Social Work News’ Post

An article published yesterday (link in comments) discusses the varied and complex reasons why more working-age people than ever are living with work-limiting conditions and reveals that there are more working-age people than ever out of work due to work-limiting conditions. The total is a fifth of the working age population, which creates a knock-on economic risk. To retain as many people in the workplace as possible, we have an ever-increasing obligation to provide workplace support, and often this doesn’t have to be onerous or costly. Starting with gaining an understanding of conditions your people may be managing, and having regular open dialogue, is the perfect place to start. Let us know if you need advice on how to support your teams. #workingagehealthcrisis #worklimitingconditions #healthatwork #willowhr

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

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

If employees are 'replaceable', so are employers. Think about this before you settle for a horrible boss, maddening work hours, low salaries and a toxic environment. #work #environment #toxicworkplace #workculture #workplaceculture #toxicworkplace #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #toxicpeople

If employees are 'replaceable', so are employers. Think about this before you settle for a horrible boss, maddening work hours, low salaries and a toxic environment. #work #environment #toxicworkplace #workculture #workplaceculture #toxicworkplace #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #toxicpeople

Is This a Healthy Work Environment? 🤔 It's disheartening to see companies exploiting highly qualified professionals by offering low salaries. While cost-cutting is a reality, undervaluing skilled workers is unethical and unsustainable. A healthy work environment should prioritize: #Fair Compensation: Employees deserve fair pay for their skills and experience. #Respectful Treatment: A positive, supportive work culture is essential. #Ethical Practices: Avoiding exploitation of workers, especially vulnerable populations. #Work-Life Balance: Promoting a healthy balance between work and personal life. #Professional Development: Providing opportunities for growth and advancement. #workplaceethics #jobmarket #faircompensation #worklifebalance #professionaldevelopment

Chronic pain is a significant issue impacting many Australians, and it can certainly affect their ability to perform at work. As business leaders, we have a responsibility to create a more inclusive environment. Our latest ELEV8 Consulting article offers valuable strategies to support employees with chronic pain, like flexible work arrangements and ergonomic furniture. These steps not only demonstrate compassion but also contribute to a more productive and engaged workforce. Let's champion well-being for all employees and build workplaces where everyone can thrive! #chronicpain #workplaceinclusion #wellbeing #ELEV8Consulting

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

🌟 Job benefits play a crucial role in attracting and retaining top talent, especially in the UK.🌟 While salary remains important, employees are increasingly prioritizing benefits that enhance their work-life balance and overall well-being. From flexible working hours and remote work options to mental health support and generous parental leave, these perks can make all the difference in creating a positive workplace culture. It's essential for employers to understand their workforce's needs and adapt accordingly to stay competitive in today's job market. What benefits do you value the most? #JobBenefits #WorkLifeBalance #EmployeeWellbeing