Luca Pretto, CEO of Pasubio Leather, has transformed the family business into a leading supplier of premium leather interiors for luxury automotive brands like Bentley, Lamborghini, and Porsche. Under his leadership, Pasubio has professionalized its operations, partnered with private equity firms, and focused on sustainability through an ESG-centric approach. Pretto emphasizes the importance of talent and innovation, aiming to expand globally and enhance competitiveness with AI-driven operational improvements.

Mike Bagshaw, with 34 years in the railway industry, is the Managing Director of MTR Elizabeth line, London's newest and busiest rail line. He emphasizes the importance of infrastructure improvement, minimizing delays, and technological advancements for efficient operations. Bagshaw values collaboration with partners like Network Rail and Heathrow Airport, and client Transport for London, to maintain high performance and customer satisfaction. Influenced by industry leaders Chris Green and the late Adrian Shooter, Bagshaw aims to provide a safe, reliable service with an excellent customer experience. His leadership style includes visibility and open communication with employees to foster a culture of improvement.

Sintra, Portugal, is emerging as a new hub for digital nomads, particularly those with families. The historic town offers a cooler climate and a rich legacy of castles, inspiring creativity among writers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Travel startup Boundless Life has established its first location in Sintra, providing apartments, co-working spaces, and childcare facilities. The company's co-founder, Marcos Carvalho, aims to include working parents in the digital nomad trend, offering a blend of work and travel. The community aspect of Boundless Life allows families to form lasting relationships and plan future stays together. Sintra's attractions, combined with the amenities provided by Boundless Life, offer a unique experience that contrasts with the typical beachside digital nomad lifestyle.

Deepak Swaroop, a former partner at Ernst and Young (EY) in London, left his high-paying job in 2020 to become a high school math teacher, taking a significant pay cut. Swaroop, who had a successful career in finance, including a stint at Arthur Andersen & Co, found fulfillment in teaching despite the challenges and lower salary. Inspired by Lucy Kellaway and supported by the organization Now Teach, Swaroop emphasizes the value of making a meaningful impact over financial gain.

Deepak Swaroop, a former partner at EY in London, left his high-paying corporate job to become a high school math teacher. Despite a significant pay cut, Swaroop finds teaching more fulfilling and valuable. His career journey includes working at Arthur Andersen & Co. in India, moving to London, and pioneering automation and AI at EY. After a restructuring at EY, he chose early retirement and briefly co-founded an AI platform before deciding to teach. Inspired by Lucy Kellaway and supported by Now Teach, Swaroop now focuses on making a difference in students' lives.

Foreign workers are increasingly moving to Vilnius, Lithuania, drawn by career opportunities, a healthy work-life balance, and a welcoming environment. The city offers a peaceful and safe lifestyle, with a growing technology and finance sector. Government initiatives like Work in Lithuania and Invest Lithuania are successfully attracting skilled professionals. Despite higher living costs and harsh winters, expatriates like Ricardo Schmitz, Misha Johanna, and Laura Guarino find Vilnius a desirable place to live and work, appreciating its clean air, walkability, and cultural experiences.

In Wales, Mynydd Sleddog Adventures has collaborated with the NHS to provide a husky therapy program for offenders in a medium security mental health unit. The program, which includes husky hikes, grooming, and dog handling, aims to improve the patients' self-perception and life outlook. Accredited by Agored Cymru, the therapy supports potential post-release career opportunities in animal care. Ingrid Unsworth, a specialist occupational therapist, initiated the program after experiencing the benefits of a husky ride herself. The program is now in its second year, with the addition of husky puppies to enhance the therapeutic experience.

Rob Dix and Rob Bence have created digital clones of themselves using AI software to answer questions from their followers, freeing up their time. This technology is provided by companies like Coachvox AI, Synthesia, and Delphi. The digital clones are trained with content such as books, columns, and podcasts to respond in the creators' tone of voice. The sector is growing, with various professionals adopting the technology. However, experts like Florian Stahl warn of the limitations and potential dangers of AI, emphasizing the complexity of business situations and the partial awareness of AI. Users like business coach Rose Radford find the technology beneficial for time management. The article suggests that while AI can provide valuable assistance, it is essential to manage expectations and understand its limitations.

