Why now is the time for people-first leadership: bringing the whole human to work

Why now is the time for people-first leadership: bringing the whole human to work

In an “A.I.-hungry” world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that we need to be more productive and more efficient than ever before in order to keep up. The reality is that we cannot outpace artificial intelligence, and nor should we want to try.

Right now, we have a powerful opportunity to lean into our humanness. This is about leveraging what it means to be human, and using that awareness to shape the way we work, lead and interact. How can we keep this firmly front of mind?

This week, guest writer and Calmer partner Abigail Ireland returns with her second article, to share her perspective and tips on how leaders can role model bringing the whole human to work.

How to start a conversation about mental health at work

How to start a conversation about mental health at work

Today marks Time to Talk Day, a day recognised by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in support of ending the stigma that still surrounds mental health.

While we’ve come a long way in taking mental health issues seriously, sadly there is still a stigma attached to the term ‘mental health’. Whether that’s in the form of embarrassment, shame or denial, the reality is it can prevent individuals from either acknowledging their own mental health concerns, or talking about it openly with others.

Particularly in the workplace, it can feel difficult to be vulnerable and open up in a psychologically safe, supported space, as this is deeply dependent on the surrounding workplace culture.

How to overcome Blue Monday

How to overcome Blue Monday

Did you know, Blue Monday started off as a PR stunt? The calculations behind the date aren’t exactly scientific, but there certainly is some truth to Blue Monday. Here are a few ways you can beat the blues at work - whether you’re an entrepreneur, or work in a team.

How to create a burnout prevention strategy for your workplace

How to create a burnout prevention strategy for your workplace

Have you thought about how your organisation could benefit from implementing a burnout prevention strategy? There is certainly a strong business case for investing the time to do this, alongside wider initiatives that support employee wellbeing.

Did you know that in the UK alone, 1 in 5 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (such as anxiety and depression) in any given week? Additionally, a HSE Report cites that approximately 16.4 million working days were lost in 2023/24 due to work-related stress, depression, or anxiety. Furthermore, better mental health support at work can save UK businesses up to 8 billion annually.

How can you make a meaningful change happen in your workplace? The good news is, it can start with just one person, no matter your level of seniority, and here’s how you can get started.

5 steps to improve your work-life alignment

5 steps to improve your work-life alignment

Are you struggling to find a sense of balance in life? If so, you’re not alone.

A recent study from Lenovo and Cebr found that just under a third of UK employees (31%) feel that they do not have a good work-life balance in their current job, with 88% experiencing burnout in the last 2 years. The study also reveals that two thirds of UK employees (66%) feel that work-life balance is a crucial consideration when applying for a job.

Despite the increasingly demanding work culture in the UK, finding alignment across your professional and personal time is possible. In this guide, discover how to approach a work-life alignment in a way that suits you, and explore tips to improve how you’re feeling in your job and at home.