Wellbeing & Mental Health
Will closing the skills gap make us happier?
Skills gaps are making us unhappy at work. Can learning and development initiatives fix them? They’re a good place to start, writes Emma O’Dell The UK is at risk of becoming a ‘burnt-out nation’, with a poll revealing that 20% of workers needed to take time off due to poor mental health caused by high levels of stress at work. For many, most waking hours are spent at work, making job satisfaction a key factor in overall life satisfaction. In addition,…
Perfectionism over a promotion? The obsession with perfection is harming leadership development
The modern workplace culture of perfectionism is actually destroying development, says executive coach Beth Hope In today’s work environment, burnout is at an all-time high, and perfectionism is a major contributor, with many employees now turning down leadership roles because they fear the pressure to be constantly ‘on’ and perform without fault. A recent study shows that 42% of employees reject promotions because they fear burnout or want to seem “perfect.” Psychologist Marisa Franco explains that perfectionism often stems from…
What HR trends to expect in 2025
Human Resources is all about adapting, innovating and putting your people first. Are you ready? Kelly Tucker explores the trends As we settle into 2025, the people profession landscape is set to undergo transformative changes driven by technological advancements, evolving workplace norms, and a growing emphasis on employee wellbeing. The ability to adapt to these shifts will define success for organisations and HR leaders alike. Here are the key trends I anticipate shaping the future of the coming year. The…
Empowering employees: What to expect from the people profession in 2025
From digital tools to workplace wellbeing, experts predict key trends shaping the Human Resources industry The HR industry saw a range of different trends throughout 2024, from stalling salaries to increased tech spending. A key focus has been on flexible working policies – with over 40% of UK employees still regularly working from home, businesses have pushed harder than ever for return-to-office mandates over productivity concerns. Productivity is expected to be a huge focus in 2025… organisations will look to…
Creating a workplace where employees thrive: How benefits packages can help
Meeting employees’ physical, mental and financial needs is key to boosting engagement and cutting turnover – Frank Mengert reveals how benefits can drive organisational success Every business wants to have a highly productive workforce. But in order to achieve this, organisations need to be willing to take certain steps to ensure their working environment is something their employees can thrive in. Benefits packages are a great way to promote the improved wellbeing of staff and build a more engaging company culture …
Transforming HR for the future: Empowering employees through AI
AI-driven HR systems are a gamechanger, enabling businesses to transform how they manage their teams – Angela Moyle explains The nature of work has shifted dramatically over the past few years, fuelled by the rise of remote work, flexible scheduling and the growing demands of a more mobile workforce. Yet, despite these changes, many businesses lag behind, continuing to rely on outdated HR systems, which are no longer equipped to support the complexities of modern workforces, particularly when it comes to…
From burnout to brilliance: How L&D drives employee engagement and retention
L&D must factor employee desires into learning programmes to maximise effectiveness, argues Dr Jill Stefaniak Employee burnout is a pervasive issue that affects organisations and individuals alike. According to recent findings, a staggering 82% of employees are at risk of burnout this year. Despite its far-reaching impact, only half of employers are actively looking to combat burnout by incorporating staff wellbeing and mental health into their strategic plans. Those who are uncertain about how to do so can educate themselves…
From banter to balance: Shifting the narrative on men’s wellbeing
Men’s issues are society’s issues. It’s time to talk, act, and to change the narrative – David Hayden reflects on International Men’s Day Having read the articles about the International Men’s day, I mused to myself “do we need an international men’s day?” After all we are not an underrepresented group are we! Much of the narrative is that men have way too much spotlight and there needs to be room for others, so why have an international men’s day?…
Did your skipped workouts and holiday indulgence actually help your brain? Surprising science says… Yes!
Neurogenesis, synapses, pathways… Ricci Masero explains the importance of having a break for your brain If you’re feeling a bit guilty about missing some gym sessions and indulging in chocolate over the holidays, science might have some good news for you. Research suggests that taking breaks from exercise and enjoying dark chocolate could benefit your brain development. Let’s explore how your holiday habits might have been helping your neuroplasticity all along. Understanding neuroplasticity: Your brain’s superpower First, let’s break down…
A week in the life of: A trainee psychotherapist
Balancing work, studies and a placement isn’t easy, but Anita Guru is relishing the challenge Rewind to 2020 at the start of the pandemic: I could foresee significant challenges for mental health. The trauma people experienced wasn’t solely from contracting Covid, but also from isolation, lack of human interaction, an absent sense of community, and fear for their safety. I knew these would have huge implications going forward. Switching off ‘therapist mode’ with friends and family has been a learning curve For…
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