Ad agencies are evolving from merely delivering creative work to having a more strategic impact across a brand's business, positioning themselves as essential brand consultants.

PhotoAid, a Polish company that helps travelers take passport photos at home, offers its employees free accommodation in an apartment in Tenerife, Spain, as long as they work while staying there. The initiative, started in summer 2022, aims to boost employee morale and foster relationships among its remote workforce. Employees can stay for up to three weeks and are reimbursed for half of their flight costs. The apartment features workspaces, a gym, and is located near various amenities. The program has been well-received by employees, enhancing productivity and job satisfaction.

PhotoAid, a Polish company, offers its remote employees the opportunity to stay for free in a company-rented apartment in Tenerife, Spain, to boost morale and foster team relationships. Employees can stay for up to three weeks and are reimbursed for half of their flight costs. The initiative, started in 2022, has been well-received, with many employees reporting increased productivity and satisfaction. The apartment features modern amenities and is located in a prime area of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The company's co-founders, Rafal, Marcin, and Tomasz Mlodzki, emphasize the benefits of this unique perk in enhancing employee engagement and onboarding.

Polish company PhotoAid, which assists travelers in taking their own passport photos at home, offers its remote employees free accommodation in an apartment in Tenerife, Spain. Employees can stay for up to three weeks and visit multiple times a year, subject to demand. The company also reimburses half of the flight cost up to 1,000 Polish zlotys ($246) annually. The initiative, started in summer 2022, aims to build relationships and boost morale. About 50 of the 143 employees have stayed at the apartment, and some met their teammates in person for the first time there. The apartment features amenities like high-speed internet and a small gym, and is located near local bakeries, restaurants, and bars. The company's co-founder, Rafal Mlodzki, spends half his time in Tenerife and believes the investment has paid off, serving as a 'company charger' to re-energize employees.

PhotoAid, a Polish company that helps travelers take passport photos at home, offers its employees free accommodation in an apartment in Tenerife, Spain, as long as they work while there. The initiative, started in summer 2022, aims to boost employee morale and foster relationships among its remote workforce. Employees can stay for up to three weeks and visit multiple times a year, with the company also reimbursing half of their airfare. The apartment features various amenities, including workspaces and a gym. The initiative has been well-received, with many employees reporting increased productivity and satisfaction.

PhotoAid, a Polish company, offers its remote employees the opportunity to stay for free in a company-rented apartment in Tenerife, Spain, to boost morale and foster team relationships. Employees can stay for up to three weeks and are reimbursed for half of their flight costs. The apartment, located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, features multiple amenities and workspaces. The initiative has been well-received by employees, enhancing productivity and job satisfaction. Co-founder Rafal Mlodzki highlights the benefits of this arrangement, including improved onboarding and team bonding.

Polish company PhotoAid, which assists travelers in taking their own passport photos at home, offers its employees free accommodation in an apartment in Tenerife, Spain, provided they work during their stay. Employees can stay up to about three weeks and visit multiple times a year, subject to demand. The company also reimburses half the flight ticket cost once a year. The initiative, started in summer 2022, aims to build relationships and boost morale among the remote-working staff. About 50 of the 143 employees have stayed at the Tenerife apartment, with some meeting their teammates in person for the first time. The apartment features amenities like high-speed internet and a small gym, and is located near local bakeries, restaurants, and bars. The company's investment in the Tenerife office is seen as a 'company charger' to re-energize employees and uplift team spirit.

PhotoAid, a Polish company, offers its remote employees the opportunity to stay for free in a company-rented apartment in Tenerife, Spain, to boost morale and foster team relationships. Employees can stay for up to three weeks and are reimbursed for half of their airfare. The apartment, located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, features various amenities and workspaces. The initiative has been well-received by employees, enhancing productivity and job satisfaction. Co-founder Rafal Mlodzki emphasizes the benefits of this unique perk, which also aids in onboarding new employees.

