Search Results for: work-life balance

Little evidence that hybrid working has encouraged high skilled people to relocate to cheaper regions

Little evidence that hybrid working has encouraged high skilled people to relocate to cheaper regions

by • Flexible working, News

the shift towards remote and hybrid working has not significantly changed where people live, nor has it helped to distribute talent more evenly across the countryA new report and series of policy briefings by a team of UK researchers suggest that the shift towards remote and hybrid working has not significantly changed where people live, nor has it helped to distribute talent more evenly across the country. Led by Professor Jackie Wahba OBE from the University of Southampton and Dr David McCollum from the University of St Andrews, the research was conducted by the ESRC Centre for Population Change and Connecting Generations, in collaboration with academics from the University of Birmingham, De Montfort University, and the University of the Arts London. The findings show that most remote workers continue to follow hybrid working patterns, splitting their time between home and the office while staying within commuting distance of major employment centres. This trend limits the potential to reduce regional inequalities or drive economic growth outside of London and the South East.

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Remote work can boost innovation, but culture eats it for breakfast

Remote work can boost innovation, but culture eats it for breakfast

by • Flexible working, News

The effects of remote work on innovation can vary dramatically depending on the cultural context of a country, according to new research by Durham University Business School.The effects of remote work on innovation can vary dramatically depending on the cultural context of a country, according to new research by Durham University Business School. Analysing data from over 8,000 firms across 21 countries, the study suggests that remote working significantly enhances innovation in cultural contexts characterised by low power distance, high indulgence, and notably, short-term orientation. It found that companies based in European countries, like Lithuania, Latvia and Hungary, experienced far greater innovation gains from flexible working compared to companies in more hierarchical and long-term planning cultures such as the Middle East and African region. (more…)

Remote workers don’t stick to their contracted hours and even (gasp) skip some days completely

Remote workers don’t stick to their contracted hours and even (gasp) skip some days completely

by • Flexible working, News, Wellbeing

A new survey commissioned by book summary app Headway suggests that remote workers exhibit complex behaviours when balancing work life balance and the demands of their jobs.A new survey commissioned by book summary app Headway suggests that remote workers exhibit complex behaviours when balancing their non-work lives and the demands of their jobs. The study, which polled 1,000 remote workers across the United States, claims that while a majority (56 percent) reported improved work-life balance since transitioning to remote work, this shift has not been without its drawbacks. Notably, only 57 percent of respondents adhere to their scheduled working hours, with 26 percent admitting to having skipped entire workdays unnoticed. Furthermore, 40 percent confessed to simulating activity to appear busy on employer tracking systems, highlighting concerns about accountability in remote settings. (more…)

People’s expectations of work have changed forever (and they think office work should pay better than remote work)

People’s expectations of work have changed forever (and they think office work should pay better than remote work)

by • Flexible working, News, Workplace

The Covid-19 pandemic and the rapid shift to remote work have had a “radical impact” on the global workforce, particularly among younger employeesThe Covid-19 pandemic and the rapid shift to remote work have had a “radical impact” on the global workforce, particularly among younger employees who began their careers during this unprecedented period, according to new research published by BSI in collaboration with the think tank ResPublica. The study, part of BSI’s Evolving Together series, claims to provide a comprehensive picture of a workforce cohort shaped by the pandemic and explores how these formative experiences continue to influence their expectations and behaviours. Drawing on a global survey of 4,700 individuals who entered the workforce during or since the pandemic, as well as focus groups and international literature reviews, the research sets out to paint a nuanced portrait of the so-called “hybrid generation”. (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…)

Hybrid working improves self-reported wellbeing and productivity

Hybrid working improves self-reported wellbeing and productivity

by • Flexible working, News

Hybrid working improves employee health and wellbeing, reducing stress, and boosting productivity, according to a new study by flexible office provider International Workplace Group.Hybrid working improves employee health and wellbeing, reduces stress, and boosts productivity, according to a new study by flexible office provider International Workplace Group. The research, which surveyed more than 2,000 hybrid workers, found that 34 percent reported taking fewer sick days since gaining flexibility over how and where they work. The findings suggest that hybrid work enables better overall health management. More than seven in ten respondents (71 percent) said flexible arrangements allow them to prioritise preventative healthcare, such as regular screenings and check-ups, while 69 percent said they can better manage existing health conditions. The reduction in stress-related illnesses was also significant, with 68 percent of hybrid workers reporting fewer symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, and tension-related pain. (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…)

Outdated offices are sabotaging ‘return to office’ policies

Outdated offices are sabotaging ‘return to office’ policies

by • Comment, Flexible working, Technology, Workplace design

The debate over whether to return to the office or sustain a remote team has become one of the most significant workplace discussions in recent yearsThe debate over whether to return to office work or sustain a remote team has become one of the most significant workplace discussions in recent years. Companies are struggling to balance remote and in-office work, yet strict return-to-office (RTO) mandates are failing to deliver the intended results. While many assume the COVID-19 pandemic was the advent of hybrid work models, in reality, many businesses had already begun adopting flexible work arrangements before the pandemic accelerated the shift to remote working. (more…)

Flexible working is not an option for many of Britain’s two-tier workforce

Flexible working is not an option for many of Britain’s two-tier workforce

by • Flexible working, News

A new report from the social enterprise Timewise claims to reveal a growing divide in the UK workforce, highlighting the increasing gap between frontline workers, such as nurses, cleaners, and bus drivers, and office-based employees when it comes to access to flexible working and other factorsA new report from the social enterprise Timewise claims to reveal a growing divide in the UK workforce, highlighting the increasing gap between frontline workers, such as nurses, cleaners, and bus drivers, and office-based employees when it comes to flexible working hours and patterns. This divide, the report suggests, could be reduced if the government takes further steps to implement its upcoming Employment Rights Bill. (more…)

Most people say they have no idea what their job achieves

Most people say they have no idea what their job achieves

by • News, Workplace

A new poll claims that most employees are unaware of how their job contributes to support larger company goals and growthA new poll claims that most employees are unaware of how their individual contributions at work support larger company goals and growth. Only 23 percent of employees say they are told about company goals, in stark contrast with the 84 percent of leaders who say they’re effectively communicating business goals, objectives and key results to employees. More than half of employees (51 percent) say that having increased transparency into these goals would help them to better manage their job and drive productivity. (more…)

Remote workers are more likely to miss out on promotions

Remote workers are more likely to miss out on promotions

by • Flexible working, News

A new report claims that more than a quarter of remote workers believe they have missed out on a job promotion or opportunityA new report claims that more than a quarter (27 percent) of office workers who work flexibly believe they have missed out on a job promotion or opportunity. Even so, most remote workers say they still wouldn’t want to give up on flexibility. The Work Remastered 2024 survey of 1,000 office workers in the UK and US, carried out by consultancy United Culture claims to highlight a disconnect between what leaders and employees want. (more…)

Sick days rise 41 percent over last three years as business productivity falls post-pandemic

Sick days rise 41 percent over last three years as business productivity falls post-pandemic

by • News

sick daysSick days have surged by 41 percent over the past three years as employers continue to struggle with declining levels of productivity. The latest Hiring Trends Index by Totaljobs, surveying 1000 UK HR decision-makers, highlights how this rise in absenteeism is perpetuating a cycle of poor business performance affecting both employers and employees. (more…)

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