Have you ever found yourself under the leadership of someone who made every day at work a challenge, not because of the workload, but due to their behaviour? How did it affect your motivation, your productivity, or even your overall well-being? Did you feel like walking on eggshells, unable to speak up or share ideas? This scenario is all too common in workplaces plagued by toxic leadership, a critical issue that not only undermines the psychological safety of employees but also threatens the very fabric of organisational culture. If you’re a people manager, HRD or a member of a senior leaders ..read more

The recent TV drama and subsequent political activity about the Horizon/Post Office scandal are a stark reminder of just how crucial a robust whistleblowing policy is in any organisation. If you’re an employer or an HR executive, you might be mulling over the question, “Do we really need an anonymous whistleblowing policy?” To answer your question: absolutely, you do. It’s not just about ticking a box; it’s about creating a work environment that’s rooted in trust and safety. Let’s talk about why this matters: Your team knows best: Who better to spot something amiss than the people working wit ..read more

In our fast-paced world, the myriad voices of our employees form a vital undercurrent of insights and ideas, essential for driving innovation and a thriving workplace culture. As leaders and team managers, actively listening to these voices is crucial, but doing so with empathy transforms mere listening into understanding, building a more connected and dynamic work environment. In your daily interactions, take a moment to reflect: How often do you find yourself inspired by a colleague’s insight? Is there a dedicated platform in your organisation where spontaneous ideas can be shared and nurtur ..read more

In the ever-evolving world of university research, the collective brilliance of your team is your most valuable asset. As we navigate the challenges of 2024, from digital transformation to student engagement, it’s crucial to harness the full potential of your colleagues’ ideas and creativity. Consider these pivotal questions: How often are you finding inspiration in a colleague’s insight? Do you have a dedicated platform where spontaneous ideas can be shared and nurtured into something greater? Are you fully leveraging the diverse perspectives within your team to enhance your research outcomes ..read more

As we navigate through the first month of the year, it’s crucial to recognise the diverse emotions that January evokes in every workplace. While some may see it as a fresh start, brimming with new ideas and goals, others might find it challenging, carrying the weight of expectations and the post-holiday blues. 1. Open communication: the first step to understanding Start by checking in with your teams, peers, colleagues, managers, and friends. How are they really feeling? Encourage open and empathetic conversations. Sometimes, just knowing that someone is willing to listen can make a world of d ..read more

As 2024 looms on the horizon, it’s clear that a radical transformation is underway in the realms of recruitment and staff retention. An eye-opening statistic sets the stage: a whopping 66% of 25 to 34-year-olds are gearing up for a job change this year. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a seismic shift in workforce dynamics. The era where salary ruled supreme is over. Today, psychological safety is becoming just as critical as the paycheck. Diving into the latest HR trend articles for 2024, one thing became unmistakably clear: the narrative is changing. Candidates are carefully evaluating the emot ..read more

As I sat at the breakfast table this morning, surrounded by my kids, a collective low mood seemed to hang in the air. The darkness outside our little kitchen window dimmed the usual morning cheer and chaos. My usually upbeat 7 and 11-year-olds were subdued, and quieter than usual, which got me thinking. If the long, dark days of winter can have such an effect on these young, carefree spirits, what about adults dealing with the cost of living crises, global uncertainties, and other stresses? How can we, as a workforce, be expected to bring our best selves to work under these conditions? The win ..read more

Last week marked National Bullying Week, a pivotal time for reflection and action against one of the more insidious issues in the workplace: bullying and harassment. Recent reports, revealing the extent of harassment faced by women in the Ministry of Defence serve as a stark reminder of the challenges women confront in traditionally male-dominated environments. These reports, laden with personal stories, underscore the urgent need for change. As employers, we bear a profound responsibility to eradicate bullying and harassment from our workplaces. But how do we cultivate an environment that dis ..read more

THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE SCOTSMAN NEWSPAPER ON 14 OCTOBER 2023  It was World Mental Health Awareness Day on October, and it got me thinking. In a world reeling from corporate scandals and malpractices splashed across our headlines, how much of it could’ve been prevented if, as leaders, we just listened? If we just gave people the space to speak up without fear? It might sound a bit buzzwordy, but I believe psychological safety is crucial for employees’ mental health. I’m not just talking about providing a comfy chair and a coffee machine at the office. I mean an ..read more

As we mark National Stress Awareness Day on November 2nd, this year’s spotlight is on shaping solutions to combat the pervasive stress and mental health challenges 68% of employees face. This year’s campaign emphasises creating actionable remedies, and at Trickle, we see first-hand how, by championing an environment of fun and psychological safety in organisations, we can make a transformative impact on stress levels and well-being in the workplace. Fun and psychological safety may seem unrelated, but they are inextricably linked. A workplace that encourages fun is one where employees feel com ..read more