Interest in the 4-day work week is rising yet millions of UK workers are set to miss out on the benefits, according to research from productivity platform, ClickUp. It found that certain careers are more likely to miss out on the promise of working a day less each week for no reduction in pay, while other employment sectors may reap the rewards. Businesses must take action to close these gaps to create equity for workers in the UK. Those working in education reported the highest levels of pessimism, with 44% of workers believing it is unrealistic to move to a 4-day work…
Author: sme-admin
Global demand for hybrid working has led to a significant increase in flexible, multi-market workspace memberships, according to new data from IWG, the world’s largest flexible workspace company. Sales of IWG on-demand membership have increased by 93% year-on-year, with the UK (+137%), Spain (+123%) Italy (+93%) and India (+82%) among the rapidly growing markets. The on-demand model gives workers access to more than 3,500 flexspace locations globally, allowing them to take advantage of the greater flexibility offered by hybrid working. Research shows that the adoption of hybrid working, and utilisation of flexible office space can significantly improve a business’ bottom…
Markel Direct, the specialist insurer of the self-employed and small businesses, have spoken to a range of experts from a historian to a futurologist, in order to provide an in-depth analysis of what the current job market can tell us for the future of the self-employed in the wake of the so-called ‘Great Resignation’. The UK job market as a whole is in the midst of a period of great change, as workers’ priorities have shifted over the last two years and many businesses are starting to bounce back from the impact of Covid. However in this post-pandemic world, the…
Mike Reid is CEO of Goldster- a digital platform that offers an extensive range of non-drug interventions online to people for their health and wellness. SME Today spoke to him about his role, his inspiration and what advice he would offer other entrepreneurs or startups. Tell us about Goldster Launched in 2021, Goldster delivers an extensive range of non-drug interventions online to people for their health and wellness. Goldster’s Systematic Wellness Intervention Pathway (SWIP) non-drug evidence framework assesses and delivers health solutions throughout the day, through live social classes led by experts and celebrities. The platform provides over 450 classes designed…
IT support staff have been inundated with calls from businesses and individuals who have seen their laptops, servers and other devices reach critical temperatures as a result of the heatwave. Technology services provider, Probrand, has seen an influx of calls to its service desk in the last 24 hours, with people recording critically high temperatures and servers reaching in excess of 42 degrees, as offices and data centres struggle to cope with the conditions. They are now sharing practical tips on how to guard against overheating. With many workplaces advising staff to work from home, there is an added risk…
As inflation continues to rise and the impact is increasingly felt on families’ monthly household budgets, David Brown, founder and CEO of Hi, argues that the current cost of living crisis should spark a rethink among employers of the monthly payroll cycle. Millions of UK households are in economic hardship, struggling as the rising cost of living as energy bill hikes and the cost of commodities take their toll. With inflation expected to hit 11% within months, and the cost of food expected to rise by up to 15% this year, families are facing huge increases in their monthly expenditure which will force many…
There is a direct correlation between accurate sales forecasting and a company’s success. Business leaders who have confidence in their forecasts can make more informed decisions when it comes to factors that impact revenue, such as setting targets, managing cash flow and recruitment. Vitally, this forms the basis of a strong reputation with investors and shareholders, too. Despite this, only 45% of sales leaders say they have confidence in their forecast accuracy today. After two years of disruption and now the prospect of a recession to overcome, it has never been more important for decision makers to understand the direction of their business. Andy…
Inspirational business speaker, award-winning coach and author, Taz Thornton, has been named the UK’s Personal Empowerment Specialist Of the Year for the second year running at the 2022 Corporate LiveWire Innovation and Excellence Awards. “I’m honoured to be named the UK’s Personal Empowerment Specialist of the Year last year, it was a tremendous accolade. I want to empower people, to encourage them to break through the fears and beliefs that are limiting them. To be considered again was humbling and then to be recognised for a second year running is such an incredible feeling, especially as the nominations come from…
UserTesting (NYSE: USER), a leader in video-based human insight, has announced the availability of new test templates for the UserTesting® Human Insight Platform that enable companies to better understand their customers’ expectations, behaviours, and perceptions around inflation. UserTesting has designed test templates that help organisations adapt to changing economic trends by gathering customer perspectives quickly–and using the insights to make business and product decisions that keep customers loyal during an economic downturn. According to recent McKinsey findings, By collecting and understanding customer data and insights, companies can address their target customers’ needs to help maintain loyalty for the long term.…
Author: Daniel Fletcher, an associate solicitor specialising in intellectual property at Forbes Solicitors Intellectual property – it might not sound like the most exciting part of setting up and running a business, but it’s arguably one of the most important things to be considered and, wherever possible, protected in order to ensure the long-term success of a company. This is especially the case in increasingly competitive and squeezed markets. SMEs must be aware of the many and complex issues surrounding intellectual property – better known as IP – and be prepared to act to protect their business’ interests. An ounce…