Tag: employees

Surviving the Age of Cyberattacks: What Businesses Can Do

Organizations faced an average of 1,876 cyberattacks per quarter in 2024, a 75% increase year over year. The pressure on businesses and their IT teams keeps growing. And small businesses are not exempt. Over 60% rank cyber threats among their top concerns, and nearly 67% of small businesses that experienced a cyber attack reported financial difficulties within six months.

Cyber threats are constant and they are getting worse. This guide covers the most common threats businesses face today and the concrete steps you should take to protect your data, systems, and operations.

Common Cyberthreats Faced by Businesses

Businesses have always been targets for cybercriminals. The integration of artificial intelligence into attack methods has made those attacks faster, more targeted, and harder to detect. Understanding what you are up against is the first step toward building a defense that holds.

Ransomware

Ransomware encrypts your files and locks you out of your own systems. Attackers demand payment to restore access. The average ransomware attack costs businesses over $1.85 million when you account for downtime, recovery, and lost revenue, according to Sophos research. Even businesses that recover their data without paying face weeks of disruption. Ransomware groups target organizations of all sizes because smaller businesses tend to have weaker defenses and fewer resources to respond.

Phishing Attacks

Phishing is one of the most common entry points attackers use. Criminals send fraudulent emails or messages designed to trick your employees into handing over passwords, credentials, or financial details. One successful phishing email gives an attacker access to your entire network.

Generative AI has made this threat significantly worse. Criminals now produce convincing phishing emails, deepfake audio, and synthetic video at scale. The quality of fake messages has improved to the point where trained employees still get fooled. IBM reports that phishing is involved in over 40% of all data breaches.

Bad Bots

Bad bots are automated programs built to attack websites, mobile apps, and APIs. A common tactic is credential stuffing, where bots use stolen username-and-password pairs to break into accounts automatically. Because people reuse passwords across services, one leaked credential list gives attackers access to thousands of accounts.

Criminals also use bots to launch Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks, flooding your network or website with traffic until it goes down. For any business that depends on its online presence, even a few hours of downtime causes real financial and reputational damage.

Insider Threats

Threats do not always come from outside. Employees and contractors cause harm too, both intentionally and by accident. An employee who clicks a malicious link, misconfigures a server, or improperly shares data creates the same damage as an external attacker. The Ponemon Institute estimates that insider-related incidents cost businesses an average of $15.4 million per year. These threats are difficult to detect because the activity looks like normal business behavior.

Supply Chain Attacks

Criminals compromise a trusted vendor or software provider to gain indirect access to their actual targets. Your own security posture does not matter if one of your suppliers is the weak point. The 2020 SolarWinds attack demonstrated the scale of this risk: a single compromised software update affected over 18,000 organizations, including multiple US government agencies. A single compromised vendor has the potential to affect hundreds of downstream businesses simultaneously.

Best Practices to Protect Sensitive Data and Information

You do not need an unlimited budget to defend your business. You need consistency, layered defenses, and a workforce that knows what to look for. The following practices address the most common vulnerabilities attackers exploit.

Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication

Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for every user account and company application. A stolen password alone will not give an attacker access. Options include fingerprint or facial recognition, authenticator apps, and hardware security keys. Microsoft reports that MFA blocks over 99% of automated account attacks. Given how often credentials appear in data breaches, MFA is one of the highest-return controls available to you.

Follow Bot Detection Protocols

Use bot detection tools to stop automated threats before they reach your customers and systems. Reliable bot mitigation tools block credential stuffing, scraping, and denial-of-service attacks. Look for solutions with device fingerprinting, behavioral analysis, real-time detection, and AI integration. Without bot protection in place, your login pages, checkout flows, and APIs are open to automated attacks around the clock.

Regularly Update and Patch Software

Attackers actively scan for systems running unpatched vulnerabilities. The time between a vulnerability being disclosed and it being exploited is often days, not months. The 2017 Equifax breach, which exposed the personal data of 147 million people, traced back to an unpatched software vulnerability. Update and patch all software, applications, and operating systems promptly. Automate the process wherever you are able to eliminate delays.

