Search Results for: workforce

Negative feelings about work continue to grow, especially for managers

Negative feelings about work continue to grow, especially for managers

by • AI, Flexible working, News, Technology, Wellbeing

People are becoming increasingly disengaged from work at a time when technological change is demanding more from them than everThe State of the Global Workplace: 2025 Report from Gallup frames a stark warning to business leaders and policymakers: people around the world are becoming increasingly disengaged from work at a time when technological change is demanding more from them than ever before. As artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates across industries, transforming everything from operations to communication, the human foundations of the workplace—employee engagement and wellbeing—are showing signs of deep strain. 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 →

Lack of skills, work ethic and too many demands deter firms from employing candidates

Lack of skills, work ethic and too many demands deter firms from employing candidates

by • News, Workplace

Many UK employers are continuing to struggle to fill vacancies, with new research revealing a sharp disconnect between candidate expectations and employer requirements for a work ethicMany UK employers are continuing to struggle to fill vacancies, with new research revealing a sharp disconnect between candidate expectations and employer requirements. A recent poll by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) claims to shed light on why so many applications are being rejected despite a strong demand for workers across key industries. According to the CMI, a significant number of organisations are turning away applicants who they believe lack the necessary ‘attitude’ or ‘work ethic’. The poll, which surveyed over 1,000 managers, found that around four in five employers had rejected candidates on the basis of soft skills, rather than qualifications or experience. This emphasis on attitude over aptitude reflects a broader trend in recruitment, where cultural fit and interpersonal qualities are increasingly valued – and, often, missing from the applicant pool. 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 →

Office fit out costs rise as firms adapt to new ways of working

Office fit out costs rise as firms adapt to new ways of working

by • Environment, News, Property

A renewed focus on office space comes at a price, with businesses facing rising office fit out and design costsAccording to a new report from JLL, the office sector is again taking ‘centre stage’ in commercial real estate as companies worldwide adapt hybrid work policies to encourage greater in-office attendance. However, this renewed focus on office spaces comes at a cost, with businesses facing rising expenses to design and fit out their work environments. According to JLL’s newly released Global Office Fit-Out Costs Guide 2025, 59 percent of organisations globally plan to increase investment in office space design and fit-outs over the next five years. The report, which analyses data from 68 cities across 40 countries, highlights significant cost variations, key cost drivers, and the growing demand for sustainable office spaces. More →

If you want your business to grow, become a digital leader

If you want your business to grow, become a digital leader

by • Business, Comment, Technology

The takeaway from research is clear: investing in becoming a digital leader fuels business success.How often does your organisation really challenge its approach to digital? A recent report from Virgin Media O2 Business in partnership with Cebr revealed a gap in progress between tech adopters and non-adopters. The average tech-adopting ‘digital leader’ saw a 12 percent turnover growth and 9 percent headcount growth between 2021 and 2023. This was double that of slower-adopting ‘digital followers’, with 6 percent turnover and 3 percent headcount. 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 →

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 →

Furniture industry body unveils its plans for growth and government engagement

Furniture industry body unveils its plans for growth and government engagement

by • Furniture, News

The British Furniture Confederation (BFC), the public affairs umbrella body of furniture and beds, furnishings and flooring sector trade associations, has unveiled its new Plan for GrowthThe British Furniture Confederation (BFC), the public affairs umbrella body of furniture and beds, furnishings and flooring sector trade associations, has unveiled its new Plan for Growth. The document supports BFC’s advocacy across four key pillars: skills and education; trade and exports; standards and regulations; and the environment and circular economy. It has been developed over the past few months, evolving from a combination of position papers written by the associations’ executives and a comprehensive survey of their collective members. More →

New research claims there is a lack of support for many neurodiverse employees

New research claims there is a lack of support for many neurodiverse employees

by • News, Wellbeing, Workplace

nearly one in three neurodiverse employees are dissatisfied with the support they receive from their employerA significant proportion of employees feel unsupported in the workplace when it comes to neurodiversity, according to new research from City & Guilds. The organisation’s latest annual Neurodiversity Index 2025 reveals that nearly one in three neurodiverse employees are dissatisfied with the support they receive from their employer, while over a third of neurodivergent respondents reported that they had no onboarding support when starting their jobs. More →

Brain rot is the word of the year and we only have ourselves to blame

Brain rot is the word of the year and we only have ourselves to blame

by • AI, Comment

In December, ‘brain rot’ was announced as the word or phrase of the year 2024 according to the Oxford University Press. And right on time, we had the viral story of the hawk tuah girl meme coin rug pull to prove it. If you don’t know what any of that means, then do yourself a favour by not finding out. I do know and feel as if something meaningful and important has been cauterized from my brain for ever to make way for it. More →

More employees than ever say that they are engaged with what they do

More employees than ever say that they are engaged with what they do

by • Flexible working, News, Wellbeing

More employees than ever say that they are engaged with what they doNearly one in five employees worldwide reported being fully engaged on the job, a record high going back a decade according to polling in ADP Research’s People at Work 2025 report. It was the third straight year that the share of engaged workers grew, according to the survey. The study claims there is a strong relationship between work location and employee engagement. While 56 percent of the 38,000 employees surveyed worldwide say they work on-site every day (up 2 points compared to last year and up 8 percentage points compared to 2022), only 12 percent work exclusively remotely (down 1 percentage point) and 32 percent work in hybrid mode (down two percentage points compared to last year). More →

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