Global work-life balance insight | HR cybersecurity crisis | UK prioritising basic digital skills over AI? | The JARS guide to workplace mental health

UK lags behind in global work-life balance rankings

A recent study has placed the UK near the bottom of a list ranking countries by their work-life balance policies. The Work-Life Balance Report 2024, conducted by Access People , which evaluated countries based on several factors including paid annual leave, bank holidays, maternity and paternity leave, and four-day working week policies, positioned the UK 34th out of 40 nations examined following a system in which each nation received a score out of 100.

Spain emerged as the leader in work-life balance with a score of 58, followed closely by France at 55. While the UK outperformed some major economies like the United States (33), China (31), and India (33), it fell significantly short of the top-ranking nations.

Contributing Factors

One of the primary factors contributing to the UK's low ranking was its annual leave and bank holiday allowances. Charles Butterworth, managing director of the People Division at the Access Group, commented on the findings: "There is a common misconception among employers that a healthy work-life balance leads to a decrease in employees' output and productivity. But in reality, it's poor work-life balance that can directly contribute to both of these issues".

The UK offers 20 days of statutory leave (28 including bank holidays), in comparison to countries like France and Norway, which provide 25 days. Additionally, the UK's eight bank holidays fall short of the 14 offered by higher-ranked countries such as Spain and Lithuania. Some European nations provide even more generous holiday allowances, with Finland offering 39 days and Greece 37.

Maternity and paternity leave policies also impacted the UK's position. While UK mothers receive some pay for a longer period than the OECD average of 19 weeks, the payment rate is lower than in many countries where the paid leave period is shorter. For instance, governments in Austria, Estonia, France, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Portugal, Turkey, and Slovenia pay full salary for between 14 and 24 weeks.

The absence of legislation on the four-day working week further contributed to the UK's low ranking - particularly noteworthy given the recent media interest in four-day week trials.?

Future Outlook

The report's findings may explain the 27% increase in searches for "work abroad visa" in the UK, suggesting that many workers are considering opportunities in countries with more favorable work-life balance policies.

As nations continue to reevaluate their work policies in the wake of changing work patterns, including the rise of hybrid work, the UK faces the challenge of improving its work-life balance offerings to compete with other developed economies. The stark contrast between the UK's policies and those of top-ranking countries highlights the need for potential reforms to enhance the well-being and satisfaction of the British workforce.

Read the full report here ?? Work-Life Balance In 2024: Employee wellness across the world (theaccessgroup.com)

What do you think about the UK's ranking in this work-life balance report? Do you feel it accurately reflects your experience of working in the UK? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! ??

Hot Topic: Are UK employers prioritising basic digital skills over AI?

Despite the buzz around Artificial Intelligence, recent data from Indeed reveals that UK employers are still more focused on foundational digital skills, highlighting the ongoing digital skills gap in the UK workforce.

The digital skills gap costs the UK economy up to ￡63 billion annually in potential GDP, according to government estimates. Sarah Thompson, HR Director at a mid-sized manufacturing firm, explained to industry publication HR Grapevine: "Investing in basic digital skills training yields significant productivity gains. It's not as flashy as AI, but it's what our business needs right now."

Dr. Alison Greene, a technology adoption researcher, added: "We're seeing a 'crawl before you walk' approach. UK businesses are laying the groundwork with basic digital skills, which will ultimately make it easier to adopt more advanced technologies like AI in the future."

As AI adoption grows, businesses must balance current needs with future preparedness. For now, focusing on foundational digital skills and soft skills appears to be the pragmatic approach for most UK employers.

Job seekers and employees should note: while staying informed about emerging technologies is important, mastering basic digital tools and developing strong soft skills remain the most valuable assets in today's job market.

Bridging the basic digital skills gap will likely remain a priority for UK employers in the near future, potentially paving the way for wider adoption of advanced technologies like AI in the years to come.

Do you think UK businesses are right to focus on basic digital skills now, or should they be investing more heavily in AI capabilities? Join the conversation in the comments below! ??

HR industry faces growing cybersecurity challenges

In an era where digital threats are constantly evolving, a recent study has shed light on a concerning trend: Human Resources departments are increasingly becoming targets for sophisticated cyberattacks. As businesses across the United Kingdom grapple with the rise of phishing incidents designed to circumvent multi-factor authentication (MFA), HR professionals find themselves on the front lines of this digital battleground.

Startling Statistics

The North East Business Resilience Centre (NEBRC) conducted a survey of 1,000 British working adults, revealing some alarming statistics:

• A staggering 77% of HR workers have encountered phishing incidents in their work environment, significantly higher than the average worker at 54%.
• Only 18% of workers reported no experience with phishing attempts, while 5% were unsure.
• More than half (53%) of employees have either received no training, can't recall any training, or have outdated training in MFA and phishing prevention.

These numbers paint a clear picture: HR departments are prime targets for cybercriminals, and many organisations are ill-prepared to defend against these threats.

