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Careers & workplace advice from Hays

Many of us have experienced remote and hybrid working in the past five years. However, should professionals soon expect to be returning to the office full-time? 

As shared in our blog on 2025 workplace trends, 83% of CEOs expect a full return to office in the next three years. While this sentiment hasn’t led to much action yet, productivity and company culture outside the office are under scrutiny. 

Is your employer leaning toward everybody “coming in” again? If you’ve been out of the office environment for a while — or have never known it at all — returning to a full-time in-office role can be daunting. But there are several ways you can make it work for you. 

How to get ready to return to the office full-time

The first step is to consider what you liked (and didn’t like) about flexible working.  

Yes, working from home allows greater flexibility. But this working pattern also blurs the distinction between your work and personal life.  

Did you miss having an office space? Do you prefer in-person meetings to Zoom calls? Then you may be ready for your new workday routine.  

And it’s important to remember that, no matter which side you fall on in the remote vs office debate, you’re not alone. In fact, opinions are split almost down the middle. Bamboo HR’s 2024 Return to the Office report showed that two out of five (39%) prefer to be office-based. Around half of workers (52%) choose remote. 

If you prefer to work remotely, there are various steps you can take to make an office more comfortable for you. With big name companies such as Amazon setting the tone with return-to-work mandates, employees may need to get used to a new work environment. If you’re in this situation, here are eight top tips for returning to the office full-time. 

1. Rethink your sleeping patterns 

Are you used to rolling out of bed and getting straight on your computer? To maintain a healthy lifestyle while getting up early to get ready and commute, you’ll have to find a sleep routine that involves getting to bed earlier. A healthy sleep pattern is crucial to your personal well-being and work performance. 

2. Create a solid morning routine 

Once you know when you’ll be waking up, you can start to build a new routine. Think about everything you need to do in the morning. Is breakfast something you prepare at home, or on the go? If you exercise, do you have time to get to the gym, or do you need to find somewhere nearer your office? Perhaps some home equipment is the answer. 

Next, plan your commute. If you already work in the office a few days each week, you should be familiar with this already. However, bear in mind that, as more people return to the office full-time, the roads and public transport will be busier. There’ll probably be a longer queue at your regular coffee shop, too. It’s worth setting out a little earlier if possible, since rushing to make it to your desk every morning will only make things more jarring. 

Building a regular routine is difficult, but deciding it and sticking to it will make the transition easier. 

3. Have a plan for concentrating in the office 

One of the biggest perks of working at home is that you dictate the distractions. In an office, you might have less control over the atmosphere. 

If you want to get your head down, take a pair of headphones when you return to the workplace. It may help to have a dedicated work bag where you keep things that help keep your concentration on track. 

Another productive habit is to set hours where you fully concentrate. Use your calendar to block out ‘focus time’ and limit notifications. 

4. Build your own workspace 

Bring useful stationery or decorations to make your office feel like home. Small plants and pictures are a great way to get started. A few easily movable accessories will help you to feel more settled and like you’re in familiar surroundings. 

5. Take advantage of face-to-face interactions 

Whereas working remotely can lead you to feel disconnected from your peers, seeing colleagues in person is a great way to boost your mood. Don’t feel guilty about taking time for interactions – after all, employers often cite this as a primary reason for returning to the office. As long as you’ve got enough time and space to get your work done, there’s nothing wrong with having a chat.  

Make the most of office life and embrace the chance for informal team conversations. Unscheduled conversations can also help you to come up with creative ideas for addressing work problems. 

6. Look after your mental health  

Returning to the office full-time brings different challenges from home working. Remote workers might struggle with disconnection and switching off at night, but being in the office may lead to new anxieties about working in a busy workspace. Check in with yourself regularly to make sure your new environment allows you to prioritise your mental health. 

7. Maintain a work-life balance 

Working from home can often mean that people are inclined to stay online a little later, blurring the boundary between your job and your downtime. After returning to the office, make sure you’re not staying too late or sacrificing personal well-being. Stick to work schedules and try to switch off in the evening.  

In fact, this is where office-based working arrangements can be helpful. You have a set time to end the day and leave work. Avoid checking emails or notifications once you exit the office and make your way home. Take this chance to transition from work to personal life and give your mind a rest. 

