Lessons from the depths: What OceanGate teaches us about toxic leadership
The OceanGate investigation revealed that toxic leadership played a crucial role in a preventable tragedy. But these destructive patterns exist in workplaces everywhere. Here, occupational psychologist Fran Pestana explains how gaslighting and manipulation operate – and their profound psychological and commercial costs.
2025 Culture Pioneer Awards shortlist announced
The time has arrived to reveal our 2025 Culture Pioneer Award finalists…
From 30% to 50% satisfaction: How Refresco’s employee benefits strategy won over a deskless workforce
When only 30% of your workforce feels they have “special and unique benefits,” you know something needs to change. In this revealing case study, Sarah Tomson, Head of HR Services and Reward at Refresco, shares how her team transformed not just their benefits offering, but also rebuilt trust from the ground up.
40% of workers experience weekly financial stress, as wages fail to keep pace with inflation
New research reveals the stark reality of the UK’s cost-of-living crisis, with two in five workers experiencing weekly financial stress while wages stagnate and essential spending cuts become the norm.
Culture is the strategy: Why the most innovative leaders are rewriting the rulebook
A good culture is your competitive edge in a world of disruption. But how do you get there? Learn from leaders who know what works, and what doesn’t, at our 2025 Culture Pioneers Leadership Forum on 16th October, in London.
Money versus people, the conflict ChatGPT cannot resolve
As OpenAI restructures to chase profits, raising doubts about the firm’s commitment to AI for the benefit of all, we see writ large the unremitting conflict between self-interest and stakeholder value. Quentin Millington of Marble Brook makes sense of the complex dynamic, offering ideas to quieten this near-universal distraction from good work.
What is people science? Core theories that shape meaningful work
People science can teach us a lot about shaping meaningful work for employees. In the first of a three-part series, Perry Timms and Kirsten Buck of PTHR introduce core people science theories, explaining why these ideas hold relevance as we navigate constant change.
Three ways to boost workplace connection: No mandates required
Workplace leaders are discovering that forcing in-person social connection through mandates often destroys the very culture they’re trying to build. Here, Jacqueline Towers of Hubstar explores what to do instead.
Over three-quarters of Gen Alpha prioritise wellbeing over wealth and traditional workplace perks
New research reveals the next generation of employees will reshape workplace expectations, with 77% demanding mental health support and nearly half seeking neurodiversity-inclusive employers.
Empowering quiet geniuses: 10 signs of a brilliant mind at work
People with brilliant minds have great potential to thrive at work, if nurtured correctly. But how do you spot these quiet geniuses? Neuroscientist Lynda Shaw shares 10 behaviours to look out for…
From cricket fields to coaching wisdom: Roland Butcher on what makes great leaders
As the first Black cricketer to play for England, Roland Butcher has learned a thing or two about leadership, coaching, and personal growth. Translating these lessons from the pitch to the workplace, Debra Corey of Step It Up HR shares five standout tips from Roland’s inspirational journey.
What’s the latest on the Employment Rights Bill?
Following the House of Lords’ Employment Rights Bill review, HR adviser Kate Palmer discusses the Bill’s latest amendments and what updates might mean for UK businesses.
Assemble your inner hero: Leadership lessons from Marvel’s Fantastic Four
What can superheroes teach us about leadership? Following Marvel’s latest release, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Mark Leisegang of Insights reveals how to unlock your inner powers of self-awareness, fluidity, and collaboration.
Dangerous HR liaisons: Threats, knives and throuples
There’s a common misconception that HR’s role is limited to hiring and firing, but there is so much more to it than that. And many of the situations that an HR professional finds themselves dealing with are things that you’d never consider, even in your wildest dreams.
Executive bonuses: Rewarding failure or failing to reward?
As scrutiny intensifies on executive bonuses in public service firms, Simon Cook of Innecto Reward Consulting unpacks the thorny debate. Using Thames Water as a case in point, he explores whether tighter regulation is the answer or if a more balanced approach to reward could protect both public trust and business competitiveness.
Here comes the Sun: How to boost productivity and wellbeing this summer
The UK has already hit it’s third heatwave of the summer. How can employers keep productivity flowing while also allowing extra flexibility? Five HR experts share their tips.
Smarter systems: How benefits tech is powering better employee experiences
A new global study from Benifex shows that smarter benefits systems don’t just offer an upgraded experience – they produce real wins in employee engagement, retention and wellbeing.
HR’s role in handling domestic abuse disclosures
With one in five UK employees experiencing domestic abuse, workplaces can be one of the few safe spaces a victim-survivor can turn to for help. Here, Susan Bright, CEO of EIDA (Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse), shares guidance for HR teams on handling domestic abuse disclosures with compassion and clarity.
HR is at the helm of the smarter work revolution
The phrase ‘working smarter’ is more than just a catchy slogan in today’s fast-moving workplace – it’s a critical survival strategy. For HR leaders, this necessitates harnessing digital tools to eliminate persistent productivity blockers and design a more agile, empowered workforce.
Have better impact: Three imperatives for thoughtful leaders
Through work, we all have an impact on colleagues, customers or society. How can we ensure we use this power to good effect? Quentin Millington of Marble Brook looks at the value of being ’thoughtful’, and what three central imperatives of thoughtfulness mean in practice.
