The latest L&D news, reports, research and updates, personally compiled by TJ’s Editor, Jo Cook
13% of the workforce self-employed, many freelancers fear AI will hurt their earnings, and most feel unprepared for the changes ahead
TalentDesk Group’s latest report offers exclusive insights into how AI is transforming the gig economy. Freelancers are standing at a crossroads—balancing fears of job disruption with excitement over new opportunities AI brings. Businesses are already embracing AI, using it to innovate and streamline operations, especially in areas like marketing and customer service.
One in Three Workers Want AI Banned from the Workplace
A new study on workers’ concerns and aspirations around using AI in the workplace found that while AI is reshaping job roles in a positive way to remove repetitive tasks, workplace digital divides between ages, gender and seniority are deepening.
Workers also felt clearer guidance is needed around use of AI in the workplace, with 69% feeling clear AI policies are still needed – while one in three (33%) think the use of AI in the workplace should be banned entirely. Interestingly, one in four (25%) workers admit to using AI without their boss’s knowledge.
HR leaders in the UK are yet to make use of generative AI
Aon, a leading global professional services firm, has found that while HR professionals in the UK are interested in generative artificial intelligence (AI), they are not yet proactively making use of it.
A recent poll of over 50 global benefits and HR leaders conducted in a session on ‘How AI is changing the benefits world’ during Aon’s Global Benefits Day, revealed a significant interest in exploring the impact of generative AI. However, it also highlighted a lack of clearly defined strategies and proactive measures to harness generative AI’s full potential for HR purposes.
People are more likely to take relationship advice from AI than a human
A survey of over 2,000 Brits were presented with two pieces of advice, one from AI and one written by an established life coach, and asked to pick their favourite answer out of the two.
- 73.33% of Brits said they would prefer human advice for relationships
- But on all categories, the AI advice was more commonly chosen as advice Brits would rather listen to
- More men thought they would prefer AI in comparison to women, but when given the options selected the human answer more
Global or Bust: 97% of executives say a global presence is required to be competitive in today’s business landscape
More than half of workers (53%) anticipate hitting the job market in the next six months, a third of whom plan to make a move to another state or country to support their career. The launch of G-P’s second annual report on global employment trends underscores the benefits of a global business presence to help businesses and employees thrive in the new era of work.
According to G-P’s “World at Work: The Future of Global Employment Report,” four out of five executives say that finding skilled talent in their existing markets is difficult right now. The majority (72%) are ready to look to other countries to meet their talent needs – a smart move considering 80% of employees want to work for a global company.
Shared approach required to better support workers’ wellbeing
The lack of an agreed definition of wellbeing, and no shared way to quantify it or measure interventions to improve it, is holding employers back from supporting workers’ wellbeing better in the face of rapid change, new research highlights.
How employers can support their employees to thrive, in a world where rapid social, political, and economic change are the norm, is the focus of a joint report based on primary and tertiary research by British Safety Council and the Institute of Occupational Medicine, called Being Well in a Changing World.
The top five myths about supporting employees with seasonal depression
As the colder months approach, many employees struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression triggered by reduced daylight. Affecting around one in twenty people in the UK, SAD can have a serious impact on staff productivity, morale, and overall well-being during winter.
Winter doesn’t have to be a time of struggle for your employees. By addressing seasonal depression proactively, employers can help create a supportive, healthy workplace where staff can thrive even during the darker months.
80% of Gen Zers and Millennials believe in astrology, allowing it to guide work and education
“Planetary persuasion: How does astrology influence one’s life?”, revealing a growing reliance on astrology among young Americans.
Faced with a challenging job market, unsustainable student loan debt, a severe housing crisis, and rising political tensions, anxiety and depression have become increasingly prevalent among young adults. Many are turning to astrology to cope with stressors, with 80% admitting they believe it at least some of the time. Among those who do, 58% check their horoscopes weekly, while one in three feel anxiety if they fail to do so regularly.