PhotoAid, a Polish company, offers its remote employees the opportunity to stay for free in a company-rented apartment in Tenerife, Spain, as long as they continue working while there. The initiative, started in 2022, aims to boost employee morale and foster team relationships. Employees can stay for up to three weeks and are reimbursed for half of their airfare. The apartment features multiple amenities, including workspaces and a gym. The program has been well-received, with many employees reporting increased productivity and satisfaction.

PhotoAid, a Polish company, offers its remote employees the opportunity to stay for free in a company-rented apartment in Tenerife, Spain, to boost morale and foster team relationships. Employees can stay for up to three weeks and are reimbursed for half of their flight costs. The apartment, located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is well-equipped with workspaces and amenities. The initiative has been well-received by employees, enhancing productivity and job satisfaction. Co-founder Rafal Mlodzki highlights the benefits of this unique perk, which also aids in onboarding new employees.

PhotoAid, a Polish company, offers its employees a unique benefit: a free place to stay in Spain. This perk is part of the company's approach to employee benefits, allowing workers to enjoy remote work from a desirable location.

A disparity exists in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) between men and women, with 54% of men using AI in their professional or personal lives compared to only 35% of women in the UK. Harriet Kelsall, a jeweler with dyslexia from Cambridge, England, distrusts AI tools like ChatGPT due to inaccuracies. Michelle Leivars and Hayley Bystram, both based in London, prefer to maintain their personal touch without relying on AI. Alexandra Coward from Scotland expresses concern over AI's impact on authenticity. Jodie Cook, founder of Coachvox.ai, attributes the gender gap in AI adoption to the historical male dominance in STEM fields and a lack of confidence among women. Psychologist Lee Chambers suggests that social conditioning and a desire for competence before usage may hinder some women from embracing AI. The article highlights the importance of authenticity, creativity, and the potential impact of AI on gender disparities in technology.

PhotoAid, a Polish company, offers its remote employees the opportunity to stay for free in a company-rented apartment in Tenerife, Spain, to boost morale and foster team relationships. Employees can stay for up to three weeks and are reimbursed for half of their flight costs. The initiative, started in 2022, has been well-received, with many employees reporting increased productivity and satisfaction. The apartment features modern amenities and is located in a vibrant area. The company's co-founders, including Rafal Mlodzki, emphasize the benefits of this unique perk in enhancing employee engagement and onboarding.

PhotoAid, a Polish company that helps travelers take passport photos at home, offers its employees free stays at an apartment in Tenerife, Spain, as long as they work while there. The initiative, started in summer 2022, aims to boost employee morale and foster relationships among its remote workforce. Employees can stay for up to three weeks and are reimbursed for half of their airfare. The apartment features workspaces, a gym, and is located near various amenities. The program has been well-received, with employees reporting increased productivity and satisfaction.

Companies are increasingly implementing initiatives to promote sustainable commutes as part of their carbon reduction goals and in response to employee demands for environmentally friendly practices. Civic Engineers, Lyft, and other organizations are adopting measures such as cycle-to-work programs, parking fees, and shuttle services to reduce car use and carbon emissions. These initiatives are also addressing equity concerns by providing alternatives for lower-income workers and those without access to transit. The trend reflects a broader corporate commitment to sustainability and employee satisfaction.

The article discusses the prevalence of toxic bosses, particularly female bosses, who fail to support other women in the workplace. It highlights a recent sex discrimination case involving British Gas, where a part-time working mother faced criticism from her female bosses. The author reflects on her own experiences and regrets of not speaking up against unfair treatment. Expert Nicole Posner provides insights into the behaviors and underlying causes of toxic leadership. The article emphasizes the need for change and accountability to create a supportive work environment for women.

Stephen O’Malley, CEO of Civic Engineers in Manchester, UK, promotes sustainable commuting by incentivizing employees to cycle to work, contributing to the company's carbon-neutral goals. This initiative is part of a broader trend where companies are implementing various programs to reduce car use and meet carbon reduction targets. Examples include Lyft's adjusted parking fee program in San Francisco and the UK's Electric Car Scheme. Despite criticisms regarding accessibility for lower-income workers, companies like Kura are providing shuttle services to bridge the gap. The push for sustainable commuting is driven by both corporate goals and employee demand for environmentally responsible employers.

