As we step into the New Year, many organisations are thinking about what lies ahead and how to make their businesses even more successful in 2023. While we may often think of success purely in terms of profit margins, there are numerous other areas that dictate how successful the business really is, including innovation, recognition, reputation, customer satisfaction and staff morale. The most successful organisations recognise that employees are the driving force of a business and research shows that businesses with happier staff are more productive, more efficient and more effective. This naturally results in higher quality work being produced and ultimately more business being done.  

So what can leaders, team managers and those responsible for people, do to make a meaningful difference to employee wellbeing and happiness? Here are 5 simple steps, and it is as easy as ABC, (not forgetting D and E!)

Aligned thinking - When there are clear objectives, this creates a...

Permacrisis; an extended period of instability and insecurity, especially one resulting from a series of catastrophic events - Collins English Dictionary 2022 Word of the Year.

As this lengthy period of political, economic, social and environmental challenge continues, no wonder many of us feel apprehensive going into the new year. So, what can you do to best support your colleagues, as well as yourself, during this time? Here are some practical tips to start 2023 positively as we navigate the permacrisis.

1. Create certainty. In times of change, people like certainty - create some wherever you can. This can be the small things - like keeping to regular scheduled team catch-ups, getting a tea or coffee together on Monday mornings or sending ‘Friday Thank You’ messages to those who have gone the extra mile that week, or someone you wouldn’t normally remember to thank.

2. Have a clear plan of action - and communicate it as early on in the year as possible to...