Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) needs to become “the norm” in organisations to escape the “disappointing” criticism by the UK government that it is a waste of time. That’s the guidance coming from the latest episode of ‘Aston means business’, a podcast from Aston University presented by journalist Steve Dyson. Professor Shivani Sharma, the new deputy dean of people, culture…
read moreAn energy company has been awarded a diversity and inclusion award and was applauded for its ‘Equality to Equity’ strategy for its staff. Image caption: Staff members at UK Power Networks’ Ipswich offices. UK Power Networks, which delivers electricity to 8.5 million homes and businesses across London, the South East and East of England, picked up the award at the…
read moreDiversity and inclusion in all areas of life is a positive, and business is no exception. But the higher in the corporate hierarchy you look less diverse the picture. Diversity in boardrooms isn’t a PR exercise, it’s a known fact that diverse boards make good business sense. However, there has been a worrying decline in ethnically diverse candidates lately. The…
read moreNine in ten British office workers call themselves ‘Neurodiverse’, with expert estimates suggesting that the actual number is around 15%. Neurodiversity encompasses conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Aspergers, Dyslexia, and Tourettes. How do you feel about disclosing your ADHD or Neurodiversity at workplace?… In the realm of employment, understanding the unique needs and experiences of neurodivergent employees is vital. While…
read moreBusinesses have an enormous role to play in leading the changes that society needs to see in terms of diversity and inclusion. So, every business needs to have a meaningful diversity policy that puts inclusiveness at the heart of their operation. To do so, it is vital that they provide truly compelling, engaging, and memorable EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion)…
read moreDiversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace’s genetic make-up leads to innovation, new ideas, and advantages over competitors. Diverse teams can better represent the customers they serve, make decisions with fewer blind spots, and bring more varied thinking to problem solving. Additionally, this is an area where leadership can display the human side of the business and mirror the new…
read moreOnly 28% of adults think UK businesses do enough to support diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, and this falls to just 11% among young workers (aged under 25), according to new research from Thoughtworks. At a time when businesses are reassessing the relative merits of office, hybrid and home working arrangements following the end of Covid restrictions,…
read moreThe Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has launched a consultation on proposals to improve transparency for investors on the diversity of listed company boards and their executive management teams. Specifically, it is consulting on changes to its Listing Rules to require listed companies to publish annually: A ‘comply or explain statement’ on whether they have achieved certain proposed targets (see notes…
read moreAshley Williams, business psychologist at Pearn Kandola and expert in LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion, shares her advice for employers considering how to do the right thing…. The simple fact that conversation around pronouns is picking up momentum is extremely positive. Misgendering a person can be hurtful, even if accidental, and therefore normalising the act of considering the pronouns before you use them is…
read moreAon has released results of a global pulse survey focused on how companies are rethinking their human capital and assessment strategies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The study, Accelerating Workforce Agility and Resilience, was undertaken from August 17 to August 25 this year and a total of 2,004 human resources leaders and professionals responded globally, including 578 from…
read moreRadley Yeldar (RY) has released a report revealing the extent of well-meaning companies using clichéd, ineffective and even offensive communications as part of their diversity and inclusion (D&I) strategies. The report comes at a time when businesses are increasingly motivated to invest in D&I initiatives and customer engagement campaigns. While a range of high-profile cases and causes have raised the…
read moreThis year’s theme for Black History Month is Honouring Our Communities, shining a light on the people, achievements and contributions that have helped shape Black communities in the UK and beyond. Black History Month is an annual celebration that recognises Black history, culture, achievements and contributions, while creating opportunities to learn and reflect. But it isn’t only about looking back…
read moreYou may be wondering, what are the signs of a toxic workplace, and how can I spot if I am in one? Formally, a toxic work environment is characterised by persistent negative behaviours. For example, issues focusing around bullying, micromanagement, lack of support, and poor communication, these all create an atmosphere of fear, stress, or burnout. Workplaces like these, do…
read moreCarol Doughty, a former senior UK government official and a consultant at VFS Global, shares her experience and insights on purposeful ESG with PA Life… For me, purpose has always been inseparable from ethics and sustainability when it comes to the Environment and Social Good (ESG) agenda. I enjoyed a long career at the Home Office, and later in the…
read moreIn a world where jobs often need to be multifaceted and we need to take on different tasks and roles to keep a business running, the value of Personal Assistants (PAs) extends far beyond administrative duties. In fact, people in this position have a unique opportunity to champion diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within their organisations, and shape work…
read moreCoaching isn’t always as effective as hoped. There can be no single cause behind why business coaching fails. For example, it can be because the person receiving coaching doesn’t appreciate or fully buy into the idea that they are the one needing to do the hard work of thinking. They are the thinker in the coaching process. However, many times…
read moreUK employers are setting the standard for workplace culture in 2025. We bring you the results of a study analysing their employee scores that rank the best companies to work for in 2025… A new study has unveiled the best companies in the UK to work for The research, conducted by employee development platform Zensai, analysed company review data from…
read moreJanuary is a time when many of us look for new opportunities. To make the most of your plans there is one key skill we all need and that’s Emotional intelligence. We look at how important EI is for Executive Assistants (EAs) as their role has evolved fast over the recent years and far beyond traditional administrative tasks. Today’s EAs…
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