TJ Newsflash 02 July – AI Fairness, Frazzled Leaders, and Fragile Managers
Here’s the latest on learning and development, workplace trends, and workforce wellbeing, all packed into a quick update for managers who need to stay ahead.
Workcations Blur Holiday Boundaries, Risking Burnout and Disconnection
The line between work and rest is vanishing as more people take “workcations.” While it sounds flexible, this trend often means fake downtime filled with distractions. Without real breaks, wellbeing suffers, and burnout risks rise.
What’s In and What’s Out for L&D Leaders in 2025
According to Degreed’s recent analysis, several trends are reshaping learning priorities:
- AI is on fire. Learning leaders are using generative AI to quickly scale upskilling, tailor content, and offer personalised coaching.
- Skills-first development wins. Companies are moving away from simply collecting credentials to focusing on agile, skills-based learning that ties directly to business goals.
- Human-centred approaches rise. Communities of practice, social learning, and coaching are gaining importance in development strategies.
New Research Reveals Over One-Third of Employees Use AI in Secret
Half of employees admit to using AI tools at work, giving their companies an edge over those that don’t. This hidden adoption signals a shift in workforce habits and productivity.
The Never-Ending 9 to 5: The True Price of Perpetual Work Schedules
Sixty percent of workers spend their free time recovering from work instead of enjoying it. A quarter feel guilty about hobbies, and 65% daydream about quitting to focus on themselves. Lack of free time leads to fewer people exercising (36%), socializing (32%), travelling (27%), or pursuing hobbies (25%). Alarmingly, 25% say they no longer feel they have a personality outside of work.
Staying Closeted: What Holds Back LGBTQ+ Gen Zers from Coming Out
LGBTQ+ Gen Zers show diverse identities: 65% identify as bisexual or pansexual, and 23% as gay or lesbian. Yet, 25% feel pressured to tone down their queerness at work, and 9% have been fired after reporting discrimination. Nearly half (46%) avoid mentioning their partner’s gender out of fear. On a positive note, 37% say workplaces have become more accepting over the past five years.
Out of Office? Not Really. The Hidden Costs of the Workcation Boom
Thirteen percent say their boss expects them to work while on vacation, and 15% fear losing their job if they don’t. Work distractions are common: 59% get emails, 22% texts, and 12% phone calls during time off. The toll is real — 35% have argued with partners over working on vacation, and over half (52%) report mental health struggles like burnout or depression. Physical issues such as headaches or chronic pain affect about two-thirds.
AI Hiring Tools Outperform Humans on Fairness Metrics, Study Shows
AI is delivering fairer hiring decisions than humans in most cases. A study by Warden AI found 85% of AI models meet industry fairness standards. Women and racial minority candidates receive more equitable treatment compared to human-led hiring processes. With AI adoption growing—three in four HR teams now using AI or automation—this could reshape recruitment fairness significantly.
Falling Confidence Among Workers Threatens Business Growth
More than one in three UK senior managers (34%) fear job loss within six months, reflecting widespread anxiety about economic instability, automation, and shifting skill demands. This drop in confidence threatens productivity and business performance, highlighting the urgent need for supportive leadership and clear workforce strategies.
Britain’s SMEs Forced to Wear More ‘Hats’ as Workforce Shrinks
Virgin Media O2 Business reports SME directors spend an average of 10 hours a week on tasks outside their expertise, as UK employment falls. This extra workload harms mental health: 76% say it negatively affects wellbeing, and 51% feel more stressed than when they started. For 54%, the pressure to juggle multiple roles is significant.
Managers looking to ease these pressures should consider focusing on upskilling and delegating tasks effectively. Exploring AI tools for automation could also provide relief—see automation courses to learn more.
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