The Great Debate on Working from Home….by Guy Barrand

Back to the office? Work from home? Hybrid working? Not questions that concern some sections of the employment market for practical reasons, but for some of us used to the traditional office-based environment, it’s all we can talk about. This workforce is agog as to what their employers are going to expect from them in terms of working arrangements going forward, and there’s lots of talk about the pros and cons of the various permutations. Some people are fervently pro eternally working from home, some are desperate to get back to ‘old school’ office working….if there was a referendum, it would show a country divided (well, we in the UK know exactly what that feels like, don’t we). Read More

Back to the office – but not as we know it!

This survey on remote working by Publicis Sapient was conducted at the back end of last year, but our issues, challenges and fears remain the same as they did last November and so the results remain just as valid. It centres on our preferences around working from home going forward and also what’s actually possible. Read More

Home Comforts, Eco & Online: Food in 2021

As with most everything else, Covid will have a profound impact on the food sector in 2021. However, with the focus being on areas such as eco-friendly products, nutrition, online sales and convenience, the ‘profound’ part will be more about accelerating existing strategies rather than shaping new ideas. This article in food sector bible The Grocer explores the details behind the trends for 2021…

Stay Home, Stay Safe… Read More

#ChoosetoChallenge – International Women’s Day 2021

#ChoosetoChallenge is the theme of this years International Women’s Day. At a time when we have experienced so much challenge already over the past year, do we have the appetite for more challenge? Of course, to this, the answer has to be a resounding ‘yes’. To call out bias, to challenge gender stereotypes, to maintain an attitude of positivity and inclusion seem even more important right now. And yet when many of us feel a little battle-weary and exhausted from the events of the last years pandemic,  finding the energy and commitment for these very necessary and admirable sentiments means digging deep. Read More

Has it been a robot all along?

This recent BBC article raises some interesting questions about the ever-growing use of AI in the job application process. I understand the frustration some must feel at having their CV rejected by an automated system – but is this actually such a seismic change? Is it really a case of the robots taking over?  and, up to a point, would that even be a bad thing?

Now, I should make clear that I’m generally an advocate for more human engagement through the job application process, not less – but I wonder what mythical heavenly system is being ruined by more technology here? Read More