8. Take regular breaks 

Just because you’re back in the office, it doesn’t mean you should be working every single minute of the day. Taking regular pauses, getting up and moving makes you more productive when you are working. Remember, sitting at your desk all day impresses no one — it just makes you feel sluggish. Whether you’ve got assigned break times or a flexible routine, remember to take those chances to refresh your body and mind.  

Thriving in an office environment 

Returning to the office full-time may be distinctly different from the remote work many have become used to. But with careful planning, the right environment and self-care, you can make your office-based role a roaring success.

Career reflection and goal setting can help move you forward, no matter what stage of your working life you’re in. What has been your biggest achievement in your career? And how can you improve your career skills for the year ahead? 

By setting yourself a yearly career development plan, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, and set a clear path to develop your skills and ensure professional growth.  

In this blog, we’ll help you to evaluate your career, improve your skills, and create a career development plan so you’re ready to progress confidently into 2025.  

Why career reflection and goal setting is important 

When first approaching how to improve your career development, it’s crucial to reflect on what you’ve already managed . Career reflection helps you to: 

  • Identify progress: What have you achieved so far and how far have you come? 
  • Set clear goals: Where do you want to go next and how’re you going to get there? 
  • Keep informed: How can you adapt to any industry changes and trends within your sector? 

Achieving your career goals is an ongoing process, but today’s fast-paced job market means that you have to advance continually to stay competitive. Annual performance reviews help to keep you on track to create the career you dream of. 

How to assess your career achievements  

Evaluate the biggest achievements in your career this year by following these steps: 

1. List your key achievements

  • Have you reached any milestones? 
  • Have you completed any major projects, learned specific skills or received recognition? 

2. Reflect on any challenges 

  • Did anything not go to plan? 
  • Are there any lessons you can take away from challenging experiences? 

3. Measure your growth  

  • How does your personal development compare from the start of the year till now? 
  • Have there been any changes in your confidence, skills or responsibilities? 

Document any achievements throughout the year to help make this process easier. Recording wins, challenges and new skills as they happen will mean you’ll have a detailed record to review next year. 

Identifying areas for improvement  

Celebrating success is important. However, for continued career development, you need to be identifying areas for growth too. Use these strategies to help achieve your goals:  

1. Review any feedback 

  • Do you have any feedback from performance reviews, managers or from conversation with colleagues? 
  • Can you notice any patterns that indicate where you can improve? 

2. Assess your skills and experience 

  • Compare your skills to those in demand in your industry. Are there gaps? 
  • Evaluate your soft skills. For example, is there room for improvement in your leadership or communication skills? 

3. Look ahead in your profession 

  • What are the latest industry trends? Are there new tools, technologies or methodologies to get to grips with? 

By identifying opportunities to improve your career skills, you’ll have a clearer direction in which to focus your attention. Professional achievements come in all shapes and sizes, so focus on skills that mean the most to you and your plan.  

Important steps for career reflection and goal setting

You’ve assessed areas for improvement as part of your career development plan – next, it’s time to take action. No matter how far or close you are to achieving your career aspirations, here are some steps you can take: 

Find a mentor  

If you feel like you’re lacking guidance or support, find a mentor or seek out a career coach. These experienced colleagues can help you to negotiate challenges based on their own work experience. A mentor can share insightful industry knowledge and offer advice to help you achieve your goals for professional growth.  

Managers or other team members might be perfect as your mentor. However, if you work as a contractor or feel uncomfortable seeking mentors in your current role, try attending industry events. Platforms like LinkedIn are a great place to connect with professionals who can improve your career development.  

Expand your knowledge  

Continuous learning is vital to career progression. Professional training can help if you’re seeking a promotion or simply looking to reinvigorate your passion for your career. 

Enrol in online courses, attend workshops, or find industry-relevant literature. Stay up –to date with the latest trends in your industry to position yourself as a thought leader. It’s even worthwhile keeping up with the latest workplace trends on the whole.  

It may help to review required skills for similar jobs or promotion opportunities. Browsing job listings can help to inform your to do list for continuing professional development.  

If there are no specific technical skills left to learn for your role, think about valuable transferable skills. Could you improve your leadership skills for future promotions? Could you refresh your presentation or communication skills? Think about skills that define great leaders and aim to surpass them. 

