When yawning costs you money
Poor sleep affects 25% of the UK population and costs businesses significantly through reduced productivity and health issues. Research shows sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function, decision-making, and memory while increasing risks of serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
How to develop resilience quickly
Resilience is the capacity to respond effectively to pressure and bounce back from difficult situations. Your resilience levels depend on factors including health, psychological makeup, relationships, support networks, and life balance. Developing a proactive approach helps you recover faster from workplace adversity.
NHS Customer Service – forget about process, it’s about emotional engagement
NHS customer service roles require significant emotional engagement beyond traditional call centre processes. Research shows healthcare workers experience conflict between efficiency demands and the emotional labour of supporting patients in crisis, yet job titles and management understanding fail to reflect this caring responsibility.
Companies should take a public health approach to wellbeing
HR teams should adopt a public health approach to workplace wellness by gathering data on employee health across the entire organization rather than offering generic programs. Tailored initiatives addressing specific health challenges in different departments—from stress to obesity—can reduce absenteeism, presenteeism, and boost productivity and engagement.
Is it worth investing in ‘active’ workstations?
Active workstations—desks designed for walking or cycling while working—may help combat workplace sedentariness and its health consequences. Research explores whether these workstations improve employee well-being and psychological outcomes without compromising work performance.
Shift workers risk mental and physical health
Shift workers face significantly higher risks of obesity, chronic health conditions, and cognitive decline compared to those on standard schedules, according to recent health surveys. Employers have a duty of care to address these risks through targeted support and workplace policies that protect employee wellbeing.
Avoid winter coughs and colds
Colds spread more easily in winter due to prolonged time indoors with others, not cold weather itself. Prevent seasonal illness by maintaining balanced habits: prioritize quality sleep, stay hydrated, eat nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, and make gradual lifestyle changes rather than drastic overhauls.
Putting empathy back on the workplace agenda
Empathy is gaining recognition in the business world as leaders realize it strengthens working relationships, boosts teamwork and loyalty, and reduces workplace conflicts. By genuinely listening to employees and customers, organizations can enhance productivity and economic success.
All in the mind: mindfulness in the workplace
Mindfulness in the workplace operates on multiple levels, from individual stress reduction and self-care to enhanced empathy and stronger team connections. Research shows that mindfulness practices help employees develop resilience, emotional intelligence, and greater awareness of how their physical and mental states interconnect.
The ageless workplace: how to attract and retain employees across five generations
Attracting and retaining employees across different age groups requires more than competitive salaries. Companies must focus on workplace wellbeing, career development, inspiring leadership, and tailored benefits packages that appeal to workers’ varying needs and values.
Book Review: Developing Mental Toughness by Clough & Strycharczyk
Developing Mental Toughness by Clough & Strycharczyk explores the MTQ48 psychological assessment tool and its application across sectors. Based on 15+ years of research, this comprehensive guide examines how mental toughness—the ability to handle challenges and pressure—can improve performance and well-being in both sports and organizational settings.
Why your best workers may not always be your employees: exploring the freelance factor
Research shows freelance workers often match or exceed the engagement and satisfaction levels of full-time employees, with greater innovation and self-motivation. For short-term projects requiring specialized skills and autonomous teams, independent workers can be as valuable as a company’s best permanent staff.
A ticking time bomb: the workplace stress epidemic
Workplace stress is rising as presenteeism increases due to job insecurity, with stress being the leading cause of long-term sick leave. Employers can combat this by training managers to recognize stress symptoms, improving communication channels, and implementing stress management strategies that help employees feel valued and supported.
Why you should show staff that they’re cared for
Demonstrating genuine care for staff through targeted benefits, financial education, and support services improves employee wellbeing, retention, and workplace culture. Authentic caring initiatives like recognizing performance and offering relevant benefits packages create employees who reciprocate that care.
Five ways to improve workplace wellbeing
Discover five practical strategies to boost workplace wellbeing, from promoting physical activity and healthy eating to maximizing employee benefits and fostering team connections. These simple, cost-effective approaches improve employee satisfaction, reduce absenteeism, and increase productivity and retention.
Six tips for business leaders to show staff they’re cared for
Business leaders who show genuine care for their staff can boost employee engagement, productivity, and retention while strengthening company reputation. Research shows that better treatment by employers motivates workers and helps attract top talent in competitive job markets.
Mental health stigma silences employees – 79% wouldn’t speak out
Mental health stigma prevents 79% of employees from disclosing conditions to their employers, with women particularly reluctant to speak out. Despite mental illness causing 70 million lost UK working days annually, workplace stigma drives employees to lie about their health rather than seek support.
HR and health: The hard work starts here
HR professionals are shifting from viewing workplace wellbeing as a cost-reduction strategy to using it as a driver for organizational growth and employee engagement. With absenteeism costing £29bn annually and mental health challenges affecting productivity, the real work now lies in developing comprehensive wellbeing cultures that create emotionally intelligent organizations where employees can thrive.
Seven ways to help staff look after their back
Help your organisation reduce back injury costs and lost productivity with seven practical strategies. This Back Care Awareness Week guide covers proven methods to support employee spinal health, from encouraging regular movement and activity targets to providing wellness resources and proper ergonomic support.
Addressing bereavement at work – why it’s time for employers to act
Acas has launched a new good practice guide to help employers support bereaved employees, addressing inconsistent policies and inadequate managerial responses. The guidance provides clear frameworks for handling bereavement conversations and support, addressing a longstanding gap in workplace wellbeing.
