In case you missed it: What it’s like to work in HR today, Festival of Work highlights, and the latest on our efforts to influence public policy

Why good people management is key to a happier, more sustainable and productive workforce 

We published our eighth annual Good Work Index earlier this month. Each year, we survey more than 5,000 UK workers from different sectors and occupations about key aspects of their work and employment. To help you drive impactful policies and practices in your organisation, the report offers compelling data on factors that influence key business outcomes such as performance, discretionary effort and intention to quit. 

The sixth annual Working Lives Scotland report was also published this month, with over 1,000 workers surveyed about key aspects of their work and employment. Over a quarter of respondents reported that work negatively affects their mental health, highlighting an urgent need for HR leaders and organisations to prioritise good people management and employee wellbeing.   

• Explore the Good Work Index report in full

• Read the Working Lives Scotland report
• Discover how organisations are promoting wellbeing at work in Ireland

What’s it like to work in HR today? 

In our most recent Voice of the Profession survey, we asked over 1,000 people professionals about current challenges, how the HR function is perceived in their organisations, and how their remit has changed. They also talked to us about career and development opportunities available in the profession. Read our analysis to find out what they had to say: 

“A powerhouse of insights, innovation and motivation”: Highlights from the Festival of Work 

We proudly welcomed almost 13,000 people professionals, leaders and managers from 57 countries to the CIPD Festival of Work earlier this month. Discussions included everything from the increasing impact of AI (and ongoing need for empathetic, human leadership) to the importance of embracing a growth mindset and our role in shaping the future of employment law.  

Festival-goers said the event gave them “a refreshed perspective on the future of work” and “a great mix of innovation, psychology, health and human-first leadership”. Check out the highlights and catch up on any sessions you missed. 

New resources for managing talent, leading change and supporting young people 

The pace of change in the world of work is more intense than ever – and as experts in people, work and change, you're at the forefront of helping organisations navigate this complexity. We're here to support you with the latest evidence-based resources to enhance your expertise and impact. 

Whether you're refining your talent management strategy, leading your organisation through transformation, or contributing to developing the next generation of workers, our practical guides and tools can add to your professional toolkit. 

Here's what we've published or updated this month: 

• NEW Guide: Talent management 

• NEW Tools: Talent management 

• Factsheet: Change management 

• Guide: Making work experience work 

• Guide: Information and consultation of employees (ICE) 
  Explore our Knowledge Hub for more guides and tools

How we continue to engage with policymakers on evolving employment law   

As your professional body, we’re committed to representing your insights and expertise in discussions about evolving employment law and public policy. 

Here’s a snapshot of everything we’ve been involved in this month, including our response to the UK Government’s spending review and industrial strategy and how employment relations skills hold the key to success of upcoming trade union reforms: 

• Why stronger links between skills policy and business support is crucial 

• Our thoughts on the UK Government’s industrial strategy 

• Highlighting the importance of flexible and hybrid working in evidence to the House of Lords 

• JobCentre reforms: Why they are crucial to tackling economic inactivity 

• Should disability pay gap reporting and ethnicity pay gap reporting be made mandatory? 

• The importance of partnership working between employers and trade unions   
  
• How CIPD members can influence government guidance on AI in recruitment and skills
• Briefing: what does new EU legislation on AI mean for organisations and people practice?

Catch up on the latest HR People Pod to hear Alison McGovern MP, UK Employment Minister, speak about how crucial her relationship with the CIPD and its members is to her role. 

The latest UK employment law roundup 

We’re keeping a constant watchful eye on the evolving employment law landscape and making sure our knowledge hub is updated to provide you with the most current information. Here’s the latest this month: 

• June round-up: Information on a new law that will increase the rights of victims of crime (and people who reasonably suspect they are a victim of crime) at work, case law relating to remote working and proposed cost savings from a government AI trial. 

• Timetable of employment law changes: Keep up to date with the latest developments, like the Data (Use and Access) Act gaining Royal Assent. 

• Employment Rights Bill tracker: Find out what’s happening with the ERB and what it will mean for you. 

Our top picks from the CIPD community  

Our discussion forums provide a safe, open space for our global community of people professionals to share their thoughts and insights and seek advice on the issues they may be facing in their day-to-day roles. Topics of discussion this month included:  

• How many direct reports? 

• Does the use of AI in the workplace have negative impacts? 

• Should we disclose the identity of the complainant? 

• Guidance for assessing if employee is well enough to work 

• Booking holiday only on the 'office days'