Build your professional network  

Networking is about more than trying to find a new job. Speaking to professional peers has the potential to help you in achieving your career goals more broadly. Building relationships can open doors, as well as uncover topics and training that you may not have known about before. 

Set SMART goals  

Effective goal setting can make all the difference in achieving your career goals. Use a framework such as the SMART framework: 

  • Specific: Define exactly what you want to achieve. 
  • Measurable: Set criteria to track your progress. 
  • Achievable: Ensure your goals are realistic. 
  • Relevant: Align your goals with your career aspirations. 
  • Time-bound: Set deadlines to stay on track. 

Here is an example of a goal using a SMART framework to set your goals for professional growth. “Complete a certification in Agile project management by June 2025 to qualify for senior project manager roles.” 

Don’t lose momentum 

Career reflection and goal setting are just the beginning.  

To maintain progress, we recommend checking in on your goals every three months. Don’t forget to celebrate your wins and reward yourself for any milestones you’ve achieved, and be open to rethinking your goals if circumstances change. It’s important to maintain a positive work-life balance along the way. 

Assessing your career is a powerful step toward achieving your goals for professional growth. Reflecting on the past year, identify areas for growth and take action to position yourself for success in 2025. 

Achieve your career goals and make this the best year yet with Hays 

Are you a non-permanent worker wondering what industries are hiring contractor jobs? 

We’ve already explored the opportunities for professionals seeking permanent positions, and in this blog, we’ll look at where contractors can expect to find exciting projects in 2025. 

Why are so many contractor jobs available? 

In a recent edition of Hays’ LinkedIn newsletter, The Talent Blueprint, we explored the reasons that organisations should turn to a blended workforce of permanent staff and contractors. Employers need to bring in specialists who offer expertise, experience and diversity of thought. Working with contractors allows them to do this effectively while maintaining the flexibility that’s become all important in recent years. 

As such, there will continue to be plenty of opportunities for highly skilled professionals in 2025, so it’s a good time to be searching for projects as a contractor. 

Criteria when choosing a new contractor job 

  • Greater flexibility: As uncovered in the Hays Salary Guides in the US and Canada, this has been the most popular reason for contractors to switch from permanent roles in 2024.
  • Learning opportunities: Choosing a new project is also about finding the right balance between utilising your expertise and supporting your personal development. Contracting offers the opportunity for regular exposure to new areas. Naureen Jamal, an IT contractor in Canada and our first guest in the Contractor Hacks YouTube series, explained: “The areas in which I feel most confident are where I like to look at jobs – as well as opportunities for growth. I don’t want to be stagnant or just come in, only do my job and be out. I want to be able to learn from that experience”.
  • Remuneration: While many organisations turn to contractors in order to reduce costs, professionals can expect higher daily pay than they would in a permanent position.

The top industries hiring contractor jobs in 2025 

Pharmaceuticals 

The UK’s Golden Triangle (London, Oxford, Cambridge) remains a hub for innovation and there’s high demand in Research & Development, with skill shortages often met through contingent hiring. Within this space, AI-enabled drug discovery and ATMP discovery, development and production are key skills.

In France, demand for contract jobs will focus on biostatisticians, regulatory affairs specialists and clinical research associates. With the pharmaceutical industry’s digital transformation, roles in data management, machine learning and AI specialists will also be sought after. Sustainability roles for eco-friendly pharmaceutical processes will gain prominence. For contractors, 2025 will see a strong shift towards flexible and remote work arrangements. Companies will also emphasise ongoing training and development to ensure consultants stay up to date with rapid industry changes. 

Germany’s pharmaceutical sector will see high demand for contractors in data analysis, digital therapeutics and personalised medicine. Regulatory affairs and compliance professionals will also be crucial due to stringent regulations. Additionally, the number of contract research and manufacturing roles will grow as companies seek to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

The largest demand for contract workers in the US will continue to be within drug discovery and manufacturing. At the big pharmaceutical companies, roughly 80% of the positions in the latter field will be contract roles. Expect opportunities as lab technicians and in quality control, albeit mostly below a senior level. We’re also seeing a large spike in pay for technical positions, although these are fewer in number than the other roles mentioned.

