Lucy Wesson’s Post

Did you know that job satisfaction can boost productivity by 12%? It's not just about raising salaries; it's about investing in employee support programs. Companies that offer benefits like parental leave, unlimited paid time off, health centres, and remote work options see real results. When employees feel valued and cared for, they put more effort into their work. This idea boils down to a simple truth: employees across all industries and generations want to feel appreciated and respected. Companies that invest in their employees' happiness see a noticeable increase in productivity. Supporting your team with meaningful benefits and better working conditions is far more effective than just increasing pay. Based on my work experience, I can confidently say that happy employees are productive employees. #EmployeeSatisfaction #Productivity #WorkplaceWellbeing #EmployeeEngagement #Leadership #CompanyCulture

🔌 Labour’s "Right to Switch Off" Campaign: A Step Towards Work-Life Balance or Not? In today’s always-on work culture, the lines between personal and professional time are increasingly blurred. That’s why Labour’s recent campaign pledge, the "Right to Switch Off" is sparking important conversations across the UK. What Is the "Right to Switch Off"? 🛑 Labour’s proposal would legally protect employees' rights to disconnect from work outside of contracted hours. This means no more late-night emails, out-of-hours calls, or expectations to be "always available." It’s a move designed to promote a healthier work-life balance and address the rising concerns of burnout and mental health issues in the workplace. Why Does It Matter? ⚖️ The pandemic has accelerated the shift towards remote and flexible working, but it has also increased the expectation to be constantly connected. The "Right to Switch Off" aims to ensure that employees can truly disconnect and recharge, leading to better productivity, satisfaction, and overall well-being. The Potential Impact on Businesses 💼 - While the policy could significantly improve work-life balance, it also raises questions for employers: - What about flexibility? Employees value flexibility, but how do we balance this with the need to "switch off"? - How will this affect productivity? Can businesses adapt to a model where employees are strictly off-duty outside of their working hours? - What cultural shifts are needed? Encouraging a mindset where respecting boundaries becomes the norm is essential for the success of such a policy. - Will you be able to Opt in / Opt out? Depending on if it’s an act, policy or regulations will some businesses be able to Opt in or Opt out. Your Thoughts? Personally, I know it wouldn't work for me, and the way that I work. Some bids and tenders have 2 and 4 week turnarounds, and there are not enough working hours in the day. Is this a necessary step towards protecting workers' rights, or could it create challenges for businesses in today’s fast-paced world? I’d love to hear your thoughts, comment below! 👇 #RightToSwitchOff #LabourPledge #WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealth #EmployeeWellbeing #HR #UKPolitics #FutureOfWork

What an employee expects from the organisations where they work - Fair Compensation: Competitive salaries, bonuses, and benefits. Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours, remote work options, and sufficient time off to maintain a healthy balance between personal and professional life. Job Security: Stability in employment without frequent layoffs or abrupt changes. Professional Development: Opportunities for training, career advancement, and skill development. Recognition and Appreciation: Regular acknowledgment of their efforts and achievements. Positive Work Environment: A supportive, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture. Health and Wellbeing: Programs and initiatives that support physical and mental health. Most of you will relate with this post, let’s start a conversation please share or add on your point of view in chat box. #humanresources #stability #worklofebalance #appreciation #employeecare #mentalhealth #organisations #letstalk

What Could a New Right to Disconnect Look Like Under a Labour Government? Labour is championing the ‘right to switch off’, aiming to create healthier work-life balance policies. Inspired by models from Ireland and Belgium, this initiative seeks to give workers the freedom to unplug and recharge. What Model Might the UK Adopt? Labour’s Plan to Make Work Pay proposes giving “workers and employers the opportunity to have constructive conversations and work together on bespoke workplace policies or contractual terms that benefit both parties.” This approach aligns with the Irish and Belgian models, which focus on employers establishing a written policy rather than an absolute right to disconnect. Will it work? In countries like Ireland and Belgium, the right to disconnect has made little difference in employees' day-to-day lives. Given the lack of sanctions attached directly to this right, it's more likely employees will bring complaints for breaches of working time or health and safety, rather than a failure to respect a right to disconnect. While the details are yet to be seen, it seems unlikely that changes from a new Labour government would cause a seismic shift in the UK’s working culture. How Can Employers Prepare? Businesses may want to consider how they can proactively prepare for any changes: * Time Recording: Employers no longer need to record daily working hours but must maintain adequate records to show compliance. Assess how frequently and to what extent employees are working outside of their core hours. * Culture Audit: Evaluate workplace culture to identify any toxic working habits in particular teams or departments. * Right to Disconnect Policy: Consider introducing a right to disconnect policy. Although not currently required, this document can help set out your values, culture, and expectations. Review existing policies, such as flexible working or time off policies, alongside this. * Encourage Healthy Habits: Small steps can improve an employee’s ability to switch off. * Use email footers to set out working days/hours. * Encourage scheduling emails to be sent within working hours only. * Introduce “buddy” systems to ensure appropriate cover. * Promote better use of calendars and communication of working patterns. For many employers, employee wellbeing should always remain high on the corporate agenda. Regardless of any future right to switch off, the above steps will support employees in achieving a better work-life balance. #RightToDisconnect #WorkLifeBalance #EmployeeWellbeing #LabourPolicy #FutureOfWork #HealthyWorkplace