The MFA Bypass Dilemma

Multi-factor authentication has long been touted as a robust defense against unauthorised access. However, cybercriminals have developed sophisticated methods to bypass even this security measure. Martin Wilson, Police Detective Inspector and Head of Student Services at NEBRC, explained to industry publication, HR News: "The latest trend in phishing involves hackers using compromised, legitimate email accounts to send these phishing emails. Instead of creating fake email accounts that are easy to spot, hackers prefer to take over real accounts and send malicious emails to people in the victim's address book."

This tactic makes it increasingly difficult for employees to distinguish between legitimate and malicious communications, especially when they appear to come from trusted sources.

Vulnerabilities in Common MFA Methods

The study highlighted that while MFA adoption is growing, many organisations rely on methods that are susceptible to attacks:

• 21% use time-based, one-time passwords within an app
• 20% use SMS-based one-time passwords
• 20% use email-based one-time passwords
• 17% use pre-set security questions
• 17% use biometric authentication
• Only 9% use physical MFA keys

SMS and app-based authenticators, while popular, can be vulnerable to sophisticated attacks such as SIM swapping, phishing, and malware interception.

Strengthening Defenses

To combat these evolving threats, experts recommend a multi-pronged approach:

1. Education and Training: Regular, engaging cybersecurity training for all employees, including business owners, is crucial.
2. Advanced MFA Methods: Implement more secure forms of MFA, such as on-screen codes or physical MFA keys.
3. Vigilance Against MFA Fatigue: Be wary of "MFA fatigue" attacks, where hackers bombard users with login requests hoping for an errant approval.
4. Technical Controls: Consider implementing geolocation rules to restrict MFA requests to specific regions.
5. Regular Security Audits: Consistently review email rules and settings for suspicious activities.

A Call to Action

The findings of this study serve as a wake-up call for organisations, particularly in the HR sector. As custodians of sensitive employee data, HR departments must lead the charge in adopting robust cybersecurity practices.

Martin Wilson emphasises the importance of staying ahead of cybercriminals: "Typically, a phishing email prompts the recipient to open a link or attachment, which leads to a fake login page. The page requests the user's login credentials, and if the user provides them, the hacker captures the username and password."

By understanding these tactics and implementing stronger security measures, organisations can better protect themselves against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. The time to act is now – before the next phishing attempt lands in an unsuspecting employee's inbox.

How do you think companies can better bridge the communication gap between management and employees when it comes to flexible working policies? Share your thoughts in the comments below! ??

As we approach World Mental Health Day this Thursday 10th October, it's an opportune time to focus on this year's theme: 'workplace mental health'. This theme underscores the importance of creating supportive, nurturing work environments that prioritise mental wellbeing. Whether you're working from home, in an office, or in a hybrid setting, maintaining good mental health is crucial for both personal wellbeing and professional success.

In our latest JARS guide we offer practical ways to safeguard your mental health while navigating the challenges of the modern workplace.

?? Establish Clear Boundaries: Setting realistic work hours and sticking to them is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Learn to say "no" to additional tasks when your plate is full, and if working remotely, create a dedicated workspace to separate your professional and personal life.

?? Practise Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Techniques: Incorporate short meditation sessions into your workday to centre yourself and reduce stress. Try deep breathing exercises during breaks or use mindfulness apps for guided relaxation to stay grounded throughout the day.

?? Prioritise Physical Health: Maintain a regular sleep schedule and exercise routine, even if it's just a short walk during lunch. Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated are also key components of supporting your mental health through physical wellbeing.

?? Foster Positive Relationships: Connect with colleagues on a personal level and seek out mentorship opportunities. Participating in team-building activities can help create a supportive network within your workplace.

?? Take Regular Breaks: Use techniques like the Pomodoro Method to structure your work with regular short breaks. Step away from your desk during lunch, and make sure to use your holiday days for proper rest and rejuvenation.

?? Organise Your Workload: Break large projects into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Use productivity tools to stay organised and celebrate small victories and milestones along the way.

?? Seek Support When Needed: Utilise employee assistance programmes if available and speak with your manager about work-related stress. Don't hesitate to consider professional counselling or therapy if you're struggling to cope.

?? Continuous Learning and Growth: Set personal development goals and attend workshops or webinars on stress management and mental health. Reading books or listening to podcasts on wellbeing can provide new perspectives and strategies.

?? Practise Self-Compassion: Avoid perfectionism and accept that mistakes are a natural part of growth. Treat yourself with the same kindness you'd offer a friend and regularly acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small.

?? Create a Positive Work Environment: Personalise your workspace with items that bring you joy and use positive affirmations or motivational quotes. Ensure proper lighting and ergonomics in your work area to create a comfortable and uplifting space.

Remember, looking after your mental health is an ongoing process. Be patient with yourself and make small, consistent changes. If you're struggling, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for additional support and guidance.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a healthier, more balanced work life that supports your overall wellbeing and helps you thrive both personally and professionally. This World Mental Health Day, take a moment to reflect on your workplace mental health and consider how you can incorporate these practices into your daily routine.

Visit our blog for more employee wellbeing advice and tips from the experts!???

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