Tech 

Tech professionals looking for contract work can expect to find plenty of projects worldwide in 2025. Although it’s a competitive market, the need for specialists with niche skillsets means that organisations of all kinds will continue with contingent hiring. In additional to digital transformation, the evolution of AI and growing cyber security challenges offer exciting opportunities.

For a sense of what you can expect to earn in 2025, it’s worth looking at our Tech Contractor Day Rate guides in the UK, Ireland and Australia.

Engineering 

As with technology, there are opportunities for engineers across a range of sectors. From infrastructure to technology and telecommunications, there’s demand globally for people who can join organisations for particular projects.

Paul Gibbens, National Specialism Director of Engineering for Hays UK&I, comments: “The temporary engineering recruitment market in the UK has been growing steadily. The engineering market in the UK is quite diverse, with several sectors showing strong demand for contractors.

“Major infrastructure projects, such as the HS2 high-speed rail network and various road and bridge upgrades, require a substantial number of engineering contractors. The expansion of 5G networks and advancements in technology infrastructure create opportunities for contractors specialising in telecommunications and IT engineering, Embedded Software and Software Development.”

Sustainable energy / ESG 

In Europe, the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) means organisations are under pressure to measure their carbon emissions across all scopes. In Germany, this has led to greater demand for skilled professionals because, while the number of undergraduate degrees in sustainability is growing, employers are seeking experience. As a result, a recent report from Hays Austria and Germany found that 98% of companies are recruiting external support or consulting on this subject.

With the UK’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, there’s a significant push towards renewable energy projects, including wind, solar and tidal energy. Contractors with expertise in these areas are in high demand.

Likewise, in Canada, the efforts to convert buildings to more energy efficient spaces will see greater demand for Energy Managers, as well as ESG Managers and Facilities Managers.

Further reading on preparing for contractor jobs: 

The economic climate has resulted in many companies decelerating their hiring, as the boom in opportunities that we experienced in the wake of the pandemic came to a close. There’s no denying that we’ve witnessed fewer openings than compared to previous years. But what about the future? What are the top industries hiring in 2025?

Looking to the year ahead, the workplace trends indicate that people seeking permanent positions will have to evaluate a number of factors. Technology skills will once again be in demand across the board, while green skills are increasingly sought after. 

With that in mind, it’s helpful to know where opportunities lie when making the next step in your career. We’ve taken a look at the biggest industries where we expect movement in 2025 and what you need to find a job there. 

Top industries hiring in 2025 

Technology 

People seeking jobs in the tech industry will find exciting roles, but upskilling is the name of the game in order to futureproof your career.  

While artificial intelligence hasn’t yet transformed the industry in the ways that some suggested or even predicted, professionals across all disciplines will benefit from an understanding of AI tools. The most in-demand roles in this space are Project Managers, followed by Business and Data Analysts. Being able to use AI to assist in taking notes, creating schedules or assessing data will give you a huge advantage in these jobs. 

For those looking to get involved in 2025, taking time to develop soft skills is also likely to pay off. Business-facing roles, such as the ones mentioned above, will require the ability to communicate effectively with different stakeholders. As AI’s influence grows, having the problem-solving skills to augment the tech will put you in good stead. 

Download your free CV guide from Hays

Banking, Financial Services and Insurance 

As covered in our recent BFSI report in partnership with Everest, organisations are struggling with skills shortages, so the right candidates will be in plenty of demand. Here are some of the areas that employers are on the lookout for: 

  • Technology skills: As mentioned in the introduction, proficiency with tech tools and platforms are becoming a necessity in most industries. Of course, this is important for people working in data analytics, as AI and cyber security skills will help in collecting, analysing and protecting important information. 

Energy 

Another of the major industries hiring in 2025, this is an area undergoing rapid transformation as countries continue to switch to clean energy. The new UK government has pledged to decarbonise the power sector by 2030, while offering a ‘skills passport’ for professionals making the transition into working with renewable sources. We’ve also seen greater investment in China, too, while Germany has recently committed to spending €19bn on a pipe network to transport hydrogen. 