The Right to Switch Off 👍 With work increasingly blending into personal lives, the "Right to Switch Off" has become a hot topic. The UK Governments new proposed initiative aims to give employees the ability to disconnect from work outside official hours without repercussions. Balancing work-life has always been tricky. In the UK, research by the CIPD showed that over half of employees find it hard to completely switch off from work. 📊 This right isn't just about avoiding burnout; it's also about respecting personal time and boosting productivity when on duty. Organisations that support this can see happier, more engaged teams. What are your thoughts on the right to disconnect? Have you seen benefits in your workplace? Read the CIPD's recent press release here: https://lnkd.in/eZACdFp9 🌟 #RightToSwitchOff #WorkLifeBalance #EmployeeWellbeing

Australia has dropped in the global work-life balance rankings, now positioned at eighth place. New Zealand, with 32 annual leave days, tops the list. The report highlights Australia's high minimum wage and relatively short workweek, but notes a decrease in overall worker happiness. For HR professionals, these findings emphasise the need to enhance employee satisfaction through supportive workplace policies and a focus on work-life balance. Read more about the rankings here: https://lnkd.in/e8AE9jDQ --- For more content from Accurate Background (Australia) and information about our employment screening services and how they can help you build a trusted workforce check out our Linktree here: https://lnkd.in/eGtSeC6p #talentacquisition #hr #peopleandculture #employmentscreening #recruitment #recruitmentlife #recruitmentaustralia

I came across this article and thought it was insightful. Half of global workers now prioritize work-life balance and belonging over climbing the corporate ladder, with 93% valuing balance and 81% seeking flexible hours. I believe these trends highlight the need for businesses to adapt and prioritize employee well-being.

The Right to Switch Off...📲💻 In light of growing concerns around employee burnout and the necessity for a healthier work-life balance, the UK Government is exploring the introduction of a "right to switch off" policy. This initiative seeks to allow employees to disconnect from work communications outside of official hours, fostering a more sustainable and balanced work environment. I found this to be an interesting and informative read from Robin Turnbull of Anderson Strathern, highlighting potential issues with this policy and how employers should prepare if it is, indeed, introduced. What are your thoughts? As someone who is an advocate for a healthy work/life balance, I know there can't be a one-size-fits-all for this policy, but I am interested to find out what is next for it, and what next steps the government will take in their discussions💭👇🏼 Jackie MacGregor Ashlene McFadden Gus Fenton Rosie Hutcheon https://lnkd.in/g7RWR3FW

Flexible Working and Innovation 🤝 Happy Workers That positive link was among the key findings within new research published this week by The Labour Relations Agency and IER University of Warwick The report, entitled ‘Building a Business Case for Good Jobs’, is demonstrable proof of the positive ripple effect of work/life balance > engaged workforce > improved organisational performance. Timely Careers is helping teams across #NorthernIreland fill flexible working vacancies that benefits both employers and employees alike. #NowHiring #TimeForTimely #TimelyForEmployers #TheWiBGroupImpact

Fostering a Balanced Future: The Power of Flexibility in the Workplace In today's evolving professional landscape, the initiative by FFNM highlights a crucial approach to shaping the work environment: prioritizing the well-being of employees to ensure they can fully engage both at work and home. By integrating flexible work schedules, offering paid family leave, and supporting childcare, employers can cultivate an environment that not only attracts but also retains top talent. The benefits of such progressive policies are manifold. Employees who feel supported are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive, creating a thriving workplace culture. These measures underscore the importance of empathy and adaptability in modern business strategies, ensuring that workers feel valued and less stressed by external pressures. As we continue to navigate the future of work, companies that embrace these changes will likely see the highest return on investment in terms of employee satisfaction and success. The question remains: how will your organization adapt to meet the growing demand for a more balanced work-life integration? How important do you think flexible work policies are in retaining top talent in your organization, and how might they reshape the future of employment? #FutureOfWork #WorkLifeBalance #Flexibility #TalentRetention #EmployeeWellbeing #InnovativeWorkplace