Limit Access to Sensitive Information

Give employees only the access they need to do their job. This principle, known as least privilege, limits the damage from both compromised accounts and insider threats. Review permissions regularly. Revoke access immediately when employees change roles or leave the organization. A former employee with active credentials is an open door.

Back Up Data Regularly

Regular, tested backups give you an option other than paying a ransom when an attack hits. Store backups in a secure, offsite or cloud-based location isolated from your main network. A backup stored on the same network as your primary systems will likely be encrypted alongside them during a ransomware attack. Test your backups on a scheduled basis. A backup you have never tested is a backup you cannot rely on.

Build an Incident Response Plan

No defense stops every attack. You need a documented plan for what happens when one gets through. Your plan should specify who handles what, how to contain the attack, how to communicate with customers and regulators, and how to restore operations. According to IBM, organizations with a tested incident response plan save an average of $2.66 million per breach compared to those without one. Test and update the plan at least once per year.

Secure Your Network

Your network is the pathway attackers use to move through your systems once they get in. Segment your network so a breach in one area does not automatically give access to everything else. Require employees to use a VPN when working remotely, especially on public Wi-Fi. Use firewalls to filter traffic at the perimeter. Disable unused ports and services. These steps reduce how far an attacker gets even when your other defenses fail.

Train Your Employees

Human error contributes to the vast majority of successful cyberattacks. Run regular security awareness training that covers phishing recognition, password hygiene, safe browsing habits, and how to report suspicious activity. Use simulated phishing exercises to test what employees have learned and identify who needs more support. Make reporting easy and free of blame. Early reports stop attacks that would otherwise go unnoticed for weeks.

Conduct Regular Security Audits

Your defenses need testing, not just setup. Schedule periodic security audits to identify gaps in your controls, outdated configurations, and access permissions that have accumulated over time. Penetration testing, where a security professional attempts to breach your systems the way an attacker would, gives you a realistic view of your exposure. Treat audit findings as a prioritized action list, not a report to file away.

Consider Cyber Insurance

Cyber insurance does not prevent attacks, but it reduces the financial impact when one succeeds. A good policy covers costs related to data recovery, legal fees, regulatory fines, customer notification, and business interruption. Review policies carefully. Many exclude coverage for attacks linked to unpatched vulnerabilities or inadequate security controls, so the practices described in this guide are prerequisites for getting the most out of coverage.

Invest in the Right Security Tools

Endpoint antivirus is a starting point, not a complete solution. Firewalls, email filtering, network monitoring, and threat detection systems add the layers you need. Many modern tools use machine learning to identify behavior that traditional detection would miss. Match your toolset to your actual risk profile and budget, then build from there as your needs grow.

Cyberattacks will happen. The businesses that recover are the ones that prepare before an attack occurs, not after. Enforce MFA, deploy bot mitigation, keep software patched, restrict access, back up your data, secure your network, train your team, audit your defenses, and document your response plan. Do those things consistently and you give your business a real defense against the threats most likely to cause serious damage.

Why Remote Tech Teams Still Need a Physical Base in Dublin

There is no doubt that even up to this day, Ireland still holds the title of being one of Europe’s most dynamic technology hubs. This is made even more evident by the fact that global companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon maintain major operations in Dublin. Plus, there are quite a lot of startups and scale-ups that are building products from across the country.

These days, remote work has become more prominent than ever before. Remote work has completely changed the way that teams operate these days. After all, everyone from developers to engineers can collaborate despite not being in the same continent.

And yet, even with the growing popularity of remote work, there are still companies that maintain a physical presence in Dublin. This is completely reasonable, seeing as Dublin is a powerhouse filled with global opportunities. Plus, remote flexibility and physical base perfectly complement one another these days. After all, there will eventually come a time when companies who have remote workers will need a physical presence for important meetings with investors, stockholders, and partners.

