‘Sick at the desk’ workforce crisis costs UK economy billions every year Business Britain’s workforce health crisis isn’t happening on sick leave; it’s happening at the desk, as employees are working through illness and stress. Poor workforce health is estimated to cost the UK economy £241bn in lost productivity annually, according to claims in a new report by healthcare insurer Vitality, with mental ill-health being the single largest [...]
In defence of Ealing Broadway’s ‘calm space’ Opinion The arrival of an unlit hut at Ealing Broadway has naturally been the source of ridicule, but there is some sense behind it, says Sophie Maxwell Brown.
The City may not be woke, but is it waking up to wellness? Opinion Photis Kassianides worked on equity trading floors before setting up a divorce coaching service. He writes about the destagmitisation of wellness.
Mayer Brown defends ‘do not disturb’ policy despite criticism from rivals June 15, 2026 When the US law firm Mayer Brown, based in the City, implemented a policy that partners should not disturb associates during their holidays, its London office managing partner said some rival partners criticised the move. Speaking to City AM, Dominic Griffiths said: “When I introduced that policy [three years ago], there were one or two [...]
‘Protecting children is right’: Starmer takes on Big Tech with social media ban for under-16s June 15, 2026 Keir Starmer has announced a ban on social media for under-16s, arguing that platforms are harming children’s wellbeing and fuelling a generation of unhealthy online habits. The Prime Minister said social media was making children “unhappy”, making it easier for bullies to harass and abuse young people and potentially damaging their mental health. Speaking at [...]
The chimp paradox and City wellbeing: managing your emotional brain at work February 11, 2026 In the City of London, we are proud to be home to world‑leading institutions, ambitious businesses, and a diverse workforce. But behind every thriving organisation are people who need the space, support, and tools to thrive. As Town Clerk and CEO, I understand how important wellbeing is to organisational success. As we continue to invest [...]
The ultimate Sunday Scaries: How to cope with the January return to work January 4, 2026 Forget Blue Monday, the Sunday before going back to work after the Christmas break may be the scariest day of all. Here's how to cope.
TikTok wants you to stop doomscrolling (on its own app) November 19, 2025 TikTok has spent years perfecting the dark art of keeping you glued to your phone, but now it wants to help you put the phone down. In a move that feels almost existential, the company announced on Wednesday the rollout of a new so-called ‘Time and Well‑Being’ centre designed to help people step away from [...]
ChatGPT: OpenAI’s safety upgrade offers an illusion of care October 28, 2025 OpenAI has recently told users that its latest chatbot update aims to become a safer tool for users experiencing distress, particularly when showing signs of psychosis, mania, self-harm, and overall emotional over-reliance on AI. The company, known for its trigger of the AI boom in November 2022 and quasi-synonymous to conversational chatbots, said the changes were informed [...]
A new app is helping corporates this World Mental Health day October 9, 2025 Ahead of World Mental Health Day this Friday 10 October, a new health and wellbeing service is aiming to help British workers stay healthier in the office. Brits take around 150 million sick days per year, costing the economy over £100 billion. The Looking After Me app offers workers a 15 minute counselling session every [...]