The Absolute Inevitability of a Four-Day (or Less) Work Week
The traditional five-day work week, established during the industrial era, is increasingly being challenged by evolving societal norms, technological advancements, and shifting employee expectations. A convergence of macro and micro trends is driving the momentum toward a shorter workweek, making its widespread adoption not just a possibility but an inevitability. Macro Trends Driving the […]
An open letter to board members: if you wait for these strategic imperatives to be brought to you, it will be too late
Dear Board Member/NED, The world outside office windows is shifting rapidly, and with it, the very foundation of business resilience. The organisations that will thrive in the coming years are those that grasp a fundamental truth: people challenges are no longer ‘soft’ HR concerns – they are strategic imperatives that require board-level attention. Yet, too […]
The plight of the accidental manager and how to turn them into real leaders
In the bustling landscape of modern business, a silent crisis unfolds within the ranks of management: the plight of the accidental manager. These individuals, through various circumstances, find themselves thrust into leadership roles without the necessary training or experience. They may have stepped in when their manager left, been promoted for their stellar performance in […]
CFOs – staff are making chimps out of you and it’s costing millions!
Dear CFOs, Let’s talk about a costly misconception that’s draining your bottom line: the belief that employees leave primarily due to salary concerns. It’s a convenient, comfortable explanation – but it’s false, and it’s costing you a fortune. The Chimps Are Running Amok If you’ve read The Chimp Paradox by Dr. Steve Peters, you’ll […]
The Workplace Wellbeing Myth: Why Removing All Stress Isn’t the Answer (or Possible)
In the quest for workplace wellbeing, many assume that the ultimate goal is to eliminate stress, pressure, and challenges altogether. This belief, however, is not just impractical – it’s misguided. Research consistently shows that the right amount of challenge is essential for personal and professional growth, resilience, and overall wellbeing. The Science Behind Healthy […]
Speaking the CEO’s Language: Making Your Business Case for Wellbeing, Experience, and Culture
Securing C-suite buy-in for workplace wellbeing and employee experience initiatives requires a strategic approach that resonates with their priorities and speaks their language. Here’s a ‘how-to’ guide to get you started. Understand your audience Understanding the individual characteristics of your C-suite – their leadership style, concerns, and motivations – is crucial. Are they data-driven […]
Much more than a ‘faster-horse’, this is how we future-proof business
Whether you’re a fledgling startup, a rapidly scaling business, or a large established enterprise, you need high-performing employees, a strong and loyal client base, and possibly investment. These are the three critical reasons why wellbeing is fast transitioning away from HR as an operational nice-to-have, and towards the C-Suite as a strategic imperative for future-proofing, […]
An open letter to forward-thinking CEOs with a disengaged workforce
Dear CEO, I understand that leading a company can be incredibly demanding, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Both you and your team might be experiencing a period of low energy, and it’s completely understandable given the pressures of today’s business and global landscape. I know how challenging it can be, as I’ve walked a […]
The hidden cost of internal employee surveys
In today’s workplace, understanding the sentiments, needs, and engagement levels of employees is more critical than ever. With disengagement and distrust reaching concerning levels, organisations are using employee surveys and other listening techniques to guide their strategies. Some organisations design, deliver, and analyse these surveys in-house as a cost-saving measure. While this approach might seem […]
It’s high time we stopped wasting resources and started delivering results in workplace wellbeing – here’s how!
The Reality Check Despite increased spending on workplace wellbeing, employee productivity and engagement are declining. In the UK, sick days have nearly doubled since 2018, averaging 6.7 days annually. Research by Dr. William Fleming at the University of Oxford found that popular interventions like wellbeing apps and mindfulness workshops have had minimal impact. Alarmingly, employee […]