The Rise of Remote Tech Teams in Ireland

It was the COVID-19 pandemic that made remote work adoption accelerate quickly. Even after the pandemic ended, a lot of companies still retained flexible working policies.

Because of remote work, companies in Dublin were able to recruit talent beyond Dublin’s city limits. This is very convenient, especially since there is no need for hired talent to relocate to fulfill their roles and responsibilities. As a result, most remote teams in Ireland now consist of professionals who are spread across multiple regions.

Sure, remote setups have plenty of advantages. For instance, there is easy access to a wider talent pool that allows companies to recruit specialists who might be unavailable locally. Plus, remote operations do not require a huge overhead. This can be very important for companies that are just starting out.

And yet, there are also some challenges that come with remote setups. These challenges must be anticipated by businesses to make sure they can still thrive despite possible hiccups.

Why Physical Meeting Spaces Still Matter

There is no denying that nothing beats face-to-face interaction. Sure, platforms like Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams make it very easy to collaborate remotely. But of course, there are times when physical meetings are needed.

Some instances where face-to-face interactions might be necessary include strategy sessions, product design workshops, and investor presentations. When participants are in the same physical environment, there is a higher chance that productivity is better.

This is the reason why a lot of distributed companies plan for periodic in-person meetings in serviced offices Dublin. This way, they can plan for sessions, onboarding, or collaboration days in person. Flexible spaces are a huge help for these instances since they provide temporary but professional environments that support hybrid teams without a huge overhead.

In a way, these serviced offices serve as meeting points instead of daily workplaces. Employees can still work remotely most of the time and then just gather occasionally for key milestones or project reviews.

Collaboration and Culture in Hybrid Teams

It’s important for all members of an organization to be able to feel comfortable with one another. But since remote work means different people from different cultures can work together, there is a need to set aside a time to get to know each other’s cultures to foster better communication and collaboration.

It’s best if casual conversations, spontaneous brainstorming, and informal mentorship can happen naturally in person once in a while. This way, companies will be able to strengthen team relationships and align employees around shared goals.

These interactions can significantly improve communication and productivity despite the geographical restrictions that exist within an organization.

The Future of Work in Ireland’s Tech Sector

Since remote work has become established in today’s world, there is a very small chance that Ireland’s technology sector will go back to fully office-based work. Therefore, organizations must embrace all the advantages and disadvantages that come with the remote work setup and deal with them as efficiently as possible.

Sure, remote work is a very convenient and flexible setup. And yet, there will always be a need for in-person meetings and interactions; regardless of whether the purpose is to boost morale or collaboration or to brainstorm ideas and solve problems more effectively. Luckily, there are spaces like serviced offices Dublin that companies can pay for just for occasional meetings.

Remote work and occasional in-person meetings are a good combination. While there is no denying that the remote work setup is very convenient, nothing beats the advantages that come with meeting people in person. After all, interactions feel more natural. Plus, there is more room for building rapport and improving relationships.

As Ireland’s technology sector continues to grow, this balance between flexibility and physical presence will likely define how remote tech teams Ireland operate in the years ahead.

Microsoft employees charity cycle raises over €300,000 for LauraLynn

Microsoft Ireland employees have completed the final 360km stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way as part of their annual charity cycle, raising more than €300,000 – the most they’ve ever raised in a single year – in support of LauraLynn, Ireland’s only children’s hospice.

The charity cycle, which began in 2014 with just 10 cyclists, has grown into a major annual fundraising event. This year, 100 cyclists and support crew took on the three-day and 360kms cycling challenge from Letterkenny to Buncrana, County Donegal, battling wet weather, steep climbs, and winding roads – all in the name of supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Over the course of the last 12 years, the Microsoft team have raised more than €1.7 million for LauraLynn, having cycled more than 4,560km.‌‌ The funds raised go directly to LauraLynn to help provide care in the Hospice, symptom management, short breaks, emergency and end-of-life care, as well as family supports and bereavement care to children with life-limiting conditions and their family units across Ireland.

