Employee stress is growing concern for employers
Stress management support for UK workers is on the rise according to new research. A study commissioned by PMI Health Group has found that 40% of the employers surveyed now offer stress management benefits such as counseling, up from 36% last year and 25% in 2013. Stress is the number one cause of long-term sickness absence, said Mike Blake, PMI Health Group director. "If [stress and mental health issues] are not managed effectively they can have an extremely negative impact upon mental wellbeing, affecting productivity, morale and a company's bottom line," he said.
Challenging perceptions of the 50+ consumer
The Mature Marketing Summit takes place on October 5 to address the lack of marketing understanding about the needs of the older consumer. Mark Beasley, chairman of the Mature Marketing Association, said: "Within 20 years the number of people aged over 65 will have increased by 50%. Yet research studies tell us that there continues to be a mis-alignment between business and older consumers. Many businesses are failing to address this lucrative and discerning market and older consumers continue to be misunderstood and patronised."
Who's to blame for lost property at work?
Over 60% of UK workers saying they've had things disappear from desks at work, ranging from stationery and calculators to phone chargers and even laptops. But according to a study of 1,000 UK workers commissioned by Avery, middle-ranking employees are the most likely culprits in almost a quarter of cases; while bosses were found to be responsible in 17% of cases.
SME awards season
Successful SMEs and start-ups are being encouraged to enter two awards competitions this autumn. The annual Telegraph Festival of Business is looking to recognise the "brightest and best" British SMEs in its SME of the Year competition . Entrants must have between one and 200 employees and must apply by 29 September. Meanwhile, the deadline for the Startups Awards 2015 has been extended to Friday 25 September. In past years, the awards have recognised newcomers such Naked Wines, Ella's Kitchen and Secret Escapes.