LATEST NEWS
The 4-day week reboot
The traditional five-day work week, long seen as the standard, is increasingly viewed as outdated. Many attribute productivity problems to the rigid focus on hours and days rather than output and effectiveness.
A new 4-day week pilot project will launch this month, allowing companies to test the model along with other flexible working practices, such as flexible hours and nine-day fortnights. The results will be presented to Labour next year, with the hope that political support will grow for this shift in work culture.
It offers a potential solution to improve our work-life balance, increase productivity and make us happier and healthier. But can it be a “one size fits all” answer for every business?
https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1887098/employment-law-perspectives-four-day-week
The Rise of Workplace Isolation
New data from Gallup has shown a troubling trend: workplace loneliness is on the rise. A staggering 20% of employees report feeling lonely on a daily basis, with fully remote workers feeling it even more acutely at 25%, compared to 16% of office-based staff. This loneliness is affecting overall well-being, engagement and performance.
While some employers might think that bringing everyone back to the office will solve the problem, it may not address the root cause—and could make the situation even worse.
Employers should focus instead on boosting engagement by connecting teams to their work, the company’s mission and each other. Empowering managers to be culture champions can also play a key role in bridging the gap and combating workplace loneliness effectively.
https://hrzone.com/rising-workplace-loneliness/
Shared Parental Leave Hits New Heights
Shared Parental Leave (SPL) uptake has hit a record new high, with HMRC data showing there were nearly 25,000 claims last year - far surpassing the 6,200 claims in 2015 when SPL was introduced.
Suzanne Caveney, an employment partner at Eversheds Sutherland, attributes this surge to the gradual but evolving attitudes towards shared parenting and improved workplace policies and pay.
Despite the progress, SPL usage still trails behind other countries like Finland, where paid family leave is standard for both parents. The data also reveals that SPL is more commonly taken by older, highly qualified individuals in large organisations, who earn higher incomes and have progressive gender role attitudes, compared with parents who do not take up SPL and pay.
https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/uptake-of-shared-parental-leave-reaches-a-new-high
Parental Leave
Employers now are twice as likely to offer enhanced parental leave. The number of job postings that offer enhanced parental leave have doubled since last year, according to new data. Enhanced parental leave is defined as being above the statutory minimum required in the UK. And this can go a long way towards attracting and keeping the best talent.
It’s important for employees to feel supported by the company they work for, and paid leave programmes lead to improved wellbeing, productivity, and loyalty.
Flexibility or a four-day week?
While a third of employers have cut a day off their standard working week, new research has found that jobseekers would rather have flexible working instead. 45% of people said that the term ‘flexible working’ in a job advert was enough to make them apply, whereas 40% said they’d be more swayed by ‘four-day working week’.
Whilst there isn’t much in it, what the data does show is that people are still favouring a better work/life balance, so it may be the key to attracting the best talent to your business.
National Bullying Prevention Month
In October it’s National Bullying Prevention Month, and because bullying doesn’t just happen at school, as an employer it’s something you need to take seriously. You have a responsibility to make sure your employees feel safe and are protected from bullying from colleagues in any form.
1. Bullying can be verbal, physical, or online
2. Victims may be anxious, withdrawn, or take excess time off
3. If someone is being bullied, speak up!
4. If you don’t stop it, it can have an impact on the entire business
5. Create a strong bullying & harassment policy and make sure everyone has a copy
6. Ensure any complaints should be taken seriously and investigated quickly,
Make the most of October to really ensure your people are aware of your business’ stance on bullying and create an environment where it’s not tolerated by anyone. If you need help, we’re always on hand – just give us a call!