In 2024 alone, LauraLynn supported 670 families across Ireland, with 119 new referrals accepted to its hospice service providing 1,677 nights of care to those who need it.

This year’s cycle is particularly significant as it coincides with Microsoft’s 40th anniversary in Ireland, reflecting the long-standing commitment of its employees to giving back and making a meaningful impact in their local communities.

James O’Connor, Site Lead at Microsoft Ireland and Corporate Vice President Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, said: “We are so proud of our employees and supporters who continue to give their time, energy, and resources to the annual charity cycle. Completing the Wild Atlantic Way this year is a remarkable achievement and a fitting way to mark 40 years of Microsoft in Ireland, supporting NGOs and the communities we operate in.

“LauraLynn is a close neighbour and a cause that is very close to our hearts. We are continually inspired by the incredible work they do to provide care, comfort, and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Taking part in this cycle allows our employees to give back in a meaningful way and support the important work undertaken by the LauraLynn team. To have raised €305,923 by way of this year’s cycle and €1,742,091 since the cycle began is truly an incredible achievement.”

Kerry McLaverty, Chief Executive at LauraLynn, added: “Every year, the Microsoft Ireland team shows up not just with bikes and gear, but with compassion and care. What they’ve achieved through wind, rain, and relentless hills is nothing short of inspiring. This year was especially meaningful, marking the final leg of their journey along the Wild Atlantic Way, a challenge they’ve taken on piece by piece over six years. Their commitment goes far beyond fundraising; it’s a message to the children and families we support that there is a huge community standing with them. This partnership is built on something special. A huge congratulations to everyone who took part.”

To learn more about LauraLynn, visit: https://www.lauralynn.ie/.

Why Every Startup Needs a Cybersecurity Mindset from Day One

North Carolina has become a strong base for new businesses and tech startups. Cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, and Wilmington are attracting investors and entrepreneurs from around the country. But as more startups move their operations online, many forget one critical part of running a digital business — cybersecurity.

For new founders, it’s easy to focus on product design, funding, and marketing while ignoring online safety. Many believe that hackers only target big corporations. The truth is the opposite. Small startups are often seen as easy targets because they usually lack solid protection. A single data breach can lead to lost customers, legal issues, and serious financial damage.

Cybersecurity should not be something to think about later. It needs to be built into the foundation of every startup from day one. When security becomes part of the company culture early on, it protects not just data but also the business’s reputation and long-term growth.

  • Startups Are Prime Targets, Not Too Small to Hack

Many small business owners assume cybercriminals don’t care about them. In reality, hackers often prefer startups because they are easier to breach. New businesses rely heavily on digital platforms, online payments, and cloud tools, yet they usually skip professional security setups to save costs.

Attackers know this. They use phishing emails, fake invoices, and malware to steal data or disrupt operations. Even a small leak of customer information can destroy trust before a startup has a chance to grow. Thinking that a company is “too small to hack” is a costly mistake. Every business that collects, stores, or shares data online is a potential target.

Founders who want to understand cybersecurity from both a technical and management perspective can look to programs such as the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s online MBA in cybersecurity. The program, offered through the Cameron School of Business, combines leadership training with practical knowledge in security management. Its 100% online format makes it accessible to working professionals, and its AACSB accreditation highlights its academic quality.

Taking security seriously from the start helps close those gaps and signals that the company values responsibility.

2. The Real Cost of a Cyberattack for a Young Business

A cyberattack doesn’t just mean a temporary loss of access to files. It can stop business operations, expose client data, and lead to expensive recovery processes. For a young business, that can mean the end of operations entirely.

When a startup suffers a breach, it may lose customer trust instantly. People hesitate to share information again. Investors also become cautious, seeing the business as risky. On top of that, startups may face costs for legal advice, technical recovery, and communication damage control. In some cases, working with an internet content removal service becomes necessary to address harmful posts or leaked information that could damage a young company’s reputation.

