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We have a selection of articles and a CIPD podcast focused on using AI in HR processes, such as recruitment and onboarding. We also have the latest UK sickness absence rates, tips on workforce management, and a data source you can use to build a business case for change in your organisation. Top it all off with highlights from the CIPD Festival of Work and the recently crowned Best Places to Work - there’s plenty to pique your interest.
So, switch on the fan, think cool thoughts, and settle down for some reading. As always, if you would like support or advice on any of the themes in this roundup, you can contact us on 0161 941 2426.
Learning & Development
CIPD Festival of Work highlights
Always a brilliant place for people professionals to learn and make new connections, the CIPD Festival of Work took place this month in London. Watch a two-minute summary here. The agenda covered insights into the latest trends in employee engagement, flexible working, AI, and health and wellbeing.
If you missed the event, HR Magazine provides a handy summary of Day one and Day two of the conference. Highlights included preparing for Gen Alpha to enter the workplace, managing cybersecurity risks, supporting neurodivergent talent, and essential traits for building a thriving company culture.
Employee Engagement
Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025
The list of the UK’s best places to work is out! The survey is the UK’s biggest study of employee engagement. Split into large, big, medium and small employers, this year saw a significant increase in the numbers of big and very big organisations taking part. HR employee benefits platform, Zest Benefits, appears in the medium business category.
This year, industry-specific awards were also presented. London-based global marketing specialist Awin was recognised for its people-first workplace culture where employees work four days a week and get paid for five, and can also choose from hybrid and remote working options.
The winner of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work for Disabled Employees 2025 award is the Alzheimer’s Society, where benefits include paid wellbeing days and “taking stock” days without meetings or emails. Take a look at the results in full.
Building a culture that supports employee engagement takes strategic know-how and experience. Speak to a HR Consultant for advice on transforming your organisation into a great place to work.Need to make a HR business case?
The CIPD’s Good Work Index has been updated with the latest statistics for HR teams and people professionals to use for benchmarking. More than 5,000 workers from different sectors and occupations were asked about key aspects of their work and employment. The survey covers seven dimensions of 'good work' and tells us about the links between good work and individual wellbeing, productivity and growth. Use the data to support your work, training and business proposals.
Employee Wellbeing
Latest UK sickness absence rates
Analysis from the ONS shows that sickness absence rates in the UK narrowly declined from 2023 to 2024. The annual sickness absence rate fell from 2.3% to 2% of working hours lost. In 2024, UK workers lost 148.9 million working days due to sickness or injury. That’s the equivalent of every full-time employee being off work for 4.4 days on average over the year. Insights also reveal that women had higher absence rates (2.5%) compared to men (1.6%).
The top reasons for UK employee absences in 2024 were:
Minor illnesses (30%)
Musculoskeletal issues (15.5%)
Mental health conditions (9.8%)
Respiratory issues (7.3%)
Workforce planning tips
From managing surges in customer demand to dealing with an influx of annual leave requests and scaling back your team during the quieter months, this article from HR News is especially relevant if you employ seasonal workers.
It touches on the idea of cross-training as a way of ensuring against skills shortages, and using HR systems and software to monitor absence and track annual leave in the most efficient way.
Flexible working
Hybrid work out of reach for many
New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that hybrid work remains out of reach for a large proportion of UK workers. Data shows that access to hybrid working arrangements depend on factors including education, salary, type of job, and even the area you live in. Only 28% of UK working adults follow a hybrid work pattern, with the percentage falling to 24% among disabled workers. Employees educated to degree level or equivalent, and employees aged 30-49 years, are most likely to be offered flexible working patterns.
While flexible working patterns are not feasible for every role, the ONS data raises issues around inclusivity and fairness of access to employment benefits, especially at a time when the Government is pushing to create work opportunities for people currently on health and disability benefits.
Need support establishing a flexible working approach in your organisation? Book a call with a HR Consultant to discuss the possibilities.AI and Technology
UK HR professionals lead Europe in AI adoption
The UK is emerging as a European frontrunner in AI adoption within HR, with 55% of organisations now investing in AI to support the workplace – above the European average of 38%. Data from SD Worx shows British employers are using AI to streamline operations, improve the employee experience, and future-proof HR practices. Read more on the findings.
What role does AI play in HR systems?
AI is helping to transform people management practices throughout the UK and its use is no longer optional. Organisations that integrate AI and automation in an ethical way are more likely to build agile, resilient, and equal workplaces.
This article from HR News shares some interesting statistics and applications about how AI is creating clear benefits and generating efficiencies in areas such as recruitment, onboarding and training, monitoring and performance measurement, employee engagement, and DE&I.
Podcast - Dealing with AI use in job applications
One third of organisations are already using some form of AI in their recruitment and onboarding process, such as writing job descriptions and job adverts. But are you concerned about whether the job applications you receive I response are genuine or fake?
Listen to this CIPD podcast for professional insight into avoiding bias when using AI in screening and shortlisting, why transparency is key, and how to maintain the human touch throughout the recruitment journey. It’s around 35 minutes long, so ideal entertainment for a lunchtime walk!
For some additional reading, an expert shares 5 tips on how to integrate AI into the recruitment process.
How can we help?
To discuss any of the issues or challenges arising from this HR News Roundup, get in touch with us today on 0161 941 2426. We’re here to help.
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