Talking politics at work: a no-go? | The top career path for UK grads | Need a ‘brain-cation’? | The JARS guide to writing emails that get results!

Political discussion: An office no-go???

While campaigning is well underway and coverage of the upcoming general election dominates the media, it might be best to leave conversation about politics outside of the office, according to a new survey* which has found that nearly a fifth (17%) of UK employees have clashed with colleagues or managers over political views.

Comfort Levels and Generational Differences

The survey, involving 2,000 UK employees, revealed that 31% of employees feel uncomfortable expressing political opinions at work, while additionally, there has been a 19% annual increase in those who believe political discussions should be kept out of the workplace to maintain a positive culture. A LinkedIn poll by CIPD publication People Management magazine supported this, with 76% of 1,098 respondents agreeing they felt uneasy about discussing politics at work.

However, the stats show that younger employees (Gen Z, ages 18-24) differ: 59% believe respectful political discussion should be encouraged, though they report higher conflict rates (24%) due to political views. In contrast, 65% of employees aged 25 and over oppose voicing political opinions at work. A majority (72%) across all ages agree that socio-political discussions should be respectful and occur in a safe environment.

Expert Opinions on Political Expression

Chris Preston, director of The Culture Builders , stressed the importance of allowing diverse opinions while maintaining respect and ownership of one's impact. He emphasised the need for safe spaces and clear boundaries in discussions.

Genevieve Nock, group HR director at New Directions , agreed, highlighting that fostering transparency and respect for diverse viewpoints enhances employee engagement and satisfaction. Open dialogue promotes intellectual growth and broadens understanding.

Managing Political Discussions

The results of the surveys underscore the challenges employers face. While Gen Z values open dialogue and may reject job offers from companies with opposing political views, such discussions can lead to conflicts and reduce productivity. Steve Nicholls, managing director of Executive Connexions Ltd. , recommended offering structured forums for discussion and clear guidelines on respectful behavior.

Anthony Sutton, director of Cream HR Limited , advised against suppressing political discussions, suggesting that employers focus on encouraging adult debate and setting the right conversational tone.

As we move closer to the date of the general election, it is clear that balancing political expression in the workplace is a complex yet crucial challenge faced by many employers. It's essential for organisations to navigate these discussions carefully to maintain harmony and productivity and create an environment where diverse opinions are respected while ensuring that discussions remain constructive.

How do you think your workplace should handle political discussions to ensure a respectful and productive environment? Let us know in the comments below ???

*Survey by HiBob, May 2024?

UK Graduates: University leavers turning to Finance industry as employers reduce graduate hires???

New research indicates that UK graduates are turning to careers in the Finance industry amidst concerns about a lack of high paying jobs and the impact of economic uncertainty on job prospects.

The CFA Institute 2024 Global Graduate Outlook Survey, which consulted 1000 UK based graduates and students, found that 1 in 3 graduates do not feel confident about their career prospects upon leaving university, which is 10% higher than global sentiment. Concerns around a lack of available roles, and low pay in their preferred industry were commonly noted. 3 in 5 respondents also highlighted that they felt AI and machine learning would make it harder to secure their ideal role, though 88% felt that learning about new tech would improve their career prospects.?

With reports last week from HR Review that 57% of UK employers are indeed hiring fewer graduates this year compared to previous years, over half of those surveyed already describing their graduate? job search as ‘extremely difficult’ and ongoing economic uncertainty, it is no surprise that graduates are been driven towards careers they deem more ‘stable’. For the second year running, finance has been ranked by graduates and students as the most stable and attractive career choice, ranking above IT, STEM and healthcare roles. 24% of graduates said they considered finance as the top career sector with the highest level of job prospects, rising from No. 5 two years prior. The survey also highlighted that 34% of graduates felt a finance degree was the most valuable in finding a career, followed by tech-related degrees.?

Do you agree the finance industry boasts the best job prospects and the most stability? Join the conversation in the comments???

Is it time we all took a ‘brain-cation’? ??

As a recent study highlights that 57% of employees have experienced burnout, we're discussing a new report on the neuroscience of travel by utc.travel which has signalled that travel is the link between improving employee mental health and positive business performance.?

From the dopamine-inducing power of travel planning, which releases ‘happy hormones’ and increases motivation, concentration and satisfaction, to the increased productivity once an employee who has been able to switch off entirely returns to the office, the research suggests that travel should be encouraged by businesses to drive a more content, and in turn, more productive workforce.

As part of the study, Neuroscientist Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, EdD comments on the suggestion that travel can boost employee creativity and self-belief by bringing people out of their comfort zones in new surrounding and amongst different cultures, agreeing that “our ability to differentiate our own beliefs and values… is tied up in the richness of the cultural experiences that we have had.”

Commenting on the findings of the report, Brett Norton, CEO of utc.travel noted that “in today’s dynamic and competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is a priority for businesses and it all starts with employee satisfaction. To achieve top performance at work, our brains need to get off autopilot to perform at their best. When we switch off, so much magic happens. We are better equipped to find creative solutions to business problems, find balance, and reduce stress, in turn enabling people to work at their peak, reaching business goals and organisational vision.”

In response, industry publication The HR World suggests employees should therefore consider enhancing workplace rewards with travel perks in order to drive a more content, and more productive, workforce. But how can employers encourage staff to take a break from work, enjoying their free time traveling, or on a well-earned staycation, fully switched off from work??

?? Encourage full use of Annual Leave allowance?

