Author: Sam Allcock

Recent findings reveal pressure on graduates to work in offices, clashing with their preference for hybrid models.Nearly 3,000 graduates have expressed that employers favour a full-time office presence, despite the benefits of remote work.Hybrid working is preferred by 60% of graduates, but 62% feel employers want full-time office attendance.Productivity and well-being are perceived higher with remote work, but in-person work aids colleague engagement.Discrepancy between graduate and managerial office presence impacts support and skills development.Recent survey data reveals a significant tension between graduates’ work preferences and perceived employer expectations. According to Prospects at Jisc, almost 3,000 graduates believe their employers prefer…

Significant progress has been made for women in the workplace, yet challenges remain.Despite 40% of board roles in FTSE 350 companies being held by women, entry into leadership is still challenging.Addressing gender disparities, destigmatising parental leave, and re-evaluating feedback are key steps towards inclusivity.Coaching to overcome unconscious biases can positively impact organisational culture.Fostering leadership development for women is essential to bridging confidence gaps.Over recent years, noteworthy progress has been achieved in tackling challenges faced by women at work. Despite this, LinkedIn data suggest that women still confront numerous obstacles, particularly in taking initial steps into leadership positions. Across FTSE 350…

In an era where digital threats loom large, the role of HR professionals extends beyond traditional boundaries to encompass cybersecurity. Human Resources can no longer be viewed as a back-office function; their involvement can significantly mitigate risks. Small enterprises, often perceived as less attractive targets, are increasingly under siege from cybercriminals.Securing the HR supply chain is critical, as threat actors exploit vulnerabilities here to launch attacks.Remote working arrangements present new cybersecurity challenges, requiring updated policies and vigilance.Social media policy enforcement is essential to prevent misuse and potential security breaches.Comprehensive training for employees is vital in maintaining robust cybersecurity defences.Securing the…

A growing number of UK company directors are working beyond state pension age, highlighting a trend in extended careers.The recent study by TWM Solicitors reveals that 10.6% of directors are aged over 67, impacting retirement dynamics.Life expectancy improvements necessitate longer working periods for financial sustainability among business owners.Risks associated with ageing directors include potential health issues that may affect business continuity.Legal tools like Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are recommended to safeguard business operations.Recent data indicates a significant trend: more than 10.6% of company directors in the UK, amounting to 626,000 individuals, have surpassed the state pension age of 67.…

In today’s rapidly evolving world, swift and efficient data analysis has become essential for businesses striving to stay competitive.Identifying the business question is the initial step in the data analysis process, setting the stage for effective data gathering.Managing vast datasets requires meticulous cleaning to ensure accuracy and consistency before meaningful analysis can occur.Utilising technologies like AI, pre-built models, and visualisation software can streamline and simplify data analysis.Embracing these advanced techniques enables companies to conduct data-driven decision-making with greater effectiveness.In an era where information is abundant, the ability to quickly and effectively extract insights is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.…

Addressing equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in organisations is becoming crucial amidst government criticism.Professor Shivani Sharma emphasises that EDI should be a collective effort to mitigate gender and ethnicity pay gaps.Omar Rashid highlights the need for EDI to be seen as a norm rather than a perfunctory task.World days like International Women’s Day can drive awareness but must lead to continuous efforts.Diverse workforces can unlock numerous business opportunities, according to industry experts.In recent discussions, there is a growing emphasis on the critical need for equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) to become ingrained within organisational cultures. This call gains urgency from…

The concept of ‘Everywhere Work’ is reshaping professional environments.A recent report highlights the growing importance of workplace flexibility.Women value flexibility more than men, impacting workforce dynamics.There’s a disconnect between leadership and IT/security needs.AI and automation adoption lag behind potential benefits.The idea of ‘Everywhere Work’ is shifting how professionals view their workspace, focusing on where, when, and how they perform tasks. Flexibility in the workplace is increasingly crucial, according to a recent study. In detail, the report stresses that offering work flexibility can provide businesses with a significant advantage when attracting top talent.Interestingly, the report reveals that while 80% of professionals…

Public speaking is a significant anxiety trigger for many in the UK, with job interviews being the most daunting.21% of Brits actively avoid public speaking, while 15% admit to glossophobia—making it the third most common phobia in the UK.Job interviews, public presentations, and work presentations rank as the top anxiety-inducing situations.The fear of forgetting words and appearing foolish top the list of specific public speaking anxieties.Approximately half of those with public speaking anxiety seek professional help to overcome it.Public speaking stands as a major source of anxiety for many in the UK, with job interviews pinpointed as the most daunting…

Mobile phone distractions can strain relationships and creativity.Phubbing, or favouring phones over partners, harms female creativity.Study highlights women’s workplace creativity is uniquely affected.Support dynamics at home influence women’s professional innovations.Emphasis on balancing technology use and work-family boundaries.The increasing habit of focusing on mobile phones over actual human interaction, known as phubbing, has been found to negatively impact women’s creativity at work. Researchers from the Universities of Bath, Aston, and IESE Business School indicate this behaviour not only strains personal relationships but also crosses over into the professional lives of women, affecting their creative output.In an analysis involving diary entries from…

In the UK, workers leading a physically active lifestyle face unique challenges and benefits.Non-desk-based workers average nearly 10,393 steps daily compared to the typical Brit’s 3,500 steps.A majority believe their physical activities positively impact their mental health, despite some drawbacks.These workers often experience physical strains like back and foot pain due to their active roles.Employers are urged to implement safety measures to reduce physical strain and ensure worker wellbeing.For many in the UK, maintaining an active lifestyle during work hours is a challenge, especially for desk-based roles. However, for non-desk-based workers, constant movement is a norm. This group averages nearly…