The financial loss is only part of the problem. The emotional stress and lost time can be just as harmful. That’s why prevention is always cheaper and more effective than trying to recover after a crisis.

3. Building a Security-First Culture Early On

Cybersecurity is not only about technology; it’s also about behavior. Startups can reduce risks by creating a workplace culture where everyone understands their role in keeping data safe. That starts with leadership.

Founders and managers need to set clear rules about password management, data storage, and software updates. Regular reminders and simple training sessions go a long way. Encouraging open communication about suspicious emails or activities also helps detect threats faster.

When security becomes a shared responsibility, it feels like part of the company’s DNA rather than an afterthought. This mindset builds trust across the team and with customers as well.

4. Meeting Legal and Customer Expectations Around Data Protection

Today, customers expect their personal information to be safe. Governments are also enforcing stricter data protection laws. Even small startups must show that they follow basic security standards if they want to win contracts or partnerships.

If a startup handles customer payments or stores personal details, it must use secure systems. Being transparent about how data is collected and protected can make clients more confident. Many investors and partners now ask about security practices before making deals.

Startups that take privacy seriously early on will find it easier to grow in regulated industries and attract more business opportunities.

5. Reducing Risk by Tackling Human Error Early

Most cyber incidents don’t start with advanced hacking. They start with simple mistakes. Employees might click on a fake email, use weak passwords, or send data to the wrong person. These small actions can open the door to serious problems.

Startups can prevent many of these issues through early awareness. Training sessions don’t have to be complicated. A short meeting on how to spot phishing emails or how to create strong passwords can make a big difference. Encouraging the use of two-factor authentication and password managers helps too.

Leaders should also set an example. When management takes cybersecurity seriously, employees follow. Making cybersecurity part of regular discussions keeps it top of mind and builds accountability within the team.

A strong cybersecurity mindset doesn’t just protect a startup — it helps it grow. When teams plan for security early, they operate with more confidence and credibility. They can handle customer data responsibly, attract investor trust, and focus on innovation without constant worry.

The message is simple: it’s never too early to start protecting what matters most. A secure startup is a stronger startup, ready to face the digital challenges of the modern business world.

More than half of employees in Ireland suffer from productivity anxiety

Workhuman, the company revolutionising the way employees celebrate, connect with and appreciate each other in the workplace, today announces new findings from its Human Workplace Index, which found that 64% of employees in Ireland are suffering from productivity anxiety. Recognition is a key element in helping to improve employees’ wellbeing, with 57% saying they would feel less anxious if they received proper recognition for their work.

The research also found that although 58% of employees said they feel more productive at the office, a gender disparity exists in perceived in-office productivity. While 71% of male employees felt they accomplished more on in-office days, only 33% of female employees reported the same. Despite this, women are more likely to work in the office five days a week compared to men, with 58% of women required to be in the office, versus 30% of men.

The survey of 1,000 full-time employees in Ireland was commissioned by Workhuman and conducted by Pollfish to gain insights into workplace sentiment, productivity and wellbeing.

Additionally, while work-life balance is highlighted as the most important aspect of workplace wellbeing for 65% of Irish employees and 31% believe that companies facilitating work-life balance are more successful in fostering employee-employer trust, there are significant disparities in the distribution of wellness benefits between men and women. Nearly half of employees report receiving wellness benefits or perks in addition to standard benefits and say they improve their overall wellbeing, but men are more than twice as likely to have access to perks like gym memberships, healthy snacks, and in-office wellness spaces compared to women.

Niamh Graham, Senior Vice President of Global Human Experience, Workhuman, said: “With ways of working constantly evolving, it is not surprising that employees may be feeling more anxious about whether they are achieving enough at work, and being noticed for it. With recognition being the number one factor employees stated can help with their anxiety, leaders must start prioritizing this to foster a supportive work environment.  

