Four-day working weeks have hit the headlines again, with a second UK-wide pilot set to begin in November. While there is debate around whether shortening the work week is the answer, attitudes towards more flexible ways of working are changing and employers who fail to recognise this risk being left behind.
By Kerry Reals on 31 October 2024
From March 2025, many businesses in England will have to begin separating their recyclable and food waste from general waste prior to collection, but the changes will bring wider business benefits, such as reduced waste disposal costs and improved sustainability credentials.
By Adriana Olaya Rodriguez, Newell Brands on 12 November 2024
When most people think of injuries in the materials handling industry, they picture serious incidents – severe trauma or even fatalities. However, a silent issue affects far more workers every day: musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
By Kirsty Cunningham, Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks on 11 November 2024
Employers have a crucial role to play in reducing alcohol harm among their staff, through approaches such as education, confidential support and ending the stigma about seeking help for a problem with alcohol.
By Janet Hadley, Choose Sunrise on 16 October 2023
Recent research shows the majority of employees support workplace testing for drugs and alcohol as part of wider measures to keep everyone safe at work, and developments in testing technology mean the process is now simpler, faster and less invasive for all concerned.
By Dave Head, Draeger Safety UK on 13 October 2023
Belinda Liversedge meets Peter Kelly, Mates in Mind’s new head of programme to find out what he thinks about mental health at work, and the message he wants to get out to people.
By Belinda Liversedge on 09 October 2023
Workplace bullying and harassment can have a devastating effect on an employee’s mental and physical wellbeing, but many employers make the mistake of simply reacting to complaints as they arise, rather than focusing on cultural and organisational changes that will prevent bullying in the first place.
By Nicki Eyre, Conduct Change on 09 October 2023
Drug and alcohol testing can play a vital role in ensuring the safety of everyone at work, but it’s crucial the reasons for testing are properly explained to staff, and the correct testing equipment is used.
By Connor Deith, AlcoDigital on 06 October 2023
Preventing stress at work and supporting employees’ mental wellbeing reaps benefits for workers and employers alike, and there’s a wealth of free advice and tools available to help you get started.
By Ashleeka Mandil, Mental Health and Productivity Pilot on 05 October 2023
Have you ever told a colleague or manager that you feel stressed? Has a colleague ever told you that they feel stressed? If so, how do you feel it was handled?
By Emma Slaven, Acas on 03 October 2023
A significant percentage of employees feel that their employer’s efforts to support their wellbeing are either misdirected or little more than a ‘tick-box’ exercise, so it’s vital to take a strategic approach to worker wellbeing, starting with asking staff exactly why, where and how they need support.
By Dr Audrey Fleming, British Safety Council on 02 October 2023
Male construction workers in the UK are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average, but creating an environment where workers feel comfortable talking about mental health and better project planning at the pre-construction stage to reduce time pressures on the workforce can help protect workers’ mental wellbeing.
By Nicola Hodkinson, Seddon Construction on 02 October 2023
Microorganisms like bacteria, viruses and mould can pose a significant risk to the health of workers and the public, so it’s essential that duty holders take appropriate steps to prevent their spread, such as good ventilation and regular testing and analysis to identify and monitor their presence.
By David R Flower, Institute of Occupational Medicine on 21 September 2023
