Internal meetings often not worth the time, finds survey
A survey reveals that over half of respondents feel internal meetings consume more time than their value warrants, though 83% believe regular meetings still help them work effectively. The study found employees engage in various coping mechanisms, from daydreaming to playing buzzword bingo during meetings that often lack clear objectives.
European Safety Week – combatting stress and bullying
European Safety Week runs October 14-20, with this year’s focus on work-related stress. October 15 marks Ban Bullying Day, an initiative by Amicus, The Work Foundation, and partners to raise awareness of workplace bullying and encourage organizations to adopt anti-bullying policies.
Smoking at work is increasingly unacceptable
A poll of over 2,000 people shows 85% oppose smoking at work, with only 11% reporting it’s freely allowed in their workplace. The survey reveals even most current smokers support workplace smoking restrictions.
Do you suffer from afternoon apathy syndrome?
Afternoon Apathy Syndrome affects over 40% of UK workers, caused primarily by heavy, high-carbohydrate lunches that increase serotonin levels and trigger drowsiness. Nutritionists recommend avoiding starchy meals, staying hydrated, and choosing balanced snacks with protein to maintain afternoon energy and alertness.
Socialising builds work relationships
New research shows 73% of employees rely on socializing with work colleagues to build positive relationships. Workers who regularly socialize with colleagues report higher job satisfaction, stronger teamwork skills, and greater loyalty to their company.
Employment Act – what businesses need to do
The Employment Act introduces family-friendly policies including paid paternity leave and extended maternity leave starting in 2003. Businesses should prepare for potential staff absences during these periods, though the changes aim to improve work-life balance and employee retention.
Friday is jeans for genes day!
Jeans for Genes Day is Friday, encouraging people to wear jeans to work in exchange for a £1 donation supporting genetic disorder research and family support services organized by national charities.
Workaholism: are you a victim? – feature
Workaholism is an uncontrollable compulsion to work that goes beyond hard work, affecting family and personal life. Unlike dedicated workers who complete tasks and relax, workaholics consistently work long hours even without pressing deadlines, driven by self-imposed demands and external expectations.
Call for more attention to RSI
The TUC is calling for new European Directives to address RSI, which affects approximately one in every fifty workers annually. Proposed measures include updated ergonomics standards, amendments to manual handling rules, and revised display screen equipment guidelines to better protect workers from repetitive strain injuries.
Who’s afraid of flexible working?
Despite strong demand for flexible working and its proven business benefits, uptake remains poor due to widespread fear that it will damage career progression. Research shows that while most professionals want greater flexibility for work-life balance, 81% believe it would negatively impact their careers, creating a significant barrier to adoption.
New rights for fixed term employees
Over one million fixed-term employees gained new rights to equal pay, pensions, holidays, and training from October 1st. The regulations prevent employers from using successive fixed-term contracts for permanent positions and ensure fair treatment compared to permanent staff.
Family responsibilities still restrict careers
A CIPD survey reveals that 52% of working parents report their careers have been affected by family responsibilities, with women disproportionately impacted at 72%. The research shows that flexible working arrangements are available to less than half of working parents, and most feel insufficient support from employers and government.
One in three fathers works over 48 hours a week
Research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation reveals that nearly one in three fathers regularly work over 48 hours weekly, exceeding European Working Time Directive limits. In dual-income families, most parents work non-standard hours including early mornings, evenings, nights, or weekends, with professional fathers working the longest hours and spending less time on childcare.
Good people management delivers best shareholder value
Research from Watson Wyatt across 600 companies in 16 countries reveals that superior people management practices deliver nearly twice the shareholder value compared to average competitors. The study identifies specific management approaches—avoiding disposable workforces, limiting excessive developmental training, and reducing paternalism—as key drivers of financial performance.
Carers unaware of flexible working options
Many employees with caring responsibilities are unaware of flexible working options their employers offer, according to research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The study found that half of staff in six large workplaces didn’t know about available arrangements like flexitime and carer’s leave, despite formal policies being in place.
Should the state pension age be raised?
The Pensions Policy Institute argues that raising the state pension age to 70 or higher is necessary to address the UK’s pension crisis, citing increased life expectancy and the need to sustain pension payments. A gradual implementation between 2020 and 2030 could allow adjustments while enabling higher pension payments without extra cost.
Employees more willing to report fraud, finds survey
A KPMG survey finds 83% of employees would report colleagues for major fraud, with 94% viewing accounts manipulation as unacceptable. However, attitudes toward minor infractions like taking office supplies remain lenient, revealing inconsistent workplace ethics standards.
It’s Work – Life Balance Week!
Work-Life Balance Week takes place this week with events scheduled across UK cities including London, Bristol, Manchester, and Edinburgh. The Work-Life Balance Trust and DTI provide resources to help promote better balance between professional and personal time.
Compulsory retirement under threat
A tribunal ruling could invalidate automatic retirement at 65, potentially giving older workers the same employment rights as younger employees. If upheld on appeal, employers may face claims for unfair dismissal and redundancy from workers beyond retirement age, challenging long-established employment practices.
How would people like to work?
A learndirect survey reveals Britons’ ideal workplace preferences, with Miss Moneypenny as the dream PA, Richard Branson as the ideal boss, and Alan Titchmarsh as the perfect colleague. The research shows 91% of workers have a dream job in mind, but only 12% currently hold it, with 73% willing to retrain to achieve their career goals.
