Jobs & employment blogs

The world is going through a major shift, with people increasingly seeking purpose and meaning in their work. One trend that has emerged in recent years is the rise of the "tech for good" sector, which has attracted a diverse range of people, from seasoned professionals to recent graduates, who are passionate about using their skills to create positive change.  I recently spoke to...

As we’ve heard from COP27, the window for meaningful climate action is narrowing. What is becoming ever clearer for leaders in the world of work, is that our workforces care about this issue, and they expect us to care too. Many employees want to work for businesses that have a social conscience, and sustainability is one important element that is attracting workers to companies. WORKERS...

  The journey to Net Zero will require sustained action to drive green growth. For organisations to achieve this, their workforce will need the right tools. The transition to a green economy – that focuses on social equity and reducing damage to the environment – has been accelerating in recent years stimulated by the drive to reach Net Zero by 2050. Innovation and technology...

To be at our best in terms of performance, life satisfaction, and ultimately our psychological health and wellbeing – we need to experience both a sense of purpose and pleasure. We feel a sense of purpose inside and outside of work, when we’re engaged in a task or activity that has real meaning for us, which fits with our values and identity, and is contributing to one of our bigger picture...

We’ve all had it, that awful sinking feeling you get when you’ve just realised you’ve made a mistake. Unfortunately, there is no avoiding it, we are all human, and mistakes are an inevitable part of our daily working lives. What really matters is how we take ownership for these mistakes, how we present a viable solution for them, and then bounce back. So, if you’ve recently made a mistake...

  If you’ve read any news articles online, or picked up a newspaper in recent weeks, chances are you’ve heard about quiet quitting – the work-place phenomenon that has recently taken over TikTok. To some, quiet quitting means refusing to go above and beyond at work. It is a rejection of the hustle culture. To others, it means setting boundaries to improve their work-life balance. I...

From succeeding in your current role to finding a new job, we always face challenges and obstacles in the world of work. Frustration, anxiety, and feelings of powerlessness can leave many other struggling to perform at our best. Today, I’m joined by Doug Strycharczyk and Dr Peter Clough, whose work in psychology led them to co-author the book ‘Developing Mental Toughness:...

When it comes to attracting and retaining top talent, it’s important that organisations are able to offer their employees more than just a competitive salary. Of course, remuneration is a significant factor in a candidate’s decision making, but it is no longer the sole (or, in some cases, even main) driver. Whether it be through their purpose or by ensuring that employees have the...

The importance of employee upskilling has been heightened since the pandemic. The world of work has changed faster and in more fundamental ways than any of us have experienced before. However, the speed at which digital transformation has taken place has not been matched by the supply of talent available for these roles. This is a problem affecting business leaders in all sectors and...

  So, you’ve been invited to interview for your dream job, and you’re starting your all-important preparation. As part of that preparation, you’ve thought about the most likely things you could be asked, such as “why do you want to work here?” or “what first attracted you to this role?” and you have diligently prepared your answers. But, are you prepared to answer those trickier...

As leaders continually adapt to the ever-changing world of work, emotional intelligence has become an increasingly important trait to possess to effectively build trust and confidence with their teams. So today, we’re joined by Shannon Houde, Founder and Managing Director of Walk of Life Coaching, Certified Executive Coach, and Author of the book, Good Work. Shannon is here...

  An organisation’s commitment to sustainability has become hugely important in recent years – and its significance is only going to increase in the future with the realisation of the systemic challenges we face. Corporate commitments are growing across all sectors of society, with business leaders being in a strong position to drive higher ambition. Increasingly, companies that act are...

  In your eyes, how does a “successful” person spend their time? Do they work tirelessly every hour of the day and night? Are they constantly rushing from one meeting to the next, never really coming up for air? Can they be spotted every day eating their lunch at their desk, whilst dialling into a conference call and checking their emails all at the same time? If you think this is what...

  I first left my homeland of England in search of personal and professional development in 1998 to venture to the other side of the world and settle in New Zealand. I spent the next 12 years working in New Zealand and Australia before being asked to depart the relatively familiar and comfortable antipodes to lead and grow the Hays business in Hong Kong. Adapting to a whole new...

  This July marks a significant moment not just in the Hays story, but my own story with Hays. As I step into my new role as Managing Director, Asia, I reflect on our new strapline and brand promise – Working for your tomorrow – and what it means for us as a business as we continue to lead the recruitment industry in Asia. Much has been said about the changes we’ve undergone in the...

  At the end of 2019, environmental, social and governance (ESG) momentum around the world was strong – especially with regard to improving the sustainability of many organisations. But then came COVID-19, forcing many businesses into survival mode. As the world recovers, how can businesses ensure that being greener moves back up the agenda? Over the past few years, businesses have...

  If your next career goal is to become a people manager, then there’s one crucial skill you need to develop: adaptability.  The best manager will shift and flex in response to the changing environment around them and, crucially, the different motivations of the individuals they lead. In short, they are a chameleon who can adapt to suit the situation at hand. For instance,...

The COVID-era cohort of school and university leavers are facing unique challenges entering the world of work. What role can employers play in helping the next generation take the first steps of their career journey? One of the lasting legacies of COVID-19 will be the unprecedented experience of young people who looked for, or started, their very first job during this pandemic. The...

  Whether you’re new to the world of work or an experienced leader, everyone is susceptible to thoughts that they are undeserving of the position and plaudits that they have worked hard to earn. Over time, these thoughts can impact heavily on not just your mindset, but your career and life as a whole. Today I’m delighted to be joined by Rita Clifton CBE, an expert on branding and...

  A good employee value proposition, or EVP, helps an organisation draw the attention of top talent. It is a clear and consistent message about the experience of working at your organisation and highlights the unique experience you offer that attracts, engages and retains top talent. In short, it helps you understand and share what successful employees like best about working for you....