Blog: Are your staff proud of where they work?
Only 40 percent of UK employees feel proud to work for their employer, according to new research. The drop in job satisfaction is particularly affecting women and younger workers, with engagement declining due to economic pressures and lack of managerial support.
Lessons from Olympians: Seb Coe, the ultimate expert-turned-leader
Seb Coe exemplifies how expert knowledge combined with strategic career development creates effective leadership. His progression from Olympic athlete through sports administration and politics equipped him with diverse skills—from media relations to political acumen—that proved essential in leading the London 2012 Olympic Games. His success demonstrates that the best leaders balance deep expertise with broader organizational and interpersonal capabilities.
Blog: Lessons from Olympians – The danger of perverse incentives
Olympians’ badminton scandal illustrates why after-the-fact recognition works better than if/then incentives. Structured incentives can be gamed—athletes intentionally lost matches to secure easier bracket positions. Recognition and motivation are distinct from incentives, which often produce unintended consequences when rules create perverse outcomes.
News: Doctor shadowing scheme introduced to cut NHS ‘killing season’
The NHS has introduced a shadowing scheme requiring junior doctors to work alongside senior colleagues for at least four days starting in late July to reduce patient deaths during the annual “killing season” in August, when mortality rates spike as new graduates begin their roles.
Blog: Lessons from Olympians – How to compete and cooperate at the same time
The Olympics demonstrate how to balance individual competition with team cooperation. Learn how healthy workplace competition, like Olympic gymnastics teams, can drive innovation and engagement while fostering collaboration toward shared organizational success.
Blog: Lessons from Olympians – Boosting staff productivity
Learn how Olympian principles can boost UK staff productivity. By listening to employees, strengthening manager relationships, maintaining integrity, building meaningful company culture, and investing in training, businesses can match their workforce to competitors and drive economic growth.
How to administer pay cuts in times of austerity
Learn how governments and businesses are implementing pay cuts during austerity, from Spain’s royal family taking 7% reductions to NHS managers cutting wages 5%. Discover strategies for managing controversial cost-cutting measures while maintaining employee acceptance.
News: Border Agency strike on eve of Games called off
A planned strike by Border Agency staff on the eve of the Olympics opening ceremony has been called off after the Home Office agreed to create 1,100 new jobs, according to union claims. The PCS union announced the decision following “major progress” in negotiations, though the immigration minister disputed the job creation figures cited.
Blog: Are employers offering fathers enough support?
Research reveals that many fathers feel insufficient support from employers, with 54% of fathers with children under one feeling they don’t spend enough time with their kids. New studies show fathers who lack work-life balance policies experience low engagement, high stress, and reduced job motivation, suggesting organizations could benefit from implementing stronger parental support policies.
News: Police forces consider canning G4S shared services deal
Three UK police forces are reconsidering a £73 million deal to outsource back office jobs to G4S, following the company’s Olympic security staffing failures. The chief constables of Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire police are reviewing whether to proceed with the plan to outsource 1,100 HR, finance and IT positions.
News: Home Office strike threatens to hit Olympics
Immigration officials voted to strike over job cuts and pay, threatening to disrupt border operations during the Olympics. The strike could occur as early as the day before the opening ceremony, when thousands of international visitors and media are expected to arrive at UK airports.
Putting the Games plan into practice
Cisco, a technology partner for the Olympics, is implementing flexible working policies and employee engagement programs to manage Olympic-related disruption while building staff morale and community spirit during the Games.
News: Olympics at work? Get a TV licence – now
Employers must obtain a TV licence if they allow staff to watch live Olympics coverage at work this summer. However, catch-up services like BBC iPlayer are exempt from licensing requirements. TV Licensing warns that unlicensed broadcasting could result in fines up to £1,000 per offence.
News: NHS “pay cartel” proposes staff pay cuts and longer hours
NHS managers across 19 South West trusts have formed a “pay cartel” proposing staff pay cuts of up to 5%, longer working hours, and reduced holiday entitlement to address financial pressures. The scheme could affect 1.5 million health service employees, potentially ending the national Agenda for Change contract.
News: Pressure mounts on Adidas over alleged worker exploitation
Adidas faces mounting pressure from protesters and campaigners over allegations of worker exploitation at its factories in developing countries. The Olympic sponsor’s suppliers pay workers as little as 34p per hour, according to anti-poverty groups, violating agreements to provide living wages for merchandise manufacturers.
News: Start-up scheme targeted at redundant public sector workers
A new government-backed scheme is offering redundant public sector workers support to start their own businesses, including mentoring, business planning advice, and access to Barclays-backed financing across economically disadvantaged regions.
News: New tribunal fees spark outrage across political spectrum
New employment tribunal fees of up to £1,200 have triggered criticism from unions and employers alike. While labor groups warn the charges will prevent vulnerable workers from pursuing valid claims, business representatives argue many claimants will be exempt anyway, undermining the policy’s effectiveness.
News: G4S to face penalties over Olympic staffing failures
G4S faces financial penalties after failing to recruit and train enough security staff for the London 2012 Olympics, forcing the government to deploy an additional 3,500 soldiers. The private contractor delivered only 4,000 of its contracted 10,400 guards, citing recruitment and training challenges.
Let the Games commence – But make sure you plan for them
As the Olympics approach, businesses face significant challenges from travel disruption, staffing shortages, and holiday requests. Planning ahead is essential to minimize impact, with research showing companies that prepare effectively can boost revenues and employee morale.
Blog: The Olympics – Learning lessons in flexible working
RBS and UK government agencies are allowing flexible working during the Olympics to boost productivity amid transport disruptions. Despite criticism, the policy highlights a crucial lesson: organizational success depends on trust between managers and employees, whether working remotely or in-office.