For enthusiastic skilled professionals, the good news is that it’s a sector open to a wide range of expertise. For example, organisations want specialists to oversee renewable energy systems and consultants to offer advice on transformation 

Again, there is wide acknowledgment that greater technology adoption is required to facilitate the transition. As outlined by the World Economic Forum, cyber security professionals are in demand. Meanwhile, our recent report on the energy industry highlighted how Data Analysts will be heavily involved in optimising various stages of the energy lifecycle. 

Engineering 

A beneficiary of the focus on sustainability and clean energy are engineers. As discussed during a recent Hays LinkedIn event on finding jobs in sustainability, engineers have a big part to play in the green revolution. For example, civil engineers with expertise in sustainable urban development and resilient infrastructure can expect to find roles. 

That’s not to say that opportunities are limited to this space, though, as the job market in the engineering industry remains resilient outside of this. It’s also very broad, with a vast number of areas you could work in. The latest figures from Hays Salary Guides in the UK, as well as Australia and New Zealand, offer further insights into jobs and remuneration. 

Looking for a new job in 2025? 

Even though you know the industries hiring in 2025, it’s worth thinking about your priorities in a new role before embarking on your job search. Is it a higher salary? Greater flexibility in how your work? Access to learning opportunities and resources? 

Download our free CV and interview guides today to help you in your search and check your local Hays website here to find vacancies near you. 

The close of COP29, the United Nations’ annual climate change conference, as well as recent changes, have once again made environmental sustainability a hot topic. This, along with the announcement that the EU are set to loosen existing regulations, has left many wondering if they are encouraging workplace sustainability and ESG enough.

For most of us, our ability to make a meaningful impact comes when we work with others. One of the first places this can happen is in the workplace. Are your employers committed to sustainability, or just talking the talk? The unfortunate truth is that, sometimes, the focus on hitting financial targets or cutting costs can lead to neglecting environmental issues.   

As an employee, you can help to move things in the right direction. Maybe your company is just starting out with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). Perhaps they’ve got a plan that recently stalled. Or maybe your organisation is actively pursuing corporate sustainability, but you still feel that the company could do more. 

No matter the situation, you can make a difference. Let’s look at a few ways you can encourage your company to prioritise ESG.  

Why ESG and sustainability goals matter for business  

Evolving regulatory landscape 

New and evolving regulations mean that many businesses are being impacted. Whether organisations are directly impacted, or whether the changes are happening in their supply chain, increased reporting means that they must take action or face penalties. 

ESG is good for staff engagement  

Employees want to feel part of a company that works for good. In fact, one of our LinkedIn polls showed that 61% of respondents prioritise working for a sustainable business. Gen Z employees are also more likely to engage at work where they feel they have a purpose.  

Sustainable initiatives are good for business  

A Financial Times piece showed that companies that do well in sustainability reporting might retain customers for longer. Whilst companies who ignore sustainable business practices can seriously harm their reputation  

ESG initiatives are good for the world  

Above all, everybody needs to contribute to net zero, cutting carbon emissions where possible. Recent extreme weather conditions such as floods, hurricanes, wildfires and droughts are making front page news and negatively impacting citizens across the globe. 

Encouraging workplace sustainability and ESG – how you can help

1. Understand your organisation’s existing ESG performance  

Before you suggest new ESG practices, it’s a good idea to understand where your company currently stands. Some businesses are transparent. Yours may already publish ESG reports that show their goals and progress. Others might not — and that’s an excellent chance to step in.  

First, look into existing reports, disclosures or sustainability claims. If you can’t find anything, try speaking with HR or management. Ask directly what your company is doing to meet its climate-related metrics.   

This proactive approach will get the conversation started. Plus, once you understand your current ESG strategies, you’ll be in a better position to suggest changes. 

2. Look at competitors 

Once you’ve assessed your own organisation’s progress, it’s time to find out what you can about their competitors. Doing this will not only give you inspiration for ways your employer can make changes, but will also prove that it can be done. It’s also an effective way to motivate decision makers, since they won’t want to be seen as falling behind – especially when clients and other business partners are choosing who to work with and invest in. 

3. Start with small changes towards sustainable business practices  

You don’t need to suggest massive overhauls right away. In fact, if you try to change everything all at once, you’re less likely to be successful. The key at first is to find easy wins that won’t overwhelm but will still make a positive environmental impact.  

