How the end of jobs could liberate future generations
As automation threatens 80-90% of jobs, governments may need to implement Universal Basic Income and services to support displaced workers. A post-job society could liberate human creativity and innovation if basic needs are met through expanded social safety nets.
Why do UK workers feel undervalued and what can HR do?
A recent ADP study found that 70% of UK workers would leave for a minimal salary increase, with two-thirds feeling undervalued and lacking purpose at work. HR can address this by investing in employee recognition, fostering workplace connections, and maintaining open communication during onboarding and beyond.
“Wellbeing is about managing the energy of the organisation needed for it to perform.”
Organizational wellbeing requires managing employee energy to drive performance. Unilever’s approach embeds wellbeing into strategy through clear frameworks, leadership accountability, and accessible support tools, ensuring the agenda survives leadership transitions and becomes fundamental to business success.
Employee perspectives: “HR should be a more visible part of the hospital.”
Healthcare employees believe HR should be more visible and actively promote the support services available to staff. A critical care sister interviewed for this piece argues that while HR provides essential functions like conflict resolution and wellbeing resources, the department needs better visibility to help staff understand how they can access support during challenging times.
Are we burning ourselves out in the pursuit of happiness?
The pursuit of happiness through wellness culture may be masking a troubling shift in workplace responsibility. While positive psychology emphasizes individual resilience and self-improvement, critics argue this approach allows employers to evade accountability for employee burnout caused by demanding work conditions and inadequate support.
My war on OCD
Colin Minto shares his personal battle with OCD, from childhood symptoms triggered by an AIDS news story to intrusive thoughts about being a psychopath. He explains how OCD is a neurological condition where the brain’s threat-detection system misfires, creating panic and compulsive rituals that reinforce false beliefs.
Why investing in employee health is good for business
Investing in employee health by reducing sedentary work habits improves productivity, reduces absenteeism, and enhances recruitment. Research shows prolonged sitting increases health risks and workplace distractions, while 84% of workers prefer flexible sitting and standing options.
Does #ThrivingAtWork risk your employees’ mental health?
Work pressure and unrealistic expectations can significantly harm employee mental health, with 330,000 people losing jobs annually due to mental health issues. Creating a workplace culture where discussing mental health is normalized and supported is essential to prevent burnout and long-term psychological damage.
How can organisations improve job quality?
Organisations can improve employee wellbeing by developing high-quality jobs that offer skill variety, autonomy, reasonable demands, and manager support, combined with supporting HR practices like training and performance management. Research shows that integrated approaches to job quality improvements are more effective than isolated changes.
Employee mental health and wellbeing – are you doing enough?
Seven in ten UK employees have experienced mental health conditions like stress and anxiety, yet many employers lack genuine support policies. Research reveals that 45.6% of workers would seek alternative employment if their employer didn’t provide mental health support, highlighting a critical gap in workplace wellbeing initiatives.
Becoming a balanced leader – getting more yin for your yang
Effective leadership requires balancing multiple styles and roles rather than sticking to one default approach. Drawing on ancient Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, this piece argues that good leaders adapt to situational demands and consciously develop abilities outside their comfort zone for genuine influence and growth.
Anti-bullying week 2017: stopping the timer on workplace bullying
Workplace bullying extends beyond obvious threats and abuse to include being ignored through emails and online communication. During anti-bullying week, Acas emphasizes how small unresolved conflicts can escalate into serious problems, and advocates early intervention and mediation to prevent bullying from developing.
Credit scores: how employers can help employees improve it
Employers can help improve employee financial wellbeing by educating staff about credit scores. Research shows 40% of employees lack understanding of credit scores, which impacts their ability to access favorable financial offers and make informed decisions about their finances.
The debt stigma – how trainers can help
Millions of UK employees carry significant debt, creating workplace stigma that damages wellbeing and productivity. Research shows financial worries impact job performance, relationships, and mental health. Open communication and targeted financial training can help employers support their workforce and reduce these negative effects.
Are UK employees crying out for financial wellbeing training?
UK employees face significant financial stress, with only 15% living comfortably and one in four underperforming at work due to money worries. Financial anxiety costs organizations £120 billion annually in lost productivity. Organizations should implement comprehensive financial wellbeing training programs, including one-to-one coaching and webinars, to improve financial literacy and employee wellbeing.
When culture kills the killer app
Organizational culture is a strategic operating principle that technology-driven companies often overlook. Uber’s high-profile cultural failures—from leadership misconduct to harassment allegations—demonstrate how weak culture can undermine even the most innovative business models, requiring companies to align leadership behavior with strategic values.
What does a mindful organisation look like?
A mindful organisation cultivates awareness and compassion through shared practices, helping employees reduce stress and burnout while improving empathy and decision-making. When mindfulness becomes embedded in an organisation’s culture and processes, it creates a more conscious, connected workplace that benefits individual wellbeing and collective performance.
“For the human operating system, downtime is a feature, not a bug,” says Arianna Huffington
Arianna Huffington argues that setting boundaries with technology is essential to prevent burnout and preserve our humanity. She believes workplaces must shift cultural assumptions about constant availability, as data shows we’re actually less productive when always-on. Her company Thrive Global is developing tools to help people reclaim downtime and protect personal time.
Why you might need a Chief Happiness Officer
Employee happiness is emerging as a key business priority, with companies recognizing that happy, engaged staff drive better performance. Many organizations are now creating Chief Happiness Officer roles to focus on employee wellbeing, mental health, and workplace fulfillment beyond traditional HR functions.
How to speak up about sexual harassment
Learn how to effectively respond to sexual harassment at work by trusting your feelings and speaking up assertively. Document incidents, report to appropriate channels, and know that workplace harassment is never acceptable.
