The UK’s Top 25 workplaces revealed ?? | Could gaming make you a better worker? ?? | The JARS Guide to continuous learning ??

LinkedIn reveals the UK’s Top 25 Companies to work for in 2024

LinkedIn has shared its latest Top Companies report, an annual snapshot of the 25 best large workplaces in the UK to grow a career.?

The findings in the 8th iteration of the report are powered by LinkedIn data, covering different aspects of employee career progression such as promotions, upskilling and gender diversity, and this year, particularly highlights the organisations who are investing in the employee experience.

But what can be learnt from this year's top ranking businesses? Commentary from LinkedIn accompanying the release of the report state that these organisations ''prove that investment in the employee experience is vital in today’s employment landscape – whether it’s launching upskilling initiatives to accelerate employees’ AI proficiency, or offering flexible working arrangements. These are the top companies to work at, leading the way in not only attracting workers, but retaining them in our ever-changing world of work.''.

To be eligible for the ‘large’ list, companies must have had 5,000 or more global employees, with at least 500 in the UK, as of December 31, 2023, though smaller companies are also celebrated as part of the ‘Best Mid-Sized Workplaces’ round-up.?

Read the full report, along with the details of the full range of data used to compile the list, here: LinkedIn Top Companies 2024: The 25 best large employers to grow your career in the UK | LinkedIn?

Have you witnessed ‘quiet cutting’? Maybe you’ve found yourself on the receiving end of these employee behaviors? Join the conversation about this hot topic in the comments below ??

Does your gaming habit make you a better worker? ??

New research* has revealed that 44% of UK gamers believe that their hobby makes them better workers, whilst 57% say that they use skills acquired from gaming, such as communication, problem solving, teamwork and management, in their working day.

While non-gamers may scoff at these statistics, data from LinkedIn shows that there may be something in this theory, given that many of the skills mentioned in the survey also topped LinkedIn’s recent round-up of the most in-demand skills for employers in 2024.

When speaking to HR Grapevine about the survey, Dr Daniel Wheatley , Reader in Business and Labour Economics based in the Department of Management at the 英国伯明翰大学 , said that we actually acquire many skills in our leisure time which can be applied to the world of work, with gaming being just one of them - "We gain skills and experience every day from our leisure activities. Gaming is one of those hobbies that requires several skills, including problem-solving, resource and time management, communication, hand-eye coordination, and more. This has been recognised by employers in some cases with the 'gamification' of training and work tasks present in some industries and organisations."

As the survey also found that gaming triggered largely positive emotions in the respondents, and that 39% of gamers have actively taken time off work just to play video games, Dr Wheatley adds that there is significant productivity benefits to taking breaks from work to indulge in hobbies - ‘“Engaging in hobbies can often allow the employee to achieve a desired level of mental and physical separation from the demands of their job, and this has the potential to provide the employee with more effective recovery, enabling greater productivity during working time."

Do you have a hobby that you feel has set you up with skills that you use at work? Let us know in the comments! ??

*Research by Currys plc

In a dynamic job market powered by constant innovation and change, the importance of continuous learning and personal development cannot be overstated. Here are our top five tips for investing in your growth this year!?

?? Adaptability is Key

Embrace the mindset of lifelong learning to adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the job market. Technologies and industries are constantly changing, and those who remain stagnant risk falling behind. By actively seeking new knowledge and skills, you position yourself as a valuable asset capable of navigating shifts in your field.

?? Explore Diverse Learning Opportunities

Take advantage of a variety of learning platforms and resources to broaden your expertise. Whether it's enrolling in online courses, attending workshops, or pursuing professional certifications, diversifying your learning experiences exposes you to different perspectives and approaches, enriching your skill set.

?? Stay Curious

Cultivate a curious mindset to fuel your continuous learning journey. Ask questions, seek out challenges, and explore areas outside your comfort zone. Curiosity not only stimulates intellectual growth but also fosters creativity and innovation, essential qualities in today's competitive landscape.

?? Stay Relevant

Regularly assess the relevance of your skills and knowledge in relation to industry trends and advancements. Keep abreast of emerging technologies, best practices, and market developments to ensure your expertise remains current and applicable. By staying ahead of the curve, you position yourself as a forward-thinking professional capable of driving positive change.

?? Invest in Yourself

Recognise that investing in your own growth is an investment in your future success. Allocate time and resources to your continuous learning journey, viewing it as an invaluable opportunity to enhance your professional development and expand your career prospects. Remember, the pursuit of knowledge is not only a means to achieve success but also a fulfilling journey of self-improvement and personal growth ??

Have you got a burning question or are you in need of some career advice? Leave us a comment below or check out our blog for more advice and tips on employee wellbeing.?

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