More Than a Personal Decision: A Relational Theory of Quiet Quitting Summary This article develops a relational theory of “quiet quitting” that shifts focus from individuals alone to the social contexts in which they operate. The authors offer an integrative definition of quiet quitting (three features: perceived encroachment on well-being, deliberate protest, and strategic calibration) […]
40% of workers experience weekly financial stress, as wages fail to keep pace with inflation Summary New data from LiveCareer (survey of 1,000 UK workers, May 2025) shows 40% of workers experience financial stress weekly and 18% face it daily. Inflation and the rising cost of living are the main concerns for 75% of respondents. […]
From 30% to 50% satisfaction: How Refresco’s employee benefits strategy won over a deskless workforce Summary Refresco began with just 30% of its UK workforce feeling they had “special and unique benefits.” The HR team, led by Sarah Tomson with communications support from Anne Hobson, consolidated fragmented benefits into a single platform, introduced flexible new […]
2025 Culture Pioneer Awards shortlist announced Summary The Culture Pioneers team has revealed the shortlist for the 2025 Culture Pioneer Awards. Against a backdrop of AI disruption, economic pressure, legislative change and rising employee expectations, organisations and leaders who have prioritised people and culture are being recognised for tangible, positive workplace change. The shortlist covers […]
Lessons from the depths: What OceanGate teaches us about toxic leadership Summary The US Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation (MBI) report links toxic leadership at OceanGate to the 2023 Titan submersible implosion, identifying patterns such as prioritising profit over safety, silencing dissent and allowing fatal risks to go unchallenged. Fran Pestana explains how toxic […]
The science behind what makes or breaks a team Summary This piece from Perry Timms (PTHR) explores ‘choice dynamics’ — the everyday, often invisible decisions that shape team outcomes. Drawing on behavioural science, social psychology and classic team research, the article identifies seven micro-choices teams repeatedly make (voice vs silence, step forward vs step back, […]
The silent culture killer that is impacting your talent Summary Sanjay Lobo MBE argues that the real cause of widespread disengagement at work is a lack of authentic purpose, not the work itself. Despite flexible working, tech advances and CSR statements, many employees feel their roles lack meaning. The article explains how ‘performative purpose’ undermines […]
Return to office: How not to upset almost everyone Summary Quentin Millington (Marble Brook) argues there is no one-size-fits-all answer to return-to-office (RTO) mandates. Rather than imposing blanket rules, HR should focus on clarity in vision, leadership, culture and teamwork. Millington offers eight practical questions HR leaders can use to involve people, surface the real […]
Five barriers to good listening habits Summary This piece from HRZone (Dani Bacon, Distinction Business Consulting) argues that poor listening — not poor speaking — is often the root of workplace communication problems. Genuine listening is framed as a leadership practice that builds trust, psychological safety and better decision-making. The article outlines five common barriers […]
Have you forgotten that you have two jobs? Summary Quentin Millington argues that every employee — and HR in particular — has two jobs: the visible, task-oriented functional job and a quieter, relational job focused on building connections. While functional duties (payroll, recruitment, policy, performance management) are measurable and prioritised, relational work (casual conversations, empathy, […]
