HR

For decades, when businesses thought about employee benefits and perks, they would invest in generic options like fruit bowls, gym memberships and healthcare. Finally, however, we are seeing financial wellbeing take centre stage.

Towergate Health & Protection has released details from one of its employee assistance programme (EAP) providers, which show an increasing demand for information and advice, not just mental health counselling, when it comes to supporting overall employee health and wellbeing.

Law firm, Irwin Mitchell, has recently conducted a nationally representative study into the ‘trend’ of quiet firing. 

In increasingly fractured workplaces, where remote working is now an employee expectation, new research by 438 Marketing, which specialises in cultural transformation within businesses, has found that many employers are failing to engage with their internal audiences, within and beyond the day job, where poor comms and outdated use of technology are commonplace.

Demand for workers is higher than ever before − one in three employers struggled with staff shortages at the end of 2022. As a result, businesses seeking to increase retention and boost engagement levels need to ensure they are delivering flexible schedules that meet the needs of all employees.

According to new research from GRiD, the industry body for the group risk sector, affordability – competing with budget for other business needs – was cited as the biggest challenge in supporting the health and wellbeing of staff, by 30% of employers. However, 98% of those that measure the impact to the business in supporting staff say it is positive.

Wellbeing issues severely or significantly compromise the ability to function at work for over a quarter (26.4%) of overseas employees with wellbeing concerns, according to data released today by Towergate Health & Protection.

Let’s face it, so much of our day-to-day lives revolves around what’s happening on social media. Particularly when it comes to cultural themes and hot topics, which typically blossom from some sort of online trend.

Global survey results from IE University, #WorkAnywhere and Remote have revealed office workers are experiencing the highest levels of burnout and lowest levels of happiness and job satisfaction. This is when compared to remote and hybrid workers – indicating that the office environment isn’t the effective separator between life and work that many believe it to be.

Amid the marked shift to remote and hybrid working models, many employers may have cause to consider whether their current establishment remains fit for purpose and offers value for money. But, while it can be tempting to up sticks and relocate, there is often also a compelling business case for staying put and refurbishing. For employers rethinking their workplace approach, Adrian Gleeson, strategy directory at Rhino Interiors Group, explores the key considerations to determine whether improving or moving is right for you.

As Gen Z continues to enter the workforce and assume positions of influence, organisations worldwide are experiencing a shift in common working styles. By 2025, Gen Z is projected to make up 27% of the workforce. The generation born between the late 1990s and early 2010s is bringing fresh perspectives to the workplace. Is this reshaping the future of work? RADA Business shares insights into Gen Z leadership styles.

A poll of 500 SMEs revealed 33% claim there aren’t enough minutes in the day to get everything done – with this adding to the pressures of their everyday job.

We may not think about it often, but community is critical to people’s mental health. Not only is connecting with others crucial to our overall wellbeing, loneliness and isolation can harm our mental and physical health. This means that fostering community has become key to supporting health, especially in the workplace, where most of us will spend a third of our lives and most of our waking hours.

Less than a third (31%) of employers believe that most of their employees have a good understanding of the full range of benefits provided in their workplace, according to the latest research from Towergate Health & Protection.

A quarter (26%) of employers claim that they know about all of the employee benefits available on the market, and a further 43% know about some of the benefits available for employees, according to new research from GRiD, the industry body for the group risk sector.

As the Cost-of-Living Crisis continues to pose a significant challenge for many employees, it’s clear that the escalating prices of essential goods and services are making it increasingly difficult for workers to maintain financial stability.

From Airbnb to Zopa, more and more businesses are leading the way in allowing employees to work from abroad throughout the year. This is a positive step forward for a more inclusive, borderless approach to work. However, many of the conversations around these benefits focus on swapping your home office for the beach.

The UK faces a crisis in the workforce as record numbers of people leave employment and increasing levels of economic inactivity make the cost-of-living crisis even more challenging for the most vulnerable people.

Supercharged by the pandemic, increasing costs and the ever-rising pressures of everyday life, one in seven (15%) Brits are experiencing mental health problems at work – and employers need to act.

Since the start of the pandemic, there’s been an enormous shift towards remote working. Working remotely has allowed many employees to eliminate their daily commute and, in turn, increase their quality of life.