The article discusses the challenges and benefits of part-time work, particularly for women returning from parental leave. It highlights the author's personal journey and the broader implications for gender equality in the workplace. The text emphasizes the need for organizations to adopt flexible working policies to attract and retain diverse talent. It features insights from Verena Hefti, Hollye Kirkcaldy, and Eileen Donoghue, who share their experiences and advocate for structural changes to support part-time leadership roles.

The Clarke family from Berkshire has significantly altered their shopping habits due to a 40% rise in grocery bills since 2020. They have shifted from frequenting Waitrose to more budget-conscious online shopping at Tesco, cancelled meal box subscriptions from HelloFresh and Gousto, and reduced dining out. This change reflects a broader trend among Britons, with 63% cutting spending and 46% feeling their living standards are worsening. The family now focuses on meal planning, reducing food waste, and teaching their children about budgeting, using tools like the Olio app to donate unused items.

British businesses are undergoing significant transformations, with major companies like BT and Vodafone planning substantial job cuts driven by automation and operational simplification. The concept of a 'mutable organization,' as described by Richard Skellett, emphasizes a shift towards a flexible, outcome-based workforce model. This model involves a small core of leaders managing teams of skilled freelance workers, supported by platforms like Catalant, Freelancer.com, and YunoJuno. The rise of AI and generative AI is further accelerating this trend, leading to a fundamental change in how businesses operate and how individuals pursue their careers.

The article discusses how data-driven technology is enhancing the effectiveness of whistleblowing in corporate environments. Highlighting the case of Theranos, it underscores the importance of internal reporting systems offered by companies like Vault, Navex, SpeakUp, and Telli. These platforms allow employees to report misconduct anonymously, helping firms detect and address issues before they escalate. Neta Meidav, CEO of Vault, emphasizes the role of trust and data in resolving complaints efficiently. The article also touches on the EU's whistleblower directive and the potential for increased reporting of environmental issues. While technology is seen as a crucial tool, experts like Georgina Halford-Hall and Andrew Pepper-Parsons stress that a supportive culture is equally important for effective whistleblowing.

B Corporations, such as First Wealth, have significantly improved employee wellbeing and engagement through various initiatives, including equal parental leave, childcare subsidies, and flexible working hours. Data from B Lab UK indicates that B Corps generally outperform non-certified companies in employee-related measures, such as lower staff attrition rates and smaller gender pay gaps. However, B Corps still face challenges in diversity and inclusivity, with many employees feeling that more progress is needed in these areas. B Lab UK is addressing this by forming an advisory group to help B Corps become more representative of society.

A tax-efficient salary-sacrifice scheme for electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining traction as a valuable employee benefit in the UK, with 73% of workers seeking financial support from their employers. The scheme allows employees to lease EVs through their gross salary, reducing income tax and national insurance payments. Key considerations include early-termination fees and the impact on overall salaries. Companies like Amtivo Group and Beyond Encryption have implemented such schemes, with varying levels of uptake. The initiative is seen as a modern, sustainable benefit that can attract and retain talent, despite economic challenges.

First Wealth, a financial services firm, has significantly improved employee wellbeing since becoming a B Corporation in 2020, offering benefits like equal parental leave, childcare subsidies, and menopause support. B Corps are recognized for their positive contributions to the environment and society, with a focus on employee health, safety, and satisfaction. Data from B Lab UK shows that B Corps have lower staff attrition rates and smaller gender pay gaps compared to non-certified companies. However, B Corps still face challenges in diversity and inclusivity, with many employees feeling that more progress is needed. First Wealth is actively working to address these issues through various initiatives.

Job sharing is presented as a practical solution to address gender pay and seniority gaps, particularly for women returning to work post-parental leave. The World Economic Forum and various organizations highlight its benefits, including maintaining career seniority and achieving work-life balance. Examples from Microsoft, Open Banking Implementation Entity, and Mencap illustrate successful implementations. Sophie Smallwood of Roleshare emphasizes the importance of job sharing for diverse and qualified talent retention. The article advocates for normalizing job sharing to enhance gender diversity and career progression.

