News: Firms turn to tech for employee health engagement
Employers increasingly adopt technology like gamification, mobile apps, and social media to boost employee health engagement and behavior change. While gamification leads in current use at 62 percent, mobile technology shows the strongest growth potential, though measurement of ROI remains a significant challenge.
Book Review: Modern Life Skills by Liggy Webb
Liggy Webb’s “Modern Life Skills” aims to help readers navigate everyday challenges through 20 practical life skills based on UNESCO’s educational model. However, this review finds the book too simplistic and lacking substantive evidence, criticizing its conversational tone and mixed credibility despite Webb’s expert credentials.
Supporting senior leaders with mental health issues
From April, UK employers can no longer legally remove company directors due to mental health problems. This shift reflects changing attitudes toward mental illness in the workplace, though organizations must now provide better support for senior leaders facing mental health challenges beyond traditional financial compensation.
News: Work is biggest cause of stress in people’s lives
A new study by mental health charity Mind reveals that work is the biggest cause of stress in people’s lives, with one in three citing workplace stress as very or quite stressful. Poor management, excessive workload, and insufficient support are the top workplace stressors, yet most managers lack training to support employee mental health.
News: study suggests mismatched employer/employee perceptions around sick leave
A new study reveals a significant disconnect between UK employers and employees over sick leave expectations. While 87 percent of employers believe staff shouldn’t work from home when ill, 31 percent of employees think their employers expect them to do so. The research shows employers aren’t experiencing widespread sick leave abuse, with 87 percent reporting no high absenteeism levels.
Six top tips for preventing employee burnout
Prevent employee burnout by managing technology use and workload efficiently. Learn six practical tips including limiting email checks, reducing multitasking, and prioritizing meaningful activities to maintain productivity and well-being.
News: research suggests high stress levels among UK office workers
New research from Viking reveals that over a quarter of UK office workers experience stress daily, with heavy workloads cited as the primary cause by two-thirds of respondents. Stress levels vary by region and industry, with the North East reporting the highest daily stress rates at 34 percent.
Stress slays two in five staff in smaller firms
Workplace stress affects over 40% of UK small business staff, impacting absence levels, morale, and performance. The ongoing economic uncertainty is forcing managers to deliver profits with reduced workforces, exacerbating mental health challenges across SMEs.
Carry on first aiding: HSE says no need for matron
The HSE has published draft guidance on proposed changes to workplace first aid regulations, including removing the requirement for HSE-approved training providers. From October 1st, employers will have greater flexibility choosing training providers based on their needs, though they must still ensure adequate first aid provision and providers must meet HSE-controlled syllabus standards.
Are employers up to speed on failing Work Programme?
A cross-party parliamentary committee branded the government’s Work Programme “extremely poor,” finding only 3.6% of claimants moved into sustained employment in its first 14 months—less than a third of the predicted rate and below what would have occurred without the scheme.
Health and Safety: businesses need to keep defibrillators to hand
More than half of UK businesses lack defibrillators despite their modest £1,000 cost and proven ability to increase cardiac arrest survival rates by up to 75%. IOSH research reveals companies often overlook the equipment due to lack of awareness rather than expense, though installation could prevent workplace fatalities and associated costs.
Ask the Expert: strategies for mental wellbeing
One in four British adults experience a diagnosable mental health problem annually, yet stigma prevents many from seeking help due to career concerns. A consultant psychiatrist shares expert strategies for HR professionals and individuals to support mental wellbeing and reduce workplace stress.
Mental health reform brings HR implications
The Mental Health (Discrimination) Bill has received final approval, removing legal barriers that previously prevented people with mental illness from serving as jurors, MPs, and company directors. The legislation aims to reduce stigma and discrimination while requiring businesses to reassess employment policies for directors with mental health issues.
Best Practice: wellbeing initiative proves healthy for Ipswich Building Society
Ipswich Building Society’s employee health and wellbeing programme has cut absenteeism by 48% and staff turnover to record lows over four years. The initiative, costing just £2,000 annually, combines physical challenges and mental health activities, with 80% of staff participation and measurable productivity gains.
Poundland’s graduate shelf-stacker wins back-to-work ‘slavery’ appeal
A university graduate has won a Court of Appeal case ruling that forcing jobseekers to work unpaid at Poundland violates human rights law. Cait Reilly successfully challenged the government’s back-to-work scheme, which required her to abandon voluntary museum work for free retail tasks or lose her benefits.
Cancer care not on the priority list for employer-funded overseas health schemes
Many employers struggle to afford international health insurance for overseas staff, with only one-fifth prioritizing cancer coverage. A new report reveals gaps in employer understanding, including misconceptions that travel insurance suffices and confusion about EU protections.
Ask the Expert: can you refuse to interview an unsatisfactory former worker?
Employers can generally refuse to interview a former employee with poor performance or attendance records, or one dismissed for misconduct, provided they don’t discriminate. However, caution is needed if the poor record relates to protected characteristics like disability or pregnancy, which could expose you to discrimination claims.
News: why we’re all totally stressed out!!!
One in five UK workers skip lunch breaks due to heavy workloads, while nearly half report daily stress, according to a British Heart Foundation survey revealing widespread workplace health concerns and employer neglect of employee wellbeing.
Snow joke as workers lie about being trapped by the weather
A quarter of UK workers admitted to lying about being snowed in to skip work during recent winter weather. A survey found that many exaggerated conditions or fabricated transport problems, with colleagues skeptical of their claims and the disruptions costing businesses millions in lost productivity.
British workers beat the blues
British workers are feeling more satisfied and secure in their jobs in 2013, defying the gloomy reputation of Blue Monday. According to recruitment specialist Reed, three out of four employees reported job satisfaction, while job insecurity declined and employee benefits increased.
