Six steps to true racial equality in business August 26, 2020 When we look back at 2020, what will have changed in the business world? I don’t mean social distancing and remote working. I mean actual systemic change: accountability, consequences, promotions, and retention. The combination of coronavirus and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has raised questions about the tech industry’s problem with Black, Asian, and [...]
You’re never too old to start a business: Why we need to harness senior enterprise February 5, 2020 With a rapidly-ageing demographic across Europe, it is time to re-evaluate not only our own attitudes towards older people, but also the value of senior enterprise and their contribution to society. By 2020, the over-50s in the UK will make up nearly one third of the working-age population, and almost half of the adult population. [...]
I can see clearly how to help London’s blind community January 20, 2020 London is a wonderful place to live and work. I meant to stay for just two years when I first came here in 1972 from my Yorkshire home. Today, 47 years later, I’m a true Londoner — though still a Yorkshireman at heart. I was partially sighted when I arrived in London. My sight continued [...]
To micromanage or not to micromanage, that is the question January 15, 2020 If you’re a manager, knowing when to bite your tongue and say nothing can be tough, especially when you’re watching someone make a mistake that you know how to avoid. Jump in too often, and you become a micromanager. Let people fail excessively, and they become disheartened and inactive. How do you strike the right [...]
The world needs business to step up and reclaim its higher purpose January 8, 2020 Should a company’s responsibility begin and end with shareholders, or extend to customers, communities, and the environment? While hardly an original question, last year saw a renewed focus on debate around the purpose of business — and with sustainability already in the January headlines, from fires in Australia to new figures on climate change, expect [...]
Creepy micromanagement won’t drive productivity — try trusting staff instead January 8, 2020 Calling all employers: what was in your Christmas stocking? Did you find the latest gadget designed to enhance productivity? The innovative device, featured in the media during the festive season, is a toilet with a downward sloping seat. The company which makes it, StandardToilet, has conducted extensive tests. A slope of 13 degrees is exactly [...]
The parenthood penalty facing working mums and dads needs to be fixed December 10, 2019 Earlier this year, journalist Emma Duncan asked why we work so hard to avoid our children. Will future generations look back and wonder why parents fought tooth and nail for time in the office? If today’s battles result in a childcare sector that offers real choice at a lower cost, and a society where having [...]
Mother Nature means business: Why leaders need ‘feminine’ qualities November 29, 2019 The business world has come a long way in celebrating and enabling gender equality. But while there might be more women entering the boardroom, we’re still a long way from achieving truly equal representation in the workplace — especially at a senior level. The problem is that while we’re more comfortable with having women take [...]
The workplace is still a man’s world, according to London professionals November 25, 2019 Over half of London-based professionals think that stereotypical masculine qualities are held in higher regard in the hiring and promotion process than female characteristics, according to a new study. The research, by Equality Group, also finds that 25 per cent of women in professional roles in London feel that they need to present themselves in a more masculine [...]
Positivity is crippling your workplace and stifling creativity October 23, 2019 Look on the bright side. Keep smiling. Can do. These messages are increasingly prevalent in the workplace, to our significant detriment. And the irony of being briefed by my agent to keep this article “light-hearted” was not lost on me. I’m going to risk being serious – which is only six degrees from sounding negative [...]