For example, a Deloitte report showed that seven in 10 employees would like to see their company reduce waste. Could your office do this by improving lighting or power usage? Is your team using a lot of paper or plastic? Over time, smaller changes will make a big difference.  

Remember, when you make your suggestions, it’s important to connect them to the business. Highlight the benefits for the company, such as:  

  • saving on energy bill 
  • motivating staff  
  • simply performing better towards existing ESG factors. 

4. Ask for transparency  

It’s not uncommon for companies to make claims without showing the numbers. This approach is known as greenwashing. So, if you’re serious about making a difference, transparency should be a priority.  

When you speak to those in charge, encourage them to set measurable goals for sustainability and report on them regularly. A company’s ESG goals could be as simple as tracking energy usage, waste reduction or carbon emissions, depending on your suggestions. Having the data will help them to prove their progress to staff and clients.  

5. Talk to your colleagues  

Of course, bringing awareness to ESG issues and introducing new strategies can be difficult. Often, you might not be able to change policies on your own. That’s where getting your colleagues on board and pointing towards societal pressures can make a difference.  

Do you work for a big company? Then why not start a sustainability group? If you’re lucky enough to have one already, join in. Having a team of employees who are passionate about these issues might be enough to make leadership take notice. 

As an employee, asking questions and raising issues will invariably lead to you and your group being asked to take on some of the responsibility. Why accept this? Think of it as an opportunity to develop your green skills in an area where there’s currently a notable gap. In exchange, try to secure some small investment in resources, whether that be learning and development, or a mentorship scheme. 

Final comments 

Remember, it’s important to recognise that not everyone will be on board immediately. Understandably, those under pressure with their own KPIs might only be interested in financial performance. That’s when framing ESG in terms of business benefits is so important.  

With the right ideas, focus and approach, your case for encouraging workplace sustainability and ESG will be hard to ignore.  

Read more about how you can drive a commitment to sustainability at work:  

While we reflect on our learns from 2024, it’s time to plan for the year ahead. Artificial intelligence, remote working opportunities and skills development – what can we expect from the workplace trends 2025? 

Technological advancement continues to dominate the headlines, leaving many curious and apprehensive over the tasks, or even roles, AI will soon be able to perform. Meanwhile, more CEOs expect employees back in the office five days a week. 

Here are our five biggest workplace trends 2025 impacting your career. 

AI can do your job – how will you respond? 

Unsurprising, artificial intelligence and its evolving capabilities continue to steal headlines with regard to the future of the workplace. However, opinion toward AI and its role in the world of work is shifting. 

A study by YouGov in the US earlier this year found growing concern among workers over AI’s capacity to eradicate jobs. Fifty-six per cent of professionals feel that job opportunities will decrease, while those that use AI tools were most alarmed by the prospect of this technology replacing people. The equivalent UK survey revealed that just 32% of people think the public sector workplace will be positively impacted, with 74% believing that it will result in fewer jobs (with just 5% predicting more opportunities). 

Where does this leave us humans? Jamie Dimon, CEO at JPMorgan Chase, foresees a world in which workers adapt, rather than sit out: “If AI changes jobs and operations elsewhere, we’ll deal with it… We love to retrain people, redeploy them, re-educate them.” 

With the need to upskill and reskill clearer than ever, workers must respond. In addition to learning outside of work, this involves finding ways to retrain with employers. In their 2024 global report, ADP Research uncovered that just over half of workers who feel strongly about AI are getting the workplace skills training they need. Is your organisation making the same effort? 

Soft skills – and problem-solving in particular – grow in importance 

As technology’s reach extends to new areas of the workplace, people should flex the soft skills that set us up for success. Otherwise known as human or transferable skills, these capabilities are the ones that AI will struggle to replicate effectively. Indeed, YouGov’s UK report on AI found that respondents were reluctant for processes such as decision-making or HR responsibilities to leave the remit of trained professionals. 

Following the pandemic, a white paper on Industry 5.0 and its impact found that problem-solving abilities would be the most valuable in 2025 and beyond. Another investigation by the World Economic Forum also found that five of the top ten skills by 2025 would relate to problem-solving and critical thinking. 

