The uptick in remote working for some parts of the labour market during COVID led to an initial boom in social activities at work as we attempted to find virtual replacements for those water-cooler moments. Read more
There is no shortage of commentary on the cost of living, but what about the cost of living lonely? Read more
Against a background of a worsening cost of living crisis impacting on every employee’s pocket, it is not surprising that we are getting daily reports of trade unions proposing to take action to improve their members’ pay. Read more
Organisations that are serious about their own sustainability will have given thought towards succession planning and the transfer of practical knowledge packages. Read more
It has been apparent for some time that record vacancies in UK companies are forcing employers to develop innovative approaches to employee engagement. Read more
In her article published on the IPA Website titled Employment relations – back with a bang (and how to avoid an explosion), Nita Clarke outlined a changing industrial relations landscape being shaped by the pandemic and Brexit. Read more
As we exit the pandemic – and the impact of Brexit bites – the UK labour market has been shaken and stirred. Read more
Recent events have again shone a light on the importance of leadership and organizational culture. Read more
The future of work and what we are learning from the pandemic. Read more
Sometimes it can take a crisis to bring out the best in people – and in organisations. Read more
IPA's Derek Luckhurst looks at recent evidence around satisfaction at work, and asks what it is that makes us enjoy our work and what are the barriers for those who don't? Looking through the impact of inequality, the rise of self-employment at the recent great resignation, he is clear that employers need to pay more attention to providing satisfaction at work if they want to hold onto their workforce. Read more
I was training a group of representatives a couple of weeks ago and, as it often does, the return to office working was highlighted. Read more
Katherine Bassey, former Head of Staff Engagement and Innovation for UNISON, discusses the revival of trade union membership and the value that peer-to-peer learning and support can provide to trade union managers and leaders in how to grow and develop. Read more
Mike Emmott, former Employee Relations Adviser at CIPD, shares his thoughts on how employment relations has been shaped by the experience of the pandemic. Despite the obvious struggles and pain the pandemic has brought for millions, he observes signs of a more positive long-term impact on employment relations, as the lessons of the past 12 months may lead to more freedom, more influence and more rights for the workforce in future. Read more
As the UK continues its gradual emergence from the pandemic, Professor Katie Bailey poses five key questions for us to consider about the future of work after the pandemic and what the 'new normal' will look like. Read more
10 years after the publication of Engaging for Success, John Oliver OBE, former CEO of Leyland Trucks, reflects on the progress that has been made and key lessons learned over the last decade, as well as what more firms need to do in order to embrace the positive lessons of engagement. Read more
Dr Duncan Brown, a member of the IPA's Executive Committee, writes about the need for a focus on better pay and reward strategies as part of our rebuilding post-COVID, in a preview of his longer paper on the subject which will be published next month. Read more
Former Head of Staff Engagement and Innovation for UNISON, now running her own coaching and facilitation practice, Katherine Bassey, explores the potential for trade unions to exploit their innate talent for mentoring. Read more
David Coats discusses in this article the prospects of a just transition to net zero in the UK. Comparing our achievements so far with the more rapid progress being made in some other European countries, he questions whether the UK currently has the right institutions, leadership and mechanisms for workforce voice to really achieve a just transition. Read more
Thomas Player, partner at Eversheds Sutherland specialising in employment law, provides us with an update on key legal developments over the past 12 months. In particular employers need to be aware of the potential legal minefield posed by the job retention scheme and COVID related health-and-safety claims. Read more
IPA's Derek Luckhurst reflects on the recent increase in employee burnout during the pandemic. With large numbers of employees working remotely, managers need to be alert for signs of possible burnout and aware of potential solutions to combat it. Read more
Looking ahead, the mass return to physical workplaces poses many challenges for employers. IPA's Patrick Brione looks at what firms need to bear in mind and how they should approach this, in close consultation with their workforces. Read more
Dr Aaron Gain writes about his research about the concept of psychological ownership in a health and social care setting. He argues that ‘Building Back Better’ requires us to understand ‘ownership’ at work in more complex ways and better recognise its links to authentic participation. Read more
An extraordinary study published in People Management has revealed that a quarter of firms in the UK aren't aware of their legal obligations when it comes to redundancy consultations. IPA's Derek Luckhurst explores this problem and what it means for workers and employers at this difficult economic moment. Read more