Top 10 stories from this week: neurodiversity is about much more than just inclusion
The topic of better supporting neurodivergent employees is rapidly rising up the corporate agenda, and while some may believe that support comes solely from inclusion, research has found that it is predominantly achieved through wellbeing.
Figures from Willis Towers Watson’s Global Benefits Attitude Survey, revealed that 70% of neurodivergent employees experience mental health issues, while only 25% felt financially secure and emotionally balanced. A little over a third (36%) of respondents felt they had good physical health.
These findings were reinforced during our webinar yesterday on supporting the rising focus on neurodiversity.
Panellists highlighted that the increase in organisations seeking to employ neurodiverse talent to broaden, challenge and change their usual processes in the workplace is "fantastic". However, the panel also warned that employers need to be mindful that neurodiverse talent have their own challenges and need support to help them work at their best.
For instance, burnout is a real issue for those who mask their neurodiversity and so it is imperative to protect the wellbeing of these individuals and to build cultures where people can be themselves.
Understanding how best to support neurodiversity in the workplace is still in its infancy, but beginning conversations about this topic is a good place to start.
For more reward and employee benefits news you might have missed this week, read our top 10 snippets below.
Majority of neurodivergent employees experiencing mental health issues, study finds
People Management Employers urged to offer tailored support as this group of the workforce reports higher instances of burnout, financial insecurity and poor physical health. Read more
Queen Elizabeth II: Mail and rail strikes suspended
Personnel Today Communications and rail unions have suspended industrial action planned over the coming weeks following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Members of the Communication Workers Union called off today’s strike at Royal Mail as a mark of respect. Read more
PM Liz Truss pledges to reverse national insurance increase
Cover Magazine Liz Truss confirmed plans to reverse the National Insurance (NI) increase during her first Prime Minister's question time yesterday (7 September) at the House of Commons.
The increase, which was first announced in September last year, saw the NI tax contributions increase to 1.25% to fund social care reform and the NHS. Read more
New work and pensions secretary announced
Personnel Today Prime Minister Liz Truss has assembled her cabinet, naming Chloe Smith as the work and pensions secretary and Jacob Rees-Mogg as business secretary. Read more
24% think their employer could offer more cost-of-living support
Employee Benefits Nearly one-quarter (24%) of UK workers thought that their employers could be supporting them more during the cost-of-living crisis, according to new research from online printer service Instantprint. Read more
Vacancy growth slows to 18-month low, report finds
People Management Growth in the number of job vacancies in the UK has slowed to an 18-month low and is continuing to fall, the latest KPMG and Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) UK Report on Jobs survey revealed. Read more
Cost of living reduces average monthly savings to under £100 for 4 in 10
Cover Magazine Four in 10 workers in the UK are now saving less than £100 each month, while one in seven are unable to save anything at all due to the cost of living crisis, according to research from The Exeter. Read more
Payroll errors costing businesses £150,000 a year
HR Magazine UK businesses are losing up to £150,000 a year through payroll errors, according to research from HR, payroll and finance software provider MHR.
The research found 91% of businesses across the UK and Ireland admit to making payroll errors every month, and for companies with 500 or more employees, the cost of doing so could amount to the six figure sum. Read more
Quiet firing trend suggests disengaged UK workers
HR Magazine Discussions around the phrase quiet quitting has led to a trend of workers sharing their quiet firing stories, where organisations do the bare minimum for an employee with the intention of forcing them out of the company. Read more
Government launches NHS pension changes consultation
Employee Benefits The UK government has launched a consultation on potential changes to the NHS pension scheme, which could make it easier for retired and partially retired NHS staff to return to the workforce. Read more
