News Round-up - February 2023

Introduction:

We wanted to bring you something a bit different this month, so although Flexibility is still one of the top items, we have also found some interesting articles on Retaining employees and attracting new talent. I’d like to say a particular thank you to People Management this month who have been a great source of information.

We hope you enjoy this month’s choice.

Warm wishes

Chris and Karen

Subject: Attract and Retain

Headline – The importance of employee satisfaction in a flexible working world – It’s clearly no longer all about a job title and salary, despite the rising cost of living. Organisations are struggling to keep and attract talented individuals, and need to recognise the importance of well being and work life balance.

This article is not just about flexible working there are some other great insights and don’t miss the survey results How workforce rebalancing is building pressure in the talent pipeline | EY - Global

Link: The importance of employee satisfaction in a flexible working world (peoplemanagement.co.uk)

Headline - Mothers, older workers and disabled talent are key to getting the UK working, think tank says- the challenge is often about attracting returners to the workplace and showing concern for the wellbeing of those already in work

Link: Mothers, older workers and disabled talent are key to getting the UK working, think tank says (peoplemanagement.co.uk)

Headline - How can employers prevent the outpouring of female talent? - Women in senior leadership positions are rejecting workplace cultures that don’t serve them.

It seems that amidst some good news about more women being recruited into senior positions, those that are there, the role models for future generations, are leaving in vast numbers. Our focus is always fix the culture, not the women. Is your organisation focussing on the right things to ensure a culture that encourages women to thrive equally, starting with making your workplace a more inclusive and sustainable place for all women. READ ON to the next article …

Link: How can employers prevent the outpouring of female talent? (peoplemanagement.co.uk)

Headline - Silicon Valley loses top women. - Several top female executives who recently left had faced "ferocious criticism" that could feel "overly personal."  Although Nicola Sturgeon states she is not leaving due to the "latest period of pressure", it is surely a contributor.

Links: Silicon Valley loses top women | The Week and Nicola Sturgeon says time is right to resign as Scotland's first minister - BBC News

Headline - UK sees biggest increase in number of women on boards since 2016 - the annual FTSE Women Leaders Report revealed that the UK experienced a +12.5 percent increase in the number of women on boards between 2016 and 2021. Good news in this section!

Link: UK sees biggest increase in number of women on boards since 2016 - HRreview

Subject: EU Law changes

Headline: Retained EU law bill: what changes can employers expect? 

The bill which has been given final approval by MP’s – means thousands of EU laws would automatically expire at the end of 2023 unless they have already been reviewed, amended or renewed.

Are you one of the 78% of professionals that are unaware of the potential implications of the proposed bill? – Read on …

Link: Retained EU law bill: what changes can employers expect? (peoplemanagement.co.uk)

Subject: Flexible Working – is it a good or bad , or does it just need more thought and flexibility?

Headline: ‘Fake’ flexibility and out-of-hours work hampering working mothers’ careers – A survey of more than 2,000 working mothers found that 65% feel they have fewer career opportunities available to them since maternity leave, and almost half feel their chances of promotion have been negatively impacted by flexible working arrangements …

Link: https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/flexible-working-problems-mothers/

Headline: Working mums fear ‘fake’ flexibility as two fifths complete work tasks out of hours, study finds -  Have you been granted flexible hours, but still feel you are expected to do the same amount in less hours, or are you one of the 38% that feel uneasy about asking to flex your hours?

Link: Working mums fear ‘fake’ flexibility as two fifths complete work tasks out of hours, study finds (peoplemanagement.co.uk)

Headline: How hybrid has created work-life balance concerns - Hybrid working has caused unexpected wellbeing issues, often for working mum’s who are reporting feeling overwhelmed by tasks, lack of contact with team members, and difficulties in separating work and home life.

Some handy tip and a video too.

Link: Wellbeing in the workplace of now: How hybrid has created work-life balance concerns (peoplemanagement.co.uk)

Headline – Why your Hybrid working policy isn’t working - Rather than taking a ‘one size fits all’ approach, employers should consider how and where individuals perform best. And that includes where we work and what hours we work and when we work and this might be at home, in the office, a bit of both or somewhere else – nothing like a bracing walk for creative thinking!

Link: Why your hybrid working policy isn't working (peoplemanagement.co.uk)

Subject: International Women’s Day - 8th March 2023

Headline - Gender pay gap means women work for free for two months of the year, according to the TUC.  If you are 60 or over it is entirely possible or even likely that you will work until International Women’s Day on the 8^th March, for free, as this group have a gender pay gap of 18.4%.

Link: Gender pay gap means women work for free for two months of the year, according to the TUC - HRreview

Headline – International Women’s Day: What is it and why do we need it? – 8 March is International Women’s Day – devoted to celebrating the achievements of women and seeking gender equality. The campaign theme this year is #EmbraceEquity

Link: International Women’s Day: What is it and why do we need it? | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)

Looking forward to sharing lots of activity from International Women’s Day next month. Please feel free to contribute!

REMINDER - Don’t miss the new FTSE Women Leaders report

https://ftsewomenleaders.com