Advice and Opinion

Explore valuable guidance from professionals and community members, offering insights from both professional and personal perspectives. Our contributors provide sound advice on a variety of issues affecting you and your family today, focusing on jobs and careers. Benefit from their expertise and opinions to navigate challenges and make informed decisions.

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  • Flexible for Whom? The Uneven Reality of Hybrid Working

    Posted on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 by Ian ThomasNo comments

    At the height of the pandemic, flexible working was hailed as a great leveller—a long-overdue shift that would make the workplace more inclusive, more balanced, and more human. But now, as return-to-office policies creep back in and hybrid models become the norm, a new reality is setting in: not all flexibility is created equal. Who gets to work from home? Who feels safe doing so? And who pays ...

  • Why Belonging Still Matters – Moving Beyond the Diversity 'Box-Ticking' Culture

    Posted on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 by Ian ThomasNo comments

    Inclusion isn’t achieved by hiring alone. While representation has (rightly) become a key metric for progress, it’s only the beginning. For too many organisations, the pursuit of diversity has become a numbers game—one that stops short of true cultural transformation. Tick the box. Publish the data. Move on. But inclusion without belonging is superficial. It leaves employees from marginalised ...

  • Quiet Hiring or Missed Opportunity? The Inclusion Risks of Informal Recruitment

    Posted on Monday, March 24, 2025 by Ian ThomasNo comments

    As economic pressures mount and external hiring slows, more organisations are turning to a growing trend known as "quiet hiring"—filling roles internally without publicly advertising them. On the surface, this seems efficient: companies save time, retain talent, and reward existing employees. But beneath the surface lies a critical question for equity and inclusion: who gets access to these ...

  • Redundancies Must Not Undo Inclusion Gains

    Posted on Monday, March 24, 2025 by Ian ThomasNo comments

    In times of growth, it’s easy to talk about diversity and inclusion. Statements are made, targets are set, and new hires bring fresh energy. But when the economy tightens and businesses begin to restructure, that commitment is put to the test. The question becomes not what you say about inclusion—but what you do when the stakes are high. The UK is currently experiencing a rise in redundancies. ...

  • What the Recruitment Freeze Means for Social Mobility

    Posted on Monday, March 24, 2025 by Helen JonesNo comments

    As the UK navigates another period of economic uncertainty, headlines have become increasingly dominated by words like "restructuring," "redundancy," and "hiring freezes." For many businesses, especially those grappling with inflationary pressure, halting recruitment and tightening training budgets might seem like logical cost-saving measures. But while these decisions may bring short-term ...

  • Are Employers Ready for a Values-Driven Workforce?

    Posted on Monday, March 24, 2025 by Helen JonesNo comments

    We’ve reached a turning point in the world of work—and many employers haven’t caught up. Across the UK, jobseekers are placing values front and centre. They’re not just asking about pay; they want to know about purpose, inclusion, flexibility, and wellbeing. And here’s the truth: if your organisation isn’t answering those questions with action, you’re already behind. “If your organisation isn’t ...

  • From Job Search to Success: How to Stand Out in a Competitive Market

    Posted on Thursday, March 13, 2025 by Michelle O'ConnorNo comments

    Finding a job isn’t just about submitting applications and hoping for the best. It’s about understanding what makes you different and using that to position yourself as the right candidate. In a world where hundreds—sometimes thousands—of people are applying for the same roles, the question isn’t Can you do the job? but Why should they pick you? Most job seekers focus on ticking the ...

  • How to Survive (and Thrive) in Your First 90 Days at a New Job

    Posted on Thursday, March 13, 2025 by Michelle O'ConnorNo comments

    Starting a new job is both exciting and overwhelming. You step into an unfamiliar environment, surrounded by people who already understand the systems, the culture, and the unspoken rules. You, however, are expected to adapt quickly, deliver results, and prove that you belong. But the first 90 days aren’t just about keeping up—they’re about laying the foundation for your success. This is your ...

  • Breaking Into Leadership: How to Get Promoted Faster

    Posted on Thursday, March 13, 2025 by Fiona AdamsNo comments

    Let’s be real: hard work alone won’t get you promoted. If promotions were based on effort, there wouldn’t be so many people stuck in jobs where they’re overworked, underpaid, and overlooked. Leadership isn’t just about skill—it’s about perception, opportunity, and strategy. If you’re waiting for someone to notice you and hand you a leadership role, you might be waiting forever. You have to make ...

  • Body Language Tips for Job Interviews

    Posted on Thursday, February 6, 2025 by Sarah BishopNo comments

    The way you present yourself in a job interview isn’t just about what you say—it’s also about how you say it. Your body language plays a crucial role in how you’re perceived by interviewers and can greatly influence the outcome of the conversation. While your resume and qualifications may open the door, your non-verbal cues can determine whether or not you walk through it successfully. One of the ...