In case you missed it: mouse jiggling in the summer of sport, and much more

Earlier this year we promised you could expect more from us in 2024 – particularly when it comes to bringing you bold and timely commentary and advice on the issues of the day. This month’s bumper round-up of content to keep people professionals on top of their game is a great example of us living up to our promise to be there when you need us most.

HRDs discuss mouse jiggling and summer of sport in new fortnightly podcast 

In our new fortnightly podcast,  HR leaders unpack news headlines and discuss how current trends impact HR and business - 30 minutes of essential food for thought for all people professionals. 

Did you know that our popular and trusted discussion forums provide a safe, open space for people professionals to share advice and insights on the issues you face in your day-to-day roles? Recent topics include: 

• What do you think about the proposal for full employment rights from day one? (Member-only discussion) 

• Guidance after receiving a subject access request (Member-only discussion) 

• Wearing a T-shirt with LGBTQ+ emblem and slogan 

Do general elections prompt employment law change?  

Ahead of the UK’s general election, we’ve examined the main UK-wide party manifestos and outlined the key implications for skills and employment – but will any of these promises materialise into employment law change? Our analysis of  how previous elections have impacted HR finds there is cause for optimism - and we’ll certainly continue to campaign for change, no matter who forms the next government.  

Heated arguments and insults for millions of workers 

Every year, we survey 5,000 workers to find out what it’s like to work in the UK. The resulting Good Work Index offers a useful benchmark for people professionals striving to improve work and working lives in their organisations. This year’s survey found that workplace conflict is rife, with worrying consequences for engagement, productivity and wellbeing.  And our regional reports also revealed some interesting nuances across the UK, for example:  

• Workers in the North of England are happier with pay   

• Flexibility and work–life balance are especially positive in Wales this year 

• Public sector employees in Scotland are growing increasingly detached from their jobs 

• Employees in Northern Ireland generally report good job security    

 
Festival highlights: record numbers gather to celebrate the future of work 

More than 11,000 people took us up on the offer to ‘come curious, leave inspired’ at this year’s Festival of Work. We came together across two days to celebrate the future of work, gather and share insights, and form new connections. 

Is your HR operating model future fit?  

How should HR functions should be organised to serve organisations and their people - both now and in the future? In this series, we analyse current thinking to understand how and why people teams are reimagining their operating models. Here’s a selection of the content on offer: 

• Thought leadership: what’s driving change in HR structures and what should you consider?  

• Case study: Homebase HR remodelled 

• Podcast: HR’s next top operating model 

Employment law update: technology and AI in UK workplaces 

Employers are increasingly using AI and other technology to make decisions that have real and lasting impacts on people, but there’s no single piece of legislation to govern practice. In our latest guidance, our employment law experts have unpacked a range of principles, set out across a patchwork of legislation and case law, which people professionals should consider. 

More insights and food for thought to keep you relevant and up to date 

• Benchmarking employee turnover: an analysis of official statistics  

• Everyone back to the office - what can we learn from Manchester United’s approach?  

• Agile pay methods: What HR should consider  
• Podcast: should we care about transactional attitudes to work?