like to quit jobs for a more meaningful career

by • News, Wellbeing

The research, published in The Purpose Playbook: Bridging the Gap Between Career Success and Life Fulfilment, explores how lifelong learning and personal growth can help individuals find a more meaningful career.A new report from Tomorrow University claims that two-thirds of professionals say they would quit their jobs for work that better aligns with their sense of purpose, highlighting a growing disconnect between career success and life fulfilment. The research, published in The Purpose Playbook: Bridging the Gap Between Career Success and Life Fulfilment, explores how lifelong learning and personal growth can help individuals find a more meaningful career. (more…)

Five years on and firms are also suffering from the effects of long Covid

Five years on and firms are also suffering from the effects of long Covid

by • Flexible working, News, Wellbeing

Many employers are still struggling with the long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, five years after the first UK lockdown begaMany employers are still struggling with the long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, five years after the first UK lockdown began, according to the CIPD. While the pandemic led to significant changes in working practices and an increased focus on employee wellbeing, challenges around productivity and economic inactivity persist. The pandemic brought widespread upheaval, with many people experiencing job losses, business closures, and the loss of loved ones. However, the CIPD argues that it also prompted positive changes in the workplace, including greater flexibility in working arrangements and increased adoption of technology to support collaboration. Despite these developments, many businesses continue to face difficulties, particularly as the cost-of-living crisis and economic uncertainty exacerbate the challenges of workforce engagement and productivity. (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…)

A better focus on workplace wellbeing could add around £1 billion to UK economy, report claims

A better focus on workplace wellbeing could add around £1 billion to UK economy, report claims

by • News, Wellbeing

The commission's report on workplace wellbeing argues that a proactive and preventive approach to employee health could prevent at least 100,000 people from exiting the workforce over the next five years, potentially saving the government over £1 billion during this period.Enhancing support for individuals with health conditions to remain in employment could lead to significant economic benefits for the United Kingdom, according to a new report from the Commission for Healthier Working Lives. The commission’s report on workplace wellbeing argues that a proactive and preventive approach to employee health could prevent at least 100,000 people from exiting the workforce over the next five years, potentially saving the government over £1 billion during this period. (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…)

Employment law five years after COVID: what’s changed?

Employment law five years after COVID: what’s changed?

by • Comment, Workplace

As we approach five years since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it’s a good opportunity to look back on the impact it had on the UK workplace and employment lawAs we approach five years since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it’s a good opportunity to look back on the impact it had on the UK workplace and employment law. The pandemic was a seismic event for the workplace, but did it fundamentally change employment law in the UK? While COVID brought emergency measures such as furlough, the legal framework underpinning employment has remained largely intact. What has shifted, however, is the prominence of certain legal rights and protections for the employee —especially around health and safety, flexible working. (more…)

Around 74,000 women a year are pushed out of their jobs when they become pregnant

Around 74,000 women a year are pushed out of their jobs when they become pregnant

by • Flexible working, News, Workplace

New research from Pregnant Then Screwed, in partnership with Women In Data, claims there has been a sharp increase in the number of women who are pushed out of their job when pregnant, during or when returning from maternity leave.New research from Pregnant Then Screwed, in partnership with Women In Data, claims there has been a sharp increase in the number of women who are pushed out of their job when pregnant, during or when returning from maternity leave. Up to 74,000 women every year now lose their job for getting pregnant or taking maternity leave – an increase of 37 percent  from 54,000 in 2016. Pregnant Then Screwed surveyed 35,800 parents, then Women In Data extracted a nationally representative sample of 5,870 parents to create its State of the Nation report. The report found that 12.3 percent of women are sacked, constructively dismissed or made redundant whilst pregnant, on maternity leave or within a year of returning from maternity leave. If scaled up to the general population, this could mean as many as 74,000 women a year are forced to leave their job. (more…)

We may think we are pretty aware of the effects of AI. But posterity may draw different conclusions

We may think we are pretty aware of the effects of AI. But posterity may draw different conclusions

by • AI, Comment, Wellbeing

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the world around us at breakneck speed, unlocking opportunities we could not have even imagined a few years ago. But with its potential comes an immense set of challenges. How we handle this transformation will define the future of our workplaces, economies, and societies. Recent events, including Trump’s revocation of Biden’s executive order addressing AI risks, Labour’s ambitious plans to integrate AI across the UK, and Facebook’s unsettling U-turn on content moderation, highlight the urgent need for businesses to take an ethical, informed, and responsible approach to AI adoption. (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…)

Most people are happy for AI to inform decisions about work, CIPD claims

Most people are happy for AI to inform decisions about work, CIPD claims

by • AI, News, Workplace

To coincide with National Productivity Week, a CIPD poll suggests that almost two thirds of people (63 percent) would trust artificial intelligence (AI) to inform - but not make - important decisions at workTo coincide with National Productivity Week, a CIPD poll suggests that almost two thirds of people (63 percent) would trust artificial intelligence (AI) to inform – but not make – important decisions at work. According to the poll of over 2,000 people, over a third (35 percent) wouldn’t trust AI to make important decisions at work, preferring to use human intelligence. Just 1 percent of respondents would trust AI to make important work decisions. (more…)

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