February 2024 HR News Roundup

Welcome to our February roundup of the latest HR news. In this unusual 29-day month, we start with two interesting articles to focus the mind - key trends in leadership, and the top wellbeing challenges for 2024. Other popular themes include productivity drains on employees, a call for more flexible working support for the over-50s, and a popular question around leap year payday. Grab a cuppa and settle down for your regular summary of all the top HR stories.

The top 10 leadership trends for 2024

HR Review has highlighted the top leadership trends for the year, which include the ability to manage teams through change and uncertainty, stepping up to sustainability challenges, resolving conflict, and the ability to delegate. If you or any of your leadership team would like training or support to build these critical skills, we would love to hear from you.

Five wellbeing challenges for 2024

Respiratory issues, financial hardship, and stress and anxiety induced by the threat of AI are three of the key wellbeing challenges facing employers this year. According to the article from People Management, a new ‘era of turbulence’ is driving up absence rates to a record high. Are these five issues part of your plan to support employees’ health and wellbeing this year?

AI will not be a “mass destroyer of jobs”

Linked to one of those wellbeing challenges, the Bank of England Governor, Andrew Bailey, has sought to reassure workers and businesses around the threat of AI on human jobs. In an interview with the BBC, Mr Bailey acknowledged the risks posed by AI, and chose to focus on the significant benefits of investing in these technologies, such as increased productivity and reduced labour and recruitment costs.

Have you considered employee sentiment around AI in your organisation? Is it a common theme in manager/employee discussions? Do people fear the impact of technology on their role? What action will you take to ease the anxiety and put minds at rest?

Chatty colleagues erode productivity

Informal chats with colleagues are an enjoyable part of life at work. But what happens when the chattiness becomes a distraction? A poll of 1,000 office workers by Currys explored how our working environment impacts productivity levels, and found that the biggest distraction is chatty colleagues. Is this true? Or after the isolation of homeworking, is it just that we’ve become less tolerant since returning to the office?

The research highlights the benefits of hybrid working, where employees can choose to work from home to focus on complex tasks, and enjoy the social environment of the office when their work requires a lower level of concentration. It’s an important reminder to talk to your team about their working preferences and whether any adaptations might be needed for their work environment.

Two-thirds of workers feel less productive in the winter

Continuing on the theme of productivity, a study has found that adverse weather, a lack of natural light, and holiday-related distractions all have an adverse impact on productivity at work during the winter months. It will come as no surprise that cold, gloomy weather is the number one contributor, followed closely by a lack of natural light.

Whether working at home or at a workplace, limited access to natural light can impact on concentration levels and our ability to complete tasks. Simple solutions include taking time outdoors, moving your desk close to a window, and light therapy.

Sleep quality impacting productivity

Another wellbeing factor influencing workplace productivity is sleep. Champion Health’s Workplace Health Report 2024, which takes a comprehensive look into the nation’s mental and physical health, reveals that one in three employees rate their sleep quality as poor. This has a knock-on impact on workplace productivity and energy levels. Worryingly, only one in five people say they have good or excellent quality sleep.

Harry Bliss, CEO of Champion Health, says balance is key:

“As leaders, it is crucial that we address the root causes of sleep-related issues and implement strategies that foster a healthier and more balanced work environment, leading to improved sleep quality. Investing in employee wellbeing is an investment in the success and sustainability of our organisations.”

Greater flexible working support for people over 50

Businesses, older workers and the wider UK economy would all benefit from employers and government prioritising greater flexibility in the workplace. This is according to the ‘Flexible After Fifty’ report by the 50+ Choices Roundtable.

The report states that 72% of over-50s are seeking flexible work to achieve a better work-life balance, and makes a series of recommendations for businesses. These include promotion of flexible work in all job adverts, flexible working and training opportunities, and upskilling for people managers. Take a look at the full list.

Annual pay growth rises while vacancies fall

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows a surprising rise in pay growth of 1.4% in the last year. UK job vacancies fell for the 19th consecutive quarter, by 26,000 to 932,000. 21% of employers reported trouble filling open vacancies - a challenge they expect to continue over the next six months. Experts suggest employers should continue to invest in their own workforce through training, development and upskilling to tackle hard-to-fill vacancies.

And finally...

Should you pay employees more in a leap year?

The month of February has 29 days this year and, as it lands on a Thursday, for most people that extra day will be a working day. It’s an interesting question, but according to an article from People Management employees who are paid weekly or monthly should notice no difference on their pay slip. Weekly and annual salaries aren’t calculated on the number of days worked.

For most employees the 29th February should be treated as a normal working day. However, it is worth checking your employee contracts and pay structure to make sure you are fulfilling all your legal obligations as an employer. Don’t get caught out!