We know about IQ and EQ, but what about PQ?
As IQ and EQ have shaped workplace culture, physical intelligence (PQ) emerges as the next evolution for office workers. In an age of automation, reconnecting with bodily awareness and movement during the workday can enhance wellbeing, mental performance, and professional development.
Time, money, stigma: how technology can overcome these three obstacles to mental wellbeing
Technology can help overcome three major barriers to mental health treatment: time, cost, and stigma. YourMind, a Skype-based therapy platform, was created to increase access to mental healthcare for people struggling with stress and anxiety who lack flexible work schedules or resources for traditional in-person therapy.
Mental health apps: for and against
Nearly half of employers now offer mental health apps to staff, aiming to reduce stress and anxiety. However, evidence suggests these apps may either help or harm employee wellbeing, depending on whether they complement existing services or add to digital overload.
“Steal with pride, adapt with glee, pragmatically implement,” says Sir Eric Peacock
Sir Eric Peacock, Chairman of Buckley Jewellery, shares unconventional employee engagement strategies including welcome packages that reduce new hire turnover by 70% and diverse learning opportunities. His philosophy—”steal with pride, adapt with glee, pragmatically implement”—emphasizes making employees feel valued through relevant cultural initiatives that work on any budget.
Spiritual wellbeing at work: how to do it right
Spiritual wellbeing at work involves finding meaning and purpose through your connection with yourself, others, nature, and your values. It’s not necessarily religious but encompasses physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions, helping employees experience fulfillment and contribute meaningfully to their organization.
How companies must approach sexual harassment in 2018
Companies must address sexual harassment through better reporting systems, whistleblower protection, and fair claim evaluation processes. The challenge lies in making invisible harassment visible and creating comprehensive policies that protect employees while respecting privacy across all genders and situations.
Social media and the workplace in the #MeToo era
The #MeToo movement, which went viral on social media following the Harvey Weinstein scandal, has exposed widespread sexual harassment across multiple industries including entertainment, law, medicine, and hospitality. Research shows over half of female workers have experienced harassment at work, yet the majority don’t report it. The global campaign is driving workplace policy changes and encouraging more victims to come forward as company culture shifts toward zero-tolerance approaches.
Stressed out Britain: How to manage work-related stress in your organisation
Work-related stress costs the British economy £5.2 billion annually and affects over half a million workers, making it a leading cause of sickness absence. Organizations can reduce this impact by identifying excessive pressures and implementing stress management strategies that distinguish between motivating pressure and harmful prolonged stress.
Why you need to nurture Emotional First Responders in the workplace
Emotional First Responders identify and articulate workplace emotions, helping managers gauge team morale and respond with empathy during change. Nurturing these emotionally aware employees builds stronger camaraderie, improves communication during difficult corporate events, and transforms emotions from a liability into a business asset.
Physical exercise at work: what can be done?
Workplaces can combat sedentary behavior by integrating simple physical activity into daily routines—such as brisk walking, using stairs, and active commuting—rather than relying on formal gym programs. With employees sitting an average of 9.5 hours daily, even 10 minutes of movement can reduce risks of musculoskeletal issues, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Domestic violence: Why employers should be tackling this silent, pervasive issue
Only 5% of medium and large UK organisations have domestic abuse policies, despite nearly two million adults experiencing abuse annually. Most HR leaders agree employers should support affected employees, yet the issue remains largely absent from workplace agendas and duty-of-care policies.
Financial wellness: what will drive demand in 2018?
Employers are responding to rising financial stress among UK workers, with research showing 27.5% report increased financial anxiety and 71.9% say stress levels haven’t improved. Effective financial wellness programs addressing debt management, budgeting, childcare costs, and savings goals can help improve both employee wellbeing and productivity.
Benefits uptake: are you doing enough?
Employee benefits significantly influence job satisfaction and retention, with 62% of workers citing them as key hiring factors. Yet awareness and uptake remain surprisingly low, costing UK employers £2.7 billion annually in lost productivity. Effective communication and personalized benefit strategies can help organizations maximize engagement.
Benefits take-up – the why of getting it right
Understanding employee benefits take-up is crucial for effective benefits strategy. Core benefits achieve 100% take-up, while voluntary benefits vary significantly based on factors like tax efficiency, employer funding, and discounts. Flexible benefits schemes with employer funds typically see 10-15% higher take-up rates than those requiring employee payment.
“When I was told that I would never walk or talk again it put fire in my belly.”
Andy Ibbott defied medical expectations after a 2011 stroke left him unable to walk or talk. The former motorcycle industry executive completed the Marathon Des Sables and now pursues public speaking, inspiring others to overcome personal challenges.
How home working can help people with cancer maintain a work-life balance
Home working can help cancer patients maintain employment and mental health by reducing workplace stress, allowing them to manage treatment side effects privately, and eliminating commute fatigue. This flexibility enables people undergoing chemotherapy to stay connected with colleagues while performing their roles effectively.
How and why wellbeing proactivity pays
Proactive employee wellbeing strategies benefit all companies regardless of size or budget. Research shows that employers investing in wellness programs see improved retention, reputation, and profitability, with FTSE 100 companies emphasizing mental health reporting three times higher profits than those that don’t.
It’s National Sickie Day. Let’s analyse this dangerous abstraction…
National Sickie Day highlights the highest absence rates of the year, but labeling certain reasons as “bad” absences—like depression or seasonal mood disorders—is dangerous. The article argues that wellbeing is individual, and workplaces must stop homogenizing absence and instead tackle stigma around mental health reasons for time off.
Employee benefits uptake: why less choice is more
Expanding employee benefits choice doesn’t automatically boost satisfaction. Research suggests that employers should focus on essential protection and wellbeing benefits rather than offering numerous options employees rarely use or appreciate.
Employee benefit uptake: 4 thoughts to better results
Low employee benefit uptake represents a significant financial loss despite substantial organizational investment. By understanding staff preferences, tailoring offerings to employee needs, and improving accessibility, companies can dramatically increase utilization and transform benefits into a genuine return on investment.