Our survey also shows a discrepancy between men and women when it comes to working arrangements and wellbeing perks. With more than half of women saying they are more productive at home, but most of them being required to work five days a week on-site, it’s clear that leadership needs to be more in tune with the individual needs of its employees when designing flexible work policies and wellbeing benefits packages. Understanding and addressing these gaps is essential for companies to foster a fair, supportive, and productive work environment for all employees”

Disengaged employees and poor leader communications key challenges for Irish organisations

Disengaged employees and poor leader communications are among the top challenges facing Irish businesses in 2024, a new report from Springboard Communications has found.

The leading Irish communications agency’s Internal Communications in Ireland Report 2024, supported by the Public Relations Institute of Ireland, also found the number one most important metric for C-level executives is improved employee engagement. The full report is available to download at springboardcommunications.ie/2024ICreport.

Speaking on the Report, Susie Horgan, Founder and Managing Director of Springboard Communications said: “From working with national and global clients across sectors, we have seen first-hand the challenges facing organisations — from recruitment and retention to navigating dispersed teams. Your employees are a primary stakeholder, and post-pandemic, there has been a growing recognition of how critical they are to maintaining and enhancing your reputation both internally and externally.

“Our research backs this up with employee engagement and talent attraction and retention coming out as having the most impact for the C-suite. As we know, this can be increasingly difficult in a hybrid working world, with respondents flagging the dilution of company culture as a top five challenge. As a result, we are also seeing a 26% increase in interactive employee events, including conferences and town-halls – highlighting the desire for connection between colleagues. Effective internal communication is the crucial first step, so it is heartening to see its recognition as a business-critical function. 50% say their team sizes have increased since 2022 while 35% say budgets have also been increased.”

Improving communications from leaders is the number one challenge facing internal communicators in 2024, with over half citing it as a top concern. Commenting on this, Sandy Boundy, Director of Strategy and Insight at Springboard Communications, added: “People leaders are increasingly influential in a hybrid culture as they are the ones directly reaching the wider workforce. Effective communication from leaders is essential as they bridge the gap between the organisation and the broader employee base, ensuring vital information is conveyed accurately. Without the proper tools, resources, and training, leaders can hinder employee engagement and, at worst, contribute to a negative workplace culture.”

Elsewhere, the Report highlights that AI is a key trend along with sustainability communications. While over 60% of internal communications professionals are incorporating AI into their roles, half of organisations lack formal AI policies or guidelines. Susie Horgan added: “Businesses are exposing themselves to significant reputational danger. Failure to have transparent policies in place heightens exposure to risk and the likelihood of outdated information being shared.”

The Report was launched at a Springboard-hosted industry event with insights from leading communications experts including Rosemary Garth, Communications Director, Tesco Ireland; Catherine Dennehy, Senior Internal Communications Manager, Meta; and Sarah Ryan, Director of Communications, daa and PRII National Council Member. The Harnessing the Power of People-Centred Internal Communications event at the Iveagh Garden Hotel, Dublin (30 May), tackled trends and challenges in communications, from reputation management to recruitment and retention.

Workhuman research finds 1 in 4 employees expect to respond to work emails over Christmas

Workhuman®, the company revolutionising the way employees celebrate, connect with and appreciate each other in the workplace, today announces new findings from its Human Workplace Index, which found that 1 in 4 (27%) of employees expect they will be responding to work emails over Christmas. While work pressures are getting to employees, more than half (58%) of employees in Ireland say they are also stressed about the financial burden of buying Christmas gifts this year.

The survey of 1,000 full-time employees in Ireland was commissioned by Workhuman and conducted by Pollfish to gain insights into attitudes and expectations around the holidays, including how work cultures support employees during the season, as well as gifting and giving habits.

The research suggests that many find it difficult to take a break over the holidays. Some 22% of employees say they will not be able to fully switch off from work over their Christmas holidays while 28% admitted that their large workload would prevent them from taking as much time off as they would like over the holidays.

