Welcome to another edition of Working It. Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting Kevin Delaney, the esteemed CEO and editor-in-chief of Charter, at the Financial Times headquarters in London. Kevin stopped by to share his valuable insights on the evolving landscape of the US workplace as we approach the fifth anniversary of the initial Covid-19 lockdown. His contributions have been instrumental in understanding the rapid transformations in work dynamics since the beginning of 2025.
Gender Equality in the UK Workforce: A Stalling Trend
On the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8, various reports have surfaced highlighting the ongoing issues surrounding gender equality in the workplace. A significant point of reference is PwC’s 12th annual Women in Work survey, which analyzes gender parity across 33 OECD nations. Alarmingly, the UK has experienced a regression, dropping from the 17th to the 18th position in the rankings, significantly down from 10th place in 2020. This drop is noted as the steepest decline among OECD nations post-pandemic, with Iceland, New Zealand, and Luxembourg maintaining the top spots.
Alia Qamar, a senior economist at PwC UK, emphasizes that the decline occurs amid global challenges such as stagnant economic growth and anti-diversity initiatives. However, the report highlights the potential economic benefits linked to increasing female labor market participation. The analysis predicts an approximate £43.5 billion boost to the UK GDP by 2030 if improvements in female workforce involvement continue at the current pace.
One of the significant barriers impacting women’s career advancement in the UK is the high cost of childcare, which is among the highest in the OECD. This financial burden often compels women in the critical career formation age group (25-34) to opt for less demanding, part-time roles instead of full-time positions.
In contrast, Scotland showcases a more favorable situation, with universal free early learning and childcare introduced for all 3- and 4-year-olds since 2021, contributing to a substantial increase in workplace participation and lower gender pay gaps.
Office Therapy: Navigating Health Challenges at Work
In our Office Therapy segment this week, a poignant issue arises from the challenging balance between work and personal well-being. Many professional environments demand constant engagement, which can lead to physical illness, as seen in the case presented. The question here is how individuals can efficiently detach from work responsibilities, particularly when health issues arise.
To address this, Simon Gilbody, Director of the Behavioural Therapeutics Lab at the University of York, offers insightful strategies. Establishing clear expectations through effective ‘out-of-office’ notifications can mitigate the pressure of immediate responses. Additionally, designing a structured re-engagement plan upon return can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. Gilbody advocates prioritizing manageable tasks based on urgency, integrating enjoyable and productive activities to foster a smoother transition back to work.
Insights on the Current Job Market from Charter
Kevin Delaney also shared his perspective on the current hiring landscape in the U.S., which has been dubbed a ‘frozen’ job market. Despite a low unemployment rate of 4%, many businesses have been hesitant to hire or make significant workforce changes. This has resulted in a stagnant environment, particularly affecting professional sectors like IT, which recorded a higher unemployment rate of 5.7% in January.
Delaney notes that this stagnation is leading to decreased employee engagement, with many feeling trapped in their current roles. To counter this, he recommends that managers focus on providing meaningful opportunities for skills development and maintaining regular one-on-one check-ins to enhance engagement and performance. Simple acknowledgments, whether public or private, can also contribute positively to workplace morale.
Top Five Stories in the Workplace Sphere
- Meritocracy in Business: Emma Jacobs explores whether true merit-based practices exist in hiring and promotions.
- Quirky Meeting Room Names: Clara Murray ponders whether playful names have crossed a line or enhance workplace creativity.
- Behind the Scenes at BigJet TV: RM Clark captures the essence of a thriving community built around aviation enthusiasts.
- A Student’s Perspective on AI: Sarah O’Connor discusses the risks of students becoming overly reliant on AI technologies.
- Documenting a Marriage: An intriguing new documentary delves into the complex interplay of love and art between Joel Meyerowitz and Maggie Barrett.
Book Giveaway: Stop Sh*tting Yourself
This week, we are giving away copies of Stop Sh*tting Yourself: 15 Life Lessons That Might Help You Calm the F*ck Down by Sam Delaney. The book combines personal anecdotes and practical advice aimed primarily at men seeking a more relatable approach to self-help. To enter, submit your entry before 5 PM on Friday for a chance to win one of ten free copies.
Community Feedback
In response to last week’s feature on Oxford University’s new initiative supporting students entering the non-profit sector, we received constructive feedback encouraging the spotlight on organizations that connect young people with charitable groups. The Young Trustees Movement is one mentioned as a noteworthy entity facilitating such connections.
Catch the Latest FT Money Clinic Podcast
Claer Barrett, a prominent figure behind our Sort Your Financial Life Out newsletter, hosts a newly launched podcast series focusing on investment experiences shared by real FT readers. This series covers a range of topics suitable for different audiences, exploring lessons and strategies for effective investing. Tune into the Money Clinic wherever you prefer to listen to podcasts.