August HR News Roundup

Welcome to our August news roundup! While many people take a well-earned break at this time of year, the HR newswire never stops. The debate about flexible working continues and the latest ONS data on unemployment, wages and sickness has landed. As always, we’ve summarised all the big HR news stories for you, including fears about AI in the workplace, some useful resources from the CIPD and some interesting insights around the employee experience.

Grab a fresh brew (and maybe a cheeky biscuit) and read on...

Amazon calls US employees back to the office

The UK Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill was passed into law on 20 July, giving millions of UK workers the right to flexible working arrangements from day one.

Meanwhile, in the US, tech and online retail giant Amazon has issued cautionary emails to some of its employees urging them to increase their in-office presence. The message, reportedly sent to those failing to meet the attendance policy, stated that employees were “not currently meeting our expectation of joining your colleagues in the office at least three days a week.”

Amazon has been widely criticised for sending the emails, which have contributed to diminishing morale further following recent short-sighted decision-making.

Flexible companies grow headcount twice as fast

Perhaps leaders at Amazon should take a look at this insight from People Management. It suggests companies that don’t mandate full-time office attendance are more attractive to new recruits.

The Flex Index Analysis, which looked at headcount growth data from more than 4,500 UK and US companies, found that fully flexible companies grew headcount by 5.6% in the last year. This compares to growth of 2.6% in companies with a full-time office structure.

This is not to suggest that all businesses should be looking to flexible working as a means of talent attraction. Fixed workplaces clearly hold value for many businesses and hybrid working models are also an effective way to grow headcount.

Grant Price, CEO of YOHO Workplace Strategy warns “leaders mandate a return to a workplace at their own risk”.

Office workers are 'sitting experts'

You might consider yourself an expert in your field of work, but are you unwittingly also becoming an expert in 'sitting'?

Data compiled by Banner indicates that office-based employees are projected to spend a whopping 70% of their working day sitting. This equates to 1,300 hours this year and 53,000 hours by the time they reach retirement.

With back, hip and shoulder problems on the rise, the implications for employee health and wellbeing are clear. Providing standing desks, having walk and talk meetings and organising workplace activities are some of the initiatives employers are putting in place to reduce absenteeism caused by such problems.

Latest ONS unemployment data revealed

This month’s ONS labour report highlights that UK unemployment has risen above pre-pandemic levels at 4.3%. Wages have also increased with regular pay, excluding bonuses, registering year-on-year growth of 7.8 percent in the three months to the end of June, the highest since comparable records began in 2001.

Experts are warning of the consequences of such high wage growth, suggesting employers should look to offer alternative workplace benefits that genuinely alleviate employees’ financial concerns.

Record numbers off work due to long-term sickness

HR Magazine also draws on recent ONS data to highlight that absence due to long-term illness has reached a record high. 26,000 people were recorded as economically inactive between April and June 2023, taking the total number of people off work due to chronic illness to 2.58 million.

NHS waiting lists are part of the problem, and with clear impacts on workplace productivity, employers are being encouraged to invest in Occupational Health support services to help reduce sickness and absence.

Millennials and Gen-Zers fear AI will take jobs

In tech news, it’s difficult to avoid the subject of AI. Wherever you go, whomever you talk to, it’s likely Artificial Intelligence will enter your conversation!

In the first UK survey of its kind, strategic skills provider Corndel has revealed that 61% of 18-34-year-olds who work with data believe that AI will take at least 25% of their role by the end of 2023. Just over one third of younger people fear that it will take at least 50% of their job in the next ten years.

Interestingly, 82% of UK employees surveyed said they had no AI training, reflecting the lack of data skills in the workplace. It seems that all forms of AI are here to stay and will play some part in all our roles as the technology develops. Don’t be left behind! Make sure your organisation is ready for the transition.

The CIPD recently launched a dedicated page packed with useful resources on AI in the Workplace. Information includes a guide to preparing your organisation for using AI, webinars, podcasts and expert articles.

Would your company consider banning ChatGPT?

Two thirds of UK organisations are implementing or considering bans on generative AI applications within the workplace, according to a survey by Blackberry. The majority of businesses choosing to restrict the use of generative AI are concerned about the threat to cyber security and privacy.

The article points out that, rather than fearing them, employers should embrace the creative possibilities of AI and other innovative tools.

Five factors that can elevate your employee experience

We couldn’t resist sharing this checklist from Talking Talent which highlights five factors that help create a culture of belonging at work. Here’s a quick summary...

1. Transparency and honesty in leadership communication

2. Being valued as an important team member

3. Support for adapting to organisational change

4. Being able to be yourself at work

5. Being able to reach your full potential at work, no matter what background you come from.

The P3 team couldn’t agree more!

Effects of poor technology on employee experience

Also on the topic of employee experience, new research from tech provider Applaud, suggests that multiple, unintuitive HR technology tools are an admin burden for remote employees.

77% of remote workers are being asked to use up to five different tools, compared to 69% of hybrid and office-based employees. This is causing remote workers to feel frustrated, inefficient and diminishing the overall workplace experience. Some employees have considered leaving their role due to the burden.

If your business is searching for an efficient HR technology platform, please get in touch on 0161 941 2426. We’re here to help.

Does good vocabulary make you more employable?

And finally, we’ll leave you with an intriguing piece about the connection between vocabulary and employability. Do you unknowingly give preference to candidates who impress with their words? How does candidate eloquence impact recruitment, if at all?

The HR News article suggests a good vocabulary makes you a better communicator, more able to convey messages with clarity, and it’s also a sign of a good education. The author states having a broad vocabulary boosts your confidence and tactfulness in handling challenging situations, such resolving conflict, and improves your ability to build and maintain relationships.