The survey also found that, though the spirit of the season is alive and well, many employees may find this a stressful time of year. Per the research, employees expect to spend an average of €974 each on Christmas gifts this year. More than half of employees (54%) responded that they feel stressed out about buying holiday gifts— however this doesn’t seem to be hindering the amount of people they shop for, with nearly a quarter of employees saying they will buy holiday presents for up to 10 people.

Workhuman’s survey found that as people get into the festive spirit, the majority of employees who receive end-of-year bonuses are using them to pay for Christmas presents. More than a quarter (27%) of respondents who receive end-of-year bonuses say they are essential for affording Christmas presents, while a further 53% said they alleviate some of the financial burden. Despite this, over half (51%) of respondents would prefer to receive smaller spot bonuses throughout the year rather than one larger lump sum at the end of the year.

Many employees expressed an interest in employee recognition as a means of supplementing their Christmas budgets. Workhuman’s survey shows that 66% of employees would like to use points from an employee recognition programme to buy gifts. Employees are using Workhuman’s recognition platform in this way, with smartwatches, air fryers and headphones among the top purchases for those based in Europe.

When it comes to gifting trends in the workplace, 44% of employees receive Christmas gifts from their colleagues and 27% do a ‘Secret Santa’ at work. Some 32% get presents from their employer or manager and, of these, 95% say they usually, or always, like them. However, 12% admitted they usually re-gift them to someone else.

Niamh Graham, Senior Vice President of Global Human Experience, Workhuman: “Our research has shown that while this is an exciting time of year, it can also be a stressful one. Financial, familial, and professional pressures can impact employees over the holiday season. When done right, company culture can help to alleviate some of this stress, rather than being a cause of it. Ensuring employees are using their paid time off and have a solid coverage plan so they can truly unplug over the holidays is a practice leadership should demonstrate and encourage.

“Employee experience initiatives can also help get at some of this stress; spot bonuses and redeemable recognition points can be partic

Help Employees Manage Their Time Better with These Techniques

Employees are always responsible for their own time in some way. Some of them might have more management and oversight than others, but they all have to manage their time to use it in the smartest way. But when they’re left to their own devices, they can fail to use their time as wisely as they should. They might think they’re using their time as effectively as possible, but the reality is that they could be a lot more efficient. Rather than just expecting them to do better, employers can take steps to help employees manage their time more effectively.

Give Them Tools to Manage Their Time

Sometimes all it takes to do something properly is having the right tools to do it. When it comes to time management, giving your employees the necessary tools can really help them track their time and get more done. You can find that employee time tracking systems are useful not just for your business as a whole but for your employees too. They allow your employees to clock in and out more easily, without having to remember to fill out timesheets. They can keep track of their hours more easily, and so can you. It’s also useful if they can track their available PTO, saving time on PTO requests for everyone.

Help with Expectations

When employees aren’t making the most of their time, it can be because they don’t really know what’s expected of them. They don’t have clear deadlines, they have too much on their plate, or they don’t have a good idea of what process they should be following. Setting clear expectations for your employees can make them a lot better at managing their time. You can ensure they know what deadlines they have to meet but also prevent them from burning out by avoiding giving them too much to do.

Encourage Time Audits

A time audit can be a useful way for an employee to work out where their time is actually going. They might think they’re being productive, but then it turns out that a lot of their time is lost to procrastinating, wrestling with emails, or getting pulled away from their work by coworkers. By taking a time audit, they can track what they’re actually doing with their day. It could highlight some of the ways in which they’re losing time and how they could start to correct that.

Build Time Management Skills

Employees might not always have the skills to manage their own time. This is something that needs to be built, and you can help them do that as their employer. There are various types of training and advice that you can provide employees to show them how they can manage their time more efficiently. Whether it’s how to prioritise tasks or the most efficient way to sort through their emails, you can give them the skills required to be more efficient and productive.