Employers should ensure they actively encourage employees to use their allocated Annual Leave. This can be done by regularly reminding them of their available leave, promoting the benefits of taking time off, and creating a company culture that values work-life balance. Some companies even utilise additional Annual Leave days as rewards for long-term service or outstanding performance.

?? Offer Flexible Working arrangements

Flexible working arrangements, such as remote work options and flexible hours, can allow employees to extend their travel time. For instance, some employers allow employees to work from different locations or tag on annual leave days to a business trip, blending work and leisure seamlessly.

?? Provide travel perks and discounts within Employee Benefits package

Partnering with travel agencies, hotels, and airlines to offer employees discounts and special rates, or a service which offers this, can make travel more accessible. These partnerships can include discounted flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and travel insurance. Providing these perks can make a significant difference in employees’ travel experiences and ability to travel.

?? Integrate sabbaticals into company policy

Offering sabbaticals for long-term employees can provide them with extended time to travel and recharge. Sabbaticals are typically paid or partially paid leaves that allow employees to pursue personal interests, travel, or engage in professional development activities. Here at James Andrews we offer employees the opportunity to take a sabbatical after two years, with many of the team jetting off to enjoy a well-earned extended break!?

Are you looking forward to a ‘brain-cation’ over the summer months? Join the conversation in the comments below!???

Though many of us write and send plenty per day, we can often forget that emails can be a really powerful communication tool…when used effectively! The key to success lies in making your email compelling and engaging, but crafting one that truly engages the reader can be a challenge not all of us are naturally comfortable with.?

Whether you're reaching out to a colleague, pitching to a client, or connecting with a potential customer, here is our definitive 5-step guide to help you write emails that grab attention and hold it until the very end!

?? Nail that Subject Line!?

The subject line of your email is your first, and possibly only, chance to make a good impression. It's the gatekeeper that determines whether your email will be opened or ignored. To make it compelling and ensure your email is opened:?

• Be clear and concise: Aim for 6-10 words that convey the essence of your message.
• Use action-oriented language: Words like "Discover," "Learn," or "Join" can spark curiosity and prompt action.
• Personalise when possible: Including the recipient's name or something specific to them can increase open rates.
• Create a sense of urgency: Phrases like "Limited Time Offer" or "Act Now" can encourage immediate action.
• Avoid spam triggers: Steer clear of all caps, excessive exclamation points, and overly promotional language to stay out of the spam folder.

?? Start with a Strong Opening

Once your email is opened, you need to hook the reader right away. A strong opening sets the tone and piques their interest. Here’s how to nail it:

• Personalise your greeting: Address the recipient by name and mention something relevant to them or their interests.
• Get to the point: Don’t waste time with long-winded introductions. State the purpose of your email within the first few sentences.
• Use an engaging tone: Match your tone to the relationship and context, but aim to be conversational and approachable.
• Offer value immediately: Hint at what’s in it for them. Whether it’s a solution to a problem, a valuable piece of information, or a special offer, make it clear early on.

?? Keep Your Message Clear and Concise

The body of your email is where you deliver your message, but it needs to be done succinctly. Attention spans are short, and lengthy emails can lose readers. Here’s how to keep it clear and concise:

• Stick to one main idea: Focus on a single topic or request to avoid overwhelming the reader.
• Use short paragraphs and bullet points: Break up text to make it easily scannable. Bullet points are great for listing key information or steps.
• Be direct: Use simple, straightforward language. Avoid jargon or overly complex sentences.
• Include a clear call-to-action (CTA): Let the reader know exactly what you want them to do next, whether it’s clicking a link, replying to your email, or making a purchase.

?? Make It Visually Appealing

An email that looks good is more likely to engage the reader. While content is king, presentation also matters. Here are some tips to enhance visual appeal:

• Use a clean, professional design: Choose a simple layout that supports your message without distracting from it.
• Incorporate images wisely: Relevant images can, in some cases, enhance your message, but don’t overdo it. Too many images can slow down load times and distract from your text.
• Highlight key points: Use bold, italics, or different colors to draw attention to important information.
• Ensure mobile-friendliness: The majority of people read emails on their phones, so make sure your email looks good on all devices.

?? End with a Strong Closing and Signature

A strong closing reinforces your message and leaves a lasting impression. Here's how to wrap it up effectively:

• Summarise your main points: Briefly recap the purpose of your email and the desired action.
• Express gratitude: Thank the reader for their time and consideration.
• Include a clear closing statement: Reiterate your CTA and make it easy for them to follow through.
• Use a professional signature: Include your name, title, and contact information. A well-designed signature can also include your company logo, social media links, and a professional sign-off like “Best regards” or “Sincerely.”

By following these five steps, you'll be well on your way to writing emails that not only get opened but also engage and inspire action. Happy emailing!???

Working in collaboration with clients and candidates to deliver trusted recruitment solutions since 2009 ??

Working collaboratively with our fantastic portfolio of clients nationwide to connect them with the right talent, at the right time, is what we do best, so if you’re looking for a new role, we’re the people for you! We specialise in a multitude of sectors nationwide, including HR, Legal, Finance, Procurement, Social Housing, Local Government and Property Management and work with high quality contractors, consultants and professionals in both temporary and permanent placements.

So, whether we’re helping you find the perfect candidate, or you're looking for your own next career step, you can be assured, as a trusted specialist recruitment partner since 2009, that we’re with you on every step of the journey.

To register a vacancy or discuss how we can help you find the perfect fit for your next permanent or temporary career step, you can find our regional contact numbers here . For more about our specialist team of consultants and read testimonials from our clients at www.jarsolutions.co.uk .