​The way we work has changed massively over the past few years, hasn’t it? The global pandemic created a huge shift towards remote working. And now businesses are divided on the right way to move forward. 
 
Some businesses are eager to bring everyone back to the office. But others are keen to keep things flexible. If you’re wondering what’s best for your business, it may be time to look at the big picture: What works, what doesn’t, and what do you need to keep an eye on?
 
Let’s face it, working from home has its perks. No commute, fewer interruptions, and a chance to keep up with laundry between meetings. For many employees, it can boost productivity, improve work-life balance, and reduce stress. 
 
Remote working isn’t just about employee happiness, though. 
 
Businesses forcing staff back into full-time office work are losing people - particularly their top talent. A recent study found that companies with strict Return to Office policies saw a 14% jump in employees quitting... and these aren’t the ones you can replace in a snap. We’re talking about senior staff and highly skilled workers who take a lot of knowledge with them.
 
On top of that, finding new people to fill those roles is taking longer (23% longer, according to the report). And it’s not cheap to hire replacements, either. Today’s employees want flexibility. And businesses offering remote or hybrid roles are getting a recruitment advantage.
 
Where things get difficult is around the issue of data security. Although working from home or a coffee shop might sound great, public Wi-Fi can be like an open door for cyber criminals.
 
Your business data could also be at risk if your employees work from their personal devices (which might not have seen a software update in months). Or if they work from a home PC they share with their partner or kids. 
 
The good news is that there are some simple ways to protect your business while allowing your employees to work flexibly. 
 
Extra security measures like multi-factor authentication (that extra code you’re asked to enter when you log in) can help to keep things locked down. And a little training to teach your team how to spot email scams can also make a huge difference. 
 
So, should you bring your employees back to the office or embrace remote working? There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer. 
 
Some businesses thrive with everyone in the office, while others find that giving people the choice brings out the best in their employees. The real trick is finding what works for your team.
 
Just remember: If you’re letting people work from anywhere, don’t skimp on security. A flexible approach with strong protections can give you the best of both worlds - happy employees and a secure business.
 
If you’d like advice on how to keep your business data secure while supporting flexible working, we can help. Get in touch. 

​You've probably been considering how to harness the potential of AI to boost your company's efficiency and productivity. 
 
But there's a small problem. A recent study revealed something fascinating but not entirely surprising: A trust gap when it comes to AI in the workplace. 
 
While you see AI as a fantastic opportunity for business transformation, your employees might be skeptical and even worried about their job security.
 
Here's a snapshot of the findings:
 

• 62% of C-suite executives welcome AI, but only 52% of employees share the same enthusiasm.
• 23% of employees doubt their company’s commitment to employee interests when implementing AI.
• However, 70% of business leaders believe that AI should include human review and intervention, showing they view AI as an assistant rather than a replacement.

 
Now that we understand the situation, how can you introduce AI gently and reassure your employees that their roles are safe? 
 
Start by having open and honest conversations with your employees. Explain why you're introducing AI and how it will benefit both the company and individual roles. Show them that AI is meant to be a helping hand, not a jobs terminator.
 
Invest in training that helps your people acquire the skills they need to work alongside AI. Make them feel empowered by showing that it can make their jobs more interesting and valuable.
 
Emphasize that your AI initiatives are designed to enhance human capabilities, not replace them. Let your team know that it will handle repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more creative and strategic aspects of their work.
 
Develop clear guidelines for responsible AI use in your business. Highlight your commitment to ethical practices and ensure that employees are aware of these policies.
 
Involve your employees in the implementation process. Seek their input, listen to their concerns, and make them part of the solution. This shows that you value their contributions.
 
Encourage a culture of continuous learning. Let your employees know that they'll have opportunities for ongoing education and development, ensuring they stay relevant and valuable in the AI-driven workplace.
 
Introducing AI into your workplace doesn't have to be a cause for concern among your employees. AI is a tool for growth and innovation, not a threat to job security.
 
If we can help you introduce the right AI tools in the right way, get in touch.

​New research has uncovered an unexpected twist in the tale of cyber security risks – your tech-savvy younger employees may be your biggest vulnerability. 
 
Shocked? Let's dive into the details.
 
More than 6,500 employees across the globe were surveyed, with an almost equal representation of demographics. The results were rather alarming. 
 
The study found that younger office workers, those 40 or under, are more likely to disregard standard password safety guidelines. Can you believe that 34% admitted to using their birth dates as passwords, compared to just 19% of those over 40?
 
And it doesn't stop there. 
 
The habit of using the same password across multiple devices was also more prevalent among younger workers, with 38% admitting to doing this. 
 
And let's not even get started on phishing scams. A whopping 23% of the younger demographic didn't report the last phishing attempt they received. Their reasoning? "I didn't think it was important".
 
But surely they understand the gravity of security threats against businesses, right? Well, not quite. 
 
While ransomware and phishing were acknowledged as critical threats by 23% and 22% of employees respectively, the overall attitude towards cyber security leaves much to be desired.
 
Here's the kicker: a staggering number of those surveyed revealed that their organizations did NOT provide any mandatory cyber security training. 
 
From the US (30%) to the UK (17%), Netherlands (32%), Japan (35%), India (31%), Germany (22%), France (43%), Australia (29%) and China (65%) – the numbers speak for themselves.
 
So, are we really to blame our young workforce when it's clear that businesses aren't doing enough to equip their employees with the necessary cyber security skills?
 
It's high time we stopped treating cyber security as an afterthought and started investing in regular cyber awareness training for everyone in our businesses. Yes, EVERYONE. Not just the tech team or the executives, but every single employee.
 
At the end of the day, it's not just about protecting your business; it's about creating a safer digital world for us all.
 
We can help you do that. Get in touch.