Rapid changes to working conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have exposed gaps in the ability of organisations to respond to risks associated with their workforces, according to a new report by Mercer Marsh Benefits (MMB). Conducted a year after the declaration of the pandemic, UK respondents in the global survey of over 1,300 HR and risk management professionals ranked deteriorating mental health; cybersecurity, and talent attraction, retention and engagement as the top people-related risks facing firms.
Contributor: Christopher Bailey - Mercer Marsh Benefits | Published: 2 August 2021
Chris Parker, Renovo, warns that though recent positive news in the employment market is welcome, this could be disguising five longer-term issues for UK employment.
Contributor: Chris Parker - Renovo | Published: 2 August 2021
With many older workers made redundant by the pandemic[1], new findings from research by City & Guilds Group reveal that adults aged 55 and over are the at the highest risk of being left behind when it comes to formal workplace training – making their skillsets increasingly less relevant and individuals less employable.
Contributor: Kirstie Donnelly MBE, CEO - City & Guilds Group | Published: 2 August 2021
A recent CIPHR survey of 1,016 UK workers reveals employee attitudes towards the return to their ‘usual’ (pre-pandemic) workplace.
Contributor: Emma-Louise Jones - CIPHR | Published: 2 August 2021
The UK should soon be back to business and there is a huge gap in how safe different generations feel about going back to offices and places of work.
Contributor: Steve Whittall - Airdri | Published: 1 August 2021
Responding to the publication of the Government’s National Disability Strategy (28 July), Business Disability Forum’s Head of Policy, Angela Matthews, said:
“We welcome the launch of the long-awaited National Disability Strategy. In his foreword to the strategy, the Prime Minister has committed to put disability inclusion at the heart of Government. Many of the measures announced by individual Government departments bring us a step closer to making that a reality. But more needs to be done to turn this from a one-year plan into a strategy that truly transforms the life chances of disabled people.
Contributor: Angela Matthews, Head of Policy - Business Disability Forum | Published: 31 July 2021
A survey of 2,000 UK workers by BHSF has revealed not all employees are disclosing positive Covid-19 cases.
Contributor: Shelley Rowley - BHSF | Published: 31 July 2021
A new report out today from The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland and the Centre for Synchronous Leadership has revealed that an attachment to power is causing British boards and executive committees to exclude more diverse candidates based on flawed selection processes and criteria. The report finds that the recruitment process is distorted by the assumption that those who do not resemble existing board and committee members are less ‘impressive’, which suggests that the word ‘impressive’ needs to be redefined. The report concludes that meaningful progress in terms of improving boardroom diversity can only be achieved if boards and executive committee members are willing to address ‘compulsive homogeneity’ and prioritise purpose over power.
Contributor: Maria Brookes | Published: 30 July 2021
With COVID-19 restrictions set to end on July 19, more than half (52%) of British people currently working from home say they are ready to return to the office, with the typical office worker wanting to go into the office between two and three days per week, according to new research from Mitie.
Contributor: Jasmine Hudson - Mitie | Published: 30 July 2021
21st century leadership requires leaders to build emotional connection with their followers. Yet, we still promote and reward leaders based on their confidence, assertiveness, or boldness and not based on their competence or ability to connect with their people. This causes aspiring leaders to role-model the behaviours of incompetent leaders rather than effective ones. So, we need to share, promote and encourage the right leadership behaviours even more today.
Contributor: Burak Koyuncu, Managing Director, Workforce Solutions - LHH UK & Ireland | Published: 30 July 2021