It appears that these forecasts are coming to pass. Whether by complementing AI’s output or working with other humans on complex challenges, developing and utilising this skillset is going to help you succeed. 

Where will we work? 

2024 was the year that Amazon decided that employees should return to the office five days a week. In Australia, public servants in the state of New South Wales have also been ordered back full-time, while the UK’s new chancellor believes in the same. On top of this, a KPMG survey of 1,300 CEOs worldwide found that 83% expect a full return to office within three years – up from 64% in 2023. 

The UK government has announced new laws on flexible working, closely aligning with the EU’s own policy that grants workers the right to request this. Japan and Malaysia introduced legislation in 2024 that offers the same opportunity to parents (like in the EU), with Singapore to follow suit in December. However, employers can refuse any requests on several grounds, especially if the applicants are not primary caregivers. 

While supposed increases in productivity and collaboration are often cited as reasons to end remote working, it appears that there are other benefits for companies who are struggling financially. BambooHR reported that a quarter of VP and C-suite executives hoped employees would quit rather than return to the office, reducing the need to make layoffs. The bad news for people who prefer remote working model is that the economic factors behind this aren’t changing anytime soon. 

Despite this, news of Amazon’s mandate has been met with scepticism and criticism in many quarters. In Hays’ UK What Workers Want report, professionals named flexibility as the second most important factor when deciding between employers (after salary). In the rest of Europe and the Middle East, over half of workers surveyed in Hays Salary Guides confirmed flexible working as their most important benefit.  

Not every organisation will be as bold as Amazon, and remote working opportunities will be out there in 2025. For example, employers in Australia and New Zealand aren’t ready to make changes, with 74% confirming that their current model will remain the same in 2025. However, this setup could be less common than in recent years, so it’s up to you to decide whether it’s a dealbreaker. Given that some leaders have already confessed that the policy should lead to resignations, will you do the same if your employer takes this step?  

Does contracting offer skilled workers greater satisfaction? 

In a recent edition of his LinkedIn newsletter, Hays CEO, Dirk Hahn outlined the benefits for organisations in making contract workers a part of the blended workforce. The reality is that these contractors can offer employers greater flexibility and lower costs at a time when budgets are tight. During research for the Salary Guide in Australia and New Zealand, Hays found a 7% increase in companies planning to hire temporary workers compared to last year. 

The good news for workers is that contracting also offers them greater flexibility. In fact, during research for the Hays US and Canada Salary Guides this year, 47% of contractors cited this as the main reason to leave behind permanent roles. If you can line up contracts back-to-back, there’s also the likelihood that your skillset could earn you higher compensation over the course of a year, as well as the opportunity to develop important skills. These advantages will only improve as organisations further incorporate contractors into workforce planning, as well as emerging technologies and changing legislation in some parts. 

For those skilled individuals who prioritise flexibility, contracting might be the answer. However, it’s not a transition that can be made quickly. Embarking on this career path involves setting up your business correctly under the relevant tax rules, being proactive in self-promotion and brand building, and having the right attitude towards networking. You can find out more on how to get started as a contractor here. 

Sustainability goals can’t be dumped on the wayside 

Could businesses’ current pursuit of short-term profits come at the expense of their sustainability pledges? As organisations tighten the purse strings and reallocate investment, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) might be set to suffer. 

According to Deloitte’s 2024 Sustainability Action Report, businesses are continuing to commit to reporting but admit that challenges are holding them back. How can you hold your employers to account and ensure these obstacles don’t impact the progress of recent years? 

Kirsty Green-Mann, Hays’ Global Head of Sustainability, advises: “Despite economic challenges, ESG continues to remain high on the agenda, particularly due to increasing regulation and customer demand for stronger credentials. 

“Asking the relevant questions of your organisation demonstrates that employees are interested and that it’s important for employers to stick to their commitments. Keeping an eye on what competitors are doing and sharing information on general trends as to why this continues to be important can also help.” 

Workplace wellbeing is more important than ever—especially as we approach World Mental Health Day. In this article, we explore five actionable steps to help you and your team foster a healthier, more supportive work environment.

Whether you’re working remotely or in a shared workspace, our advice is designed to help you look after your mental health and support your workplace wellbeing in today’s modern world of work.