If you want your employees to manage their time better, give them a helping hand to make it easier for them.

Workhuman launches Experiences; More than 2M employees have access to thousands of travel and activity reward options

Workhuman, the company revolutionising how employees celebrate, connect with, and appreciate each other in the workplace, has added In-Store Booking functionality to its world-class Store. In-Store Booking is now available to more than 2 million users across 10 countries, including Ireland, the UK, the US, India, and Mexico. Employees now have access to hundreds of thousands of additional activity, travel, and accommodation options as part of the employee recognition industry’s most expansive catalogue of experiences, all bookable with points on its platform.

The Irish-founded company has built an innovative team – based in Ireland – dedicated to sourcing merchandise and gift cards across the globe in more than 65 categories including electronics, fashion, house and home, garden and outdoor, travel, health and beauty, children, and more. Globally, the company maintains a catalogue of approximately 400,000 merchandise items across more than 60 countries. It also offers thousands of gift cards across more than 130 countries, with hundreds of thousands of options including merchandise brands, charities, and travel experiences. Workhuman has built its Store experience from the ground up and has scaled over the years to support orders placed every 3 seconds by approximately 7M employees across the globe.

Through the company’s Store, employees are able to book their activity, hotel, car rental and, when available, flights, all in the same order, therefore keeping their entire travel itinerary together and avoiding the hassle of tracking multiple confirmation emails from separate travel partners. From walking tours to national park passes to private yacht rentals, Workhuman’s full Experiences offering will cater to users globally and at virtually every point and desired activity level.

Leslie Schall, Director of Employee Engagement, Experience, and Purpose at Michelin, said:  “Workhuman’s Experiences offering provides an awesome new element to their already impressive Store, as it enables employees to easily book travel, adventures, tours, and activities using their recognition rewards through Michelin’s WeCare programme. By using points they earned here through their contributions to the organisation, our employees are able to redeem their points on engaging experiences for themselves, family or friends. Right after Experiences launched, I used it to book a ‘Harley electronic trike motorcycle’ tour during an upcoming family vacation in Prague. Now my entire family has this amazing memory we’re going to cherish forever, and it was because of recognition from my colleagues. Experiences is going to help our employees turn work achievements into these beautiful, exciting moments, and we’re very excited about the impact of this connection and the stories we’ll hear.”

Workhuman’s Store takes the same human-first approach as its Social Recognition® solution. The company understands that the reward redemption experience is critical for the success of any recognition programme as it reinforces the original recognition moment and amplifies the sense of engagement and goodwill that the employee feels toward their company. Workhuman has made significant investments over the years to launch the broadest offering of Travel and Experiences with gift card partners including Virgin Experiences, Global Experiences, Royal Caribbean, Hotels.com, and many more. The addition of In-Store Booking functionality takes this to the next level, ensuring every employee is able to redeem for an experience that feels exciting to them, and that makes them feel seen and recognised.

Sarah Whitman, SVP E-commerce, Workhuman: “Workhuman has always kept our ears close to the ground and driven our Store strategy based on the pulse of the marketplace. We know that people derive significant enjoyment from experiences and over the years we have evolved in the ways we bring this category to our platform. Our data has shown that people’s desire to travel and create memories has been reinvigorated as we’ve emerged from the global pandemic. Our expanded Experiences offering creates endless new opportunities for employees to travel and experience new things, driving personal growth and even greater and lasting connections to their colleagues that helped make those experiences and memories possible.”

In addition to English, the booking experience and customer service support is available in French, Latin American Spanish, European Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese and Japanese. Workhuman will continue to roll out to additional customers and markets with enhanced capabilities throughout the year. For more information about Workhuman’s Store, please visit: https://www.workhuman.com/reward/store/.

To learn more about how Workhuman’s employee recognition solution can help reduce turnover, improve engagement and productivity, and elevate DE&I efforts, please visit: www.workhuman.com/solutions/social-recognition/.