HR Heartbeat: Gen Z and mental health, workplace incidents, and Ireland’s leading on remote jobs

Welcome to HR Heartbeat, where we take a look at the week’s most pressing HR and employment law stories. With over a decade of experience as a solicitor working in employment law, I give my opinion on current trends impacting your business, as well as my own personal commentary on all things HR and legal.

Gen Z workers value mental health over financial wealth

In a recent study across ten countries, 51% of workers aged 28 and under ranked health as the greatest indicator of success, above work and family relationships. But what does that mean for employers?

It’s certainly going to change recruitment strategy: how are employers going to attract talent that doesn’t care about career advancement or long-term job security? Over two-thirds of respondents want to work for an organisation that shares their values, so it’s more important than ever to show your staff you value them.

Employers can offer life coaching through an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) or benefits through an dedicated platform.

Nearly half of workers report incidents or illness in the workplace

44% of workers in the UK and Ireland have reported that they or a relative have experienced a workplace accident or work-related illness. And, 64% of those were related to stress.

The message for business owners? Wellness in the workplace is about more than an accident book and first aid kits. On top of thorough risk assessments and training about hazards and risks, you should make sure your working environment is supportive and safe.

BrightSafe, our end-to-end health & safety management system, protects employers and employees with real-time reporting and CPD-accredited training. You could also think about an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to offer confidential wellbeing support.

Ireland leading on remote work jobs

Ireland has been ranked as the highest in Europe for the availability of remote jobs. With almost double the European average, 9.4% of jobs in Ireland offer remote work options and above average flexible arrangements.

Since the pandemic, companies that offer remote or hybrid roles have become increasingly attractive to job seekers. Other benefits for employers include fewer absences in home workers and a larger talent pool to draw from.

Our award-winning software helps you establish a remote workforce. BrightHR makes creating and distributing shifts and rotas a breeze. Or try Blip, our clocking in and out software that keeps you and your staff updated in real-time.

And that’s a wrap from me. Tune in next time for my take on the latest headlines and employment law stories, helping keep your business ahead!