Why it’s time to humanise the workplace
Meaningful workplace conversations are rare, but fostering deeper human connections at work is essential for mental health. By recognizing colleagues as whole people—beyond their intellect—and embracing emotions, intuition, and authentic dialogue, organizations can create healthier, more humane work environments.
Activate and amplify: making social learning work
Social learning already happens naturally in organizations through peer connections, but L&D professionals can strategically activate and amplify these experiences to support employee development and drive organizational goals more effectively.
Standing desks: 5 ways HR can facilitate change
Research shows standing desks improve employee health and productivity, yet many organizations struggle to adopt them. HR leaders can facilitate this workplace change through five key strategies: prioritizing health and wellbeing at the leadership level, securing budget support, and implementing structured transition plans that benefit both employees and the organization.
How mentoring can benefit your business
Mentoring programs benefit businesses beyond personal development by enhancing organizational success. Effective schemes require proper mentor training, clear expectations, and recognition that mentoring is a two-way relationship where both parties gain valuable insights and perspectives.
Working parents are an absolute must for companies
Working parents develop essential professional skills including leadership, time management, communication, and stakeholder relations through balancing family and career responsibilities, making them valuable assets to modern organizations.
Professional development: the challenges of introducing a coaching culture
Introducing a coaching culture in organizations faces significant barriers, primarily because most managers misunderstand what coaching actually entails. Research shows untrained managers often adopt a directive “tell them what to do” approach rather than true coaching, and structured training in core coaching skills like listening, questioning, and empathy is essential for cultural transformation.
The UK’s savings gap: is a workplace ISA the solution?
The UK’s savings gap, particularly among millennials facing housing costs and student debt, remains unaddressed despite the Autumn Budget. Workplace ISAs could offer a solution, as younger generations increasingly prefer ISAs’ flexibility and tax-free withdrawals over rigid pension products with restricted access until age 55.
Why flexible working beats the 9-5
Flexible working arrangements boost employee productivity and engagement, with 81% of workers prioritizing flexibility over traditional 9-5 schedules. Companies that embrace flexible work attract top talent, improve retention, and demonstrate genuine commitment to employee wellbeing and work-life balance.
The gig economy: how has the Government responded?
The UK Government has responded to the gig economy’s rapid growth through the Taylor Review and proposed legislation, including clearer employment status classifications, enhanced worker protections, and new rights for flexible workers. These changes aim to balance workplace fairness with the flexibility that characterizes modern work arrangements.
Communications: how to be open and honest, even in times of growth
Transparent internal communication during business growth builds trust and employee engagement. By keeping staff informed about changes from the start—even uncertain news—HR leaders can reduce anxiety, prevent rumors, and help employees feel valued and involved in the company’s direction.
The selection process: algorithmic bias or bias against algorithms?
Algorithms in recruitment face real challenges: while they can reduce human bias, they risk perpetuating systemic discrimination. Effective hiring requires structured methodologies and training, not algorithms alone.
How to support an ageing workforce
Learn how companies can support and retain ageing workers by creating inclusive cultures, offering targeted employee benefits, and addressing the economic factors driving longer working lives. With nearly three-quarters of UK employees unable to retire at 65, employers must adapt HR practices to meet diverse needs.
If we’re okay, why are mental health absences going up and up in organisations across the UK?
Mental health absences in UK organisations are rising despite improved awareness campaigns, costing the economy £70-100 billion annually. Effective workplace mental health support requires open communication, addressing organisational stressors like workload and conflict, and breaking down stigma around disclosure rather than relying on wellbeing programmes alone.
Do your managers want to manage?
Many managers are promoted for technical skills rather than people management ability. With 75% of employee departures influenced by their line manager, organizations must ask managers if they actually want to manage and invest development resources accordingly.
Pay as an engagement tool: time for a rethink?
As wage growth remains restricted to 2-3% annually, companies are rethinking how pay functions as an engagement tool. While intrinsic rewards and meaning matter, pay fairness and transparency remain foundational to employee retention and engagement.
How to earn employee trust in your business
Building employee trust requires understanding context and reading trust signals accurately. Rather than asking “do you trust me?” broadly, organizations must clarify what specific responsibilities employees should trust them with—from paying salaries on time to providing professional development. Misinterpreting trust signals can be damaging, so employers need awareness of how they’re actually perceived.
Why the workplace is an ideal context to practice mindfulness
Major companies like Google, eBay, KPMG, and BT are investing in workplace mindfulness programs to improve focus, decision-making, and employee well-being. The workplace is an ideal community setting for practicing mindfulness, as it provides built-in support and accountability that helps employees sustain the practice long-term.
Why should HR care about the adult social care crisis?
The adult social care crisis poses direct challenges for HR professionals, as an aging workforce and rising care costs will impact employee wellbeing and retention. HR leaders should consider how employee benefits frameworks, potentially including social care vouchers, can help address future care needs and support talent attraction in a competitive market.
Why HR teams should recognise and reward a ‘mission-centric’ work ethic
HR teams should recognize and reward employees driven by “mission-centric” motivation—those genuinely committed to their organization’s core purpose. Research shows mission-focused workers demonstrate greater discretionary effort, productivity, and creativity, making them valuable assets worth intentional recognition and development strategies.
How data can enhance employee wellbeing
Data analytics and wearable devices enable employers to measure and improve employee wellbeing by tracking behavior patterns, identifying health risks, and personalizing benefits offerings. Happy employees are up to 12% more productive, making workplace wellbeing measurement a strategic priority for organizations.