Latisha Carter's journey from a single mother to a senior role at Xero exemplifies the growing trend of skills-based hiring in the U.S., which prioritizes experience over formal education. This shift is supported by findings from Adzuna and initiatives like OneTen, which aims to place one million Black Americans without college degrees into well-paying jobs. The movement is seen as a way to close the racial wealth gap and create more diverse and inclusive workplaces.

First Wealth, a financial services firm, has significantly improved employee wellbeing since becoming a B Corporation in 2020, offering benefits like equal parental leave, childcare subsidies, and wellness stipends. B Corporations are recognized for their positive contributions to the environment and society, and their certification process includes a focus on employee health, safety, and engagement. Data suggests that B Corps have lower staff attrition rates, smaller gender pay gaps, and higher female representation in leadership compared to non-certified companies. However, B Corps still face challenges in diversity and inclusivity, with many employees feeling that more progress is needed in these areas. B Lab UK is working to address these issues through initiatives like the equitable growth advisory group.

Vanesa Cotlar, a digital nomad and HR leader, shares her journey of balancing work and travel. After joining Remote Year in 2018, she co-founded an HR tech startup and became Head of People at PolicyMe, promoting remote work culture. Cotlar's structured approach to remote work includes maintaining Toronto hours and using tools like Notion, Slack, and Zoom. Jessie Danyi, another digital nomad, emphasizes the importance of routine and work prioritization, while Luke Haynie balances work and family life through programs like Boundless Life. The article underscores the growing trend of remote work and the benefits of flexibility for attracting and retaining talent.

Joel Young and his family spend about six months each year traveling in an RV, believing that experiential learning through travel is more effective than traditional classroom education. They visit historical sites and national parks, integrating natural learning experiences into their children's homeschooling curriculum. Joel runs a video-production business and contributes to his children's education by teaching personal finance and entrepreneurialism. The family has adapted their travel schedule to accommodate their children's growing social lives and sports commitments, finding that travel strengthens their family bonds.

The article explores the reasons behind the lower adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT among women compared to men. It highlights personal anecdotes and expert opinions, pointing to issues such as trust, authenticity, and gender disparities in STEM fields. The article also discusses societal and psychological factors that may contribute to women's reluctance to use AI, emphasizing the need for more female representation in the technology sector.

Rachael Grieve, after a career break, helped establish Nomura's Returners Program, which supports individuals reentering the workforce after extended breaks. This initiative, along with similar programs like Meta's Return to Work, aims to increase female representation in male-dominated sectors and counteract the pandemic's disproportionate impact on women in the workforce. These programs provide structured support, including training and mentorship, to help women regain confidence and secure full-time positions, contributing to broader gender equality goals.

A tax-efficient salary-sacrifice scheme for electric vehicles (EVs) can be a valuable employee benefit, reducing income tax and national insurance payments while covering costs like domestic charging equipment, maintenance, and insurance. Employers must consider early-termination fees and the impact on overall salaries. Amtivo Group's successful implementation of the scheme has seen positive employee feedback, while Beyond Encryption's scheme has had a slower uptake due to economic conditions. The scheme is seen as a modern benefit that can attract and retain talent, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

Single mothers are increasingly embarking on extended travels with their children, finding joy and community in the process. Roni Dagan, a widow and marketing firm owner from Tel Aviv, has traveled to various destinations with her son, Gal. Alison Lewis, a digital design consultant from the U.S., turned to travel after her marriage ended, exploring the country with her son. Catherine Chinatree, a U.K.-based artist, took her child on a three-month trip to Asia after separating from her partner. These mothers have utilized services like Boundless Life, which offers packages that include accommodations, coworking spaces, and schooling, to facilitate their travels. The company has seen an uptick in bookings from single parents seeking a supportive community for themselves and their children. The experiences have been transformative, providing single moms with a sense of freedom, connection, and revitalization.

Claire Walsh, an HR professional at Remote, exemplifies the growing trend of individual contributor (IC) roles, which allow employees to advance without becoming managers. IC roles, which focus on specialized skills and autonomy, are becoming a strategic advantage for companies like Remote, Pleo, and Spartan FX. These roles can be particularly beneficial for individuals with specific needs, such as Jessie Danyi, who manages chronic health conditions. While IC roles offer significant benefits, they may come with a lower career ceiling, prompting companies to create new levels like 'expert lead' to retain senior ICs. The article highlights the flexibility and innovation of companies that support IC roles, contrasting them with traditional management paths.

The article discusses the growing trend of digital nomad families who travel while working remotely and home-schooling their children. It highlights the experiences of the Young family and the Hawleys, who embrace this lifestyle for the cultural and educational benefits it provides to their children. The article also references a study by Lonely Planet and Fiverr on 'anywhere workers', indicating a significant portion of them are parents. Experts, however, caution about the potential downsides, such as the need for routine and community. The piece is part of BBC's Family Tree series, which explores the dynamics of modern families. It suggests that as remote work becomes more common, families are finding new ways to integrate travel into their lives while considering the educational and social needs of their children.

Polish company PhotoAid, which assists travelers with passport photos, offers its remote employees free accommodation in an apartment in Tenerife, Spain. Employees can stay up to three weeks and visit multiple times a year, subject to demand. The company also reimburses half of the flight cost up to 1,000 Polish zlotys ($246) annually. The initiative, started in summer 2022, aims to foster relationships and boost morale. About 50 of the 143 employees have stayed at the apartment, and some met their teammates in person for the first time there. The apartment includes workspaces and amenities, and the company sees it as a 'company charger' to re-energize employees.

The article critiques the superficial celebrations of International Women's Day, emphasizing the need for concrete policies to achieve gender equality. It highlights Aviva's equal parental leave policy and its positive impact on reducing the gender pay gap. The piece also showcases Creature London, an advertising agency with progressive policies like equal parental leave, childcare support, and paid miscarriage leave. The author argues that businesses should focus on substantive actions rather than platitudes to drive real progress in gender equality.

The pandemic has disrupted sleep patterns, leading to increased screen fatigue, sedentariness, and anxiety. Research from King's College London found that two-thirds of Britons have worse sleep quality since the first lockdown. The global sleeping aids market is expected to reach $120 billion by 2030. Experts recommend addressing sleep as a key element of wellbeing, with companies like Inspire Group and Gympass offering sleep-related benefits to employees. Sleep consultants advise against meticulous tracking through apps and suggest finding a sleep pattern that works for the individual.

The article discusses YaganKar, a company that generates revenue by charging firms to advertise their job vacancies. The founder of YaganKar, Mr Hashimi, has ambitions to grow the company significantly. He aims to have over 1,000 Afghans registered in the company's database within the next year. Additionally, Mr Hashimi plans to introduce a learning platform designed to enhance the skill sets of its users, thereby increasing their employability and the range of jobs they can apply for.

Refugee Mursal Azizi, originally from Kabul and now in Pakistan, supports her family through remote freelance work facilitated by YaganKar, a platform connecting Afghan freelancers with global employers. Founded by Jamshid Hashimi in Canada, YaganKar helps over 600 Afghans, including many women, find remote work. The UNHCR supports remote work to ease job market tensions in host communities. Lorraine Charles of Na'amal and Enrique Vervez of iWorker also advocate for remote work to provide opportunities for refugees and locals in crisis-hit regions like Venezuela.

The author discusses the benefits of allowing their 3-year-old child to have a flexible bedtime, often as late as 10 p.m., which enables the family to enjoy more activities together, especially during vacations. They share experiences from trips to Crete and Majorca, highlighting the cultural differences in bedtime norms and the positive impact on family bonding. The flexible schedule reduces stress and allows for spontaneous family outings, although it sometimes cuts into adult alone time. The author acknowledges that this routine may change with the arrival of their second child.

The article discusses the shift in corporate culture towards more flexible working arrangements for fathers, highlighting the experiences of EY director Chris Ashton Holt and his approach to work-life balance after taking parental leave. It also covers the perspectives of other professionals like Ian Dinwiddy of Inspiring Dads and John Bennett from JP Morgan, who advocate for job sharing and flexible working to promote gender equality and better family relationships. The article references a study by the Fatherhood Institute and mentions companies like AkzoNobel and ClearChannel that are supporting new working models. It emphasizes the importance of breaking traditional gender roles and stereotypes to achieve gender equality in the workplace and at home.

The article discusses the shift in corporate culture towards more flexible working arrangements for fathers, highlighting the experiences of EY director Chris Ashton Holt and his approach to work-life balance after taking parental leave. It also covers the perspectives of other professionals like Ian Dinwiddy of Inspiring Dads and John Bennett from JP Morgan, who advocate for job sharing and flexible working to promote gender equality and better family relationships. The article references a study by the Fatherhood Institute and mentions companies like AkzoNobel and ClearChannel that are supporting new working models. It emphasizes the importance of breaking traditional gender roles and stereotypes to achieve gender equality in the workplace and at home.

The concept of working from anywhere (WFA) is becoming increasingly popular, with a significant rise in job adverts offering remote work. Companies like Ecosia and Pleo are embracing this trend, allowing employees to work remotely for extended periods. While the digital-nomad lifestyle is glamorized on social media, it comes with practical challenges such as arranging travel, finding reliable Wi-Fi, and balancing work with exploration. Despite these challenges, many find the experience rewarding. Self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs, like Rachel Allison, find workcations a necessary compromise to get away without neglecting their businesses. Boundless Life caters to this demographic by providing family-friendly workcation facilities. Experts like Rowena Hennigan emphasize the importance of maintaining work/life boundaries to prevent burnout and maximize the benefits of a workcation.

Companies like Freda and Seeker Digital are allowing employees to swap fixed bank holidays for days off that better suit their personal needs, reflecting a growing trend towards workplace flexibility. This policy enables employees to align holidays with family schedules, save on childcare costs, and celebrate cultural events. The practice is gaining popularity, with a survey indicating that over half of British respondents desire the ability to switch bank holidays. Employers find that such flexibility can boost employee satisfaction and work-life balance, although it may require additional scheduling management.

The article discusses the trend of companies allowing employees to swap fixed bank holidays for days off that better suit their personal needs. Afsaneh Parvizi-Wayne, founder of the organic period product start-up Freda, allows her team to choose their own bank holidays. Similarly, Seeker Digital in Bristol has had a flexible bank holiday policy since its inception. The article also mentions Human Appeal, a Manchester-based charity, which permitted its workforce to swap Easter bank holidays for an extended Eid celebration. A survey by LoopMe shows that a significant portion of British workers either have or desire the option to switch their bank holidays. The article suggests that flexible bank holiday policies may improve work-life balance and employee satisfaction, but acknowledges that such policies may not be suitable for all roles or organizations.

Joel Young and his wife Jenna, from rural Ohio, spend six months each year traveling in an RV with their three boys, aged 7 to 15, who are homeschooled. They believe that learning through experiences, such as visiting historical and natural sites across America, is more effective than traditional classroom education. Joel runs a video-production business and works remotely, while Jenna leads the homeschooling efforts, tailoring curriculums to their children's needs. The family values the educational flexibility, exposure to different cultures, and the strong family bonds formed through their travels.

Women leaving their jobs have significantly contributed to the decrease in U.S. labor force participation, exacerbated by the pandemic. Programs like Nomura's Returners Program and Meta's Return to Work initiative are helping women rejoin the workforce by offering structured support, training, and mentorship. These programs aim to increase female representation in male-dominated sectors and address the gender pay gap. Personal stories from beneficiaries highlight the positive impact of these initiatives on their confidence and career progression.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are playing a crucial role in aiding Ukrainian refugees through innovative and agile approaches. Companies like Chili Piper, Growmotely, and hackajob are providing financial support, resources, and employment opportunities to evacuees. Chili Piper has developed a digital platform and an online directory to assist refugees, while Growmotely and hackajob are offering financial aid and job placements. The efforts are driven by personal connections and a commitment to long-term support, highlighting the significant impact SMEs can have in crisis situations.

Cimpress, the parent company of Vistaprint, has successfully implemented a 'remote-first' work policy for its 1,600 employees not tied to specific printing locations. The company has seen a 300% increase in job applications and only one employee has left due to the remote-first change. A significant portion of employees have shifted away from traditional 9-to-5 hours, and some have moved to different states. Cimpress has also created a 'culture deck' to help manage remote work and gather feedback.