HR in Review 62 – What does the future of work look like? Remote working and the 4-day week

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About this Episode

In this episode of the HR in Review Podcast, we explore why companies are asking for their employees to return to the office and also discuss how organisations can encourage a better work-life balance.

Kate also stresses the importance of ensuring all employees have equal opportunities for advancement, despite working a 4 or 5-day working week.

Guest: Kate Palmer, Employment Services Director at Peninsula UK

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Kate is a thought leader in HR and employment law, and a Director of HR Advice and Consultancy at global employment law consultancy, Peninsula.

She joined Peninsula in 2009 from a worldwide facility services company, where she was Senior HR Manager. Her exploits included providing HR & employment law support to over 30 UK hospitals and dealing with high-profile NHS union cases—expertise she now brings to Peninsula clients.

Today, she is involved in all aspects of HR and employment law advice and continues to develop Peninsula’s expert law advisors and ensures each client gets the answers they need every time they call.

As an industry opinion leader, her expertise is sought after frequently. Her authoritative HR and employment law commentary is regularly featured on BBC TV and radio channels, as well as in major publications such as The Times.

Questions for Kate include:

  • How do you think flexible working contributes to things like employee satisfaction and retention?
  • How can policymakers support the widespread adoption of flexible working policies, whilst also advocating for work-life balance initiatives?
  • How do you think a 4-day working week impacts company culture and things like team dynamics?
  • Can you give examples of industries that might work better with a 4-day work week and some that might not work so well?
  • Is there a correlation between reduced working hours and improved mental health?
  • Do you think a 4-day week would impact productivity? If so, do you have any strategies that managers could employ to effectively measure and manage productivity?

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Podcast Host and Guests for this Edition

Host: Amelia Brand
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview. With a master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles for UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics, and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.

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Guest: Kate Palmer FCIPD, Employment Services Director at Peninsula UK
Kate is a thought leader in HR and employment law, and a Director of HR Advice and Consultancy at global employment law consultancy, Peninsula.

Find Me on LinkedIn

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Chernelle Vaughan is a Marketing Manager at HRreview, an HR news, opinion, and advice publication. She is an author and content creator who contributes articles and hosts podcasts covering contemporary workplace topics including employee experience, remote working, generational workplace dynamics, and organizational culture. She holds education from the University of Westminster and is based in Merton, England.

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