Let’s dive into these ideas and discover how small changes can make a big impact on your overall wellbeing. 

5 steps to mental wellbeing 

1) Stay connected to coworkers 

While the possibility for many of us to work remotely has led to a healthier work-life balance, it’s largely resulted in us having fewer daily interactions with coworkers. 

If you’re based remotely, try to regularly check in with those you work closely with throughout the day. Kicking off each morning with a quick message and closing your working day similarly can help you feel less isolated. You might even want to schedule a regular catch-up call at the start or end of each week, which supports workplace wellbeing by encouraging casual conversations (for example about the weekend) that would naturally occur in a communal workspace.  

Of course, even if you’re working among colleagues in a workspace, that doesn’t necessarily eradicate your sense of isolation. Try to take regular coffee breaks to have a chat, and make the most of the opportunity to discuss work matters face to face. 

2) Take care of your physical wellbeing 

Your physical health has a big impact on your mental wellbeing. 

What do you eat during the day? Snacks such as fruits and nuts will keep your body fuelled while providing important nutrients. At the same time, rewarding yourself with a less healthy treat every now and then can do wonders for boosting your mood. 

Avoid rushing your lunch break, too. Granted, this can be difficult when you are busy – it feels like pushing through and clearing your to-do list will make you feel better, which can be the case. However, studies reveal that proper lunch breaks boost productivity, allowing you to recharge and reset before your afternoon tasks, which you’ll then complete to a higher standard. Taking this time to get away from work can also help to combat burnout and contribute to your overall workplace wellbeing.

A good way to spend your lunch break is by exercising. Research has shown that nature can play a part in reducing anxiety and depression, so a short stroll or run can not only break up the working day, but improve your mental wellbeing in the process. If the weather isn’t conducive to this, an indoor yoga session or even a trip to the gym can keep you active. 

3) Pause to reflect 

Take 10-15 minutes at the end of each working day to log your thoughts in a journal. You can write a number of things that can help you to improve your mental wellbeing in the short and long term: 

  • Current feelings – the act of writing out what’s on your mind can help in alleviating stress and anxiety.  
  • Goals for tomorrow – planning ahead can help you to visualise your upcoming tasks, break them down into smaller ones and realise how manageable each of them are. As leading UK mental health charity Mind notes, in setting these targets, you’re also ensuring that you can quantify everything you’re doing right, thereby motivating you for the future. 
  • Today’s achievements – think about the accomplishments you haven’t yet acknowledged or rewarded yourself for (more on this next). 
  • Things that have made you happy – finish your day by focusing on what went well and think about how you can replicate this tomorrow. 

4) Celebrate achievements – however small 

If your mental health in the workplace is deteriorating, it’s a good idea to celebrate when things go right. After all, your big successes are the sum of smaller ones, so why not recognise these achievements too? 

According to Psychology Today: “Research shows that recognizing small successes activates the brain’s reward system, which releases dopamine and reinforces positive behavior. This process fosters a sense of accomplishment and progress and boosts self-efficacy and self-esteem.” 

There’s no right answer to what constitutes an accomplishment worthy of celebration. They could include: 

  • Signing off on one stage of a project 
  • Kudos from colleagues/stakeholders 
  • Reaching a milestone 
  • Organising your files/calendar 

5) Reach out for support 

Although this is the last point on our list, by no means should you consider it a last resort. Many people find it difficult to not just articulate how or why they’re struggling, but finding someone in which they can confide. 

If you’re able to speak to a doctor, they should be able to offer specific advice to help you in your situation, refer you to specialist or prescribe treatment. 

At most organisations, the first people to consider speaking to are your line manager or somebody in HR. However, before you do this, it’s worth exploring whether there are any special resources available to you. 

Here at Hays, I’m proud to have received training as a Mental Health First Aider to support my colleagues. A recent poll by Hays on LinkedIn found that 44% of over 4,000 respondents would feel most comfortable discussing any mental health issues with a mental health first aider – a higher proportion than voted for an HR representative or their line manager. Find out whether your employer has such a person in your workplace and, if not, suggest it as an improvement to better support workplace wellbeing. 

Did you find this blog useful? Check out more content around mental health and burnout: