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Articles by Jamie Mackenzie
What a Brussels Sprout Story Taught Me About Leading People
Christmas Eve, 1998. A greengrocer’s in Ramsgate, England, and a freezing cold day. The weather didn’t put the customers off buying a slightly misunderstood vegetable. Brussels sprouts were flying off the shelves, and I sold 28 bags of them in nine hours, that’s around 10,000 sprouts. Two years later, I sat in my first ever job interview, for a student placement role at Toshiba. The managers asked, “What are you most proud of in your career so far?”. I told them about the sprouts. I got the job.
3 questions every HR leader should be asking about performance right now
Ask your managers to describe, in concrete terms, what strong judgment looks like inside your two or three most AI-enabled workflows. The range of answers will tell you a great deal about where that shared language needs to be built. Managers are at the center of this shift and they’re navigating genuinely new terrain. Today, only 27% of employees say their managers primarily focus on coaching and strategic judgment. By 2028, that number is expected to rise to 45%.
Why “human in the loop” alone is not a governance strategy
Before we can evaluate whether human oversight of AI is meaningful, we need to understand what makes oversight meaningful at all. Consider how trust works between colleagues. When someone hands you a report to sign off on whether you interrogate every footnote or take it largely at face value depends entirely on whether that person has earned your trust. It is not granted automatically.
'Sorry mate, I didn't see you': When drivers look but don't see cyclists on the road
When a vehicle and a cyclist collide, the cyclist almost always emerges worse off. Globally, more than 40,000 cyclists are killed and millions more seriously injured in road crashes. In most of these collisions, the driver is responsible. So what factors are involved when a cyclist and a car collide?
‘Sorry mate, I didn’t see you’: when drivers look but don’t see cyclists on the road
When a vehicle and a cyclist collide, the cyclist almost always emerges worse off. Globally, more than 40,000 cyclists are killed and millions more seriously injured in road crashes. In most of these collisions, the driver is responsible. So, what factors are involved when a cyclist and a car collide?
Navigating the nexus of AI, ML and automation
The pace of technology innovation in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and automation, and the methodical, cautious approach to decision-making intrinsic to public sector operations, presents an uncomfortable misalignment in philosophies.
What's causing the mountain of lost benefits?
New research* shows the loyalty of younger employees is strongly tied to the level of support they receive from their employers. The report, titled “The Mountain of Lost Benefits: Closing the Expectation Gap”, found that 53% of employees aged 18 to 34 feel more loyal towards their employer if they feel supported at work.
Battle of the benefits: When employees don't know what's available
From cycle to work schemes to cashback cards, most businesses offer workplace benefits to support employees with their financial, mental, and physical wellbeing. But since every company is different, there are often varied opinions between employees and HR teams on the internal education of benefits, including accessing and using them. The Cost of Living (CoL) crisis is affecting overall spending, leading employees to exercise more caution with their money.
How to Improve Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
By Jamie Mackenzie, Chief Marketing Officer at Sodexo Engage. Many companies have been putting a renewed effort into improving diversity and inclusion (D&I) throughout this year, but there’s still a long way to go in creating truly equitable workplaces. Recent research shows that 41% of ethnic minority workers have experienced racism in the last five years and one in three disabled people feel they have experienced prejudice as a result of their disability.
Taking care - why mental health should be top of every employer’s agenda right now
As lockdown restrictions start to ease, returning to the workplace feels that little bit closer. One thing is for sure though, snapping back to normality after such a major global event is no mean feat. The collective trauma after living through a pandemic on this scale could be huge, and employers need to watch out for any signs of anxiety that might take hold amongst staff.
What the world needs now... is kindness
Contributor: Jamie Mackenzie - Sodexo Engage | Published: 15 February 2022 Jamie Mackenzie - Sodexo Engage 11 February 2022 As businesses face increasing challenges to attract and retain talent, to boost productivity, and to provide the right mental health support to their people, many may not think of kindness as a solution to these issues. But it can be a powerful tool to create a stronger employee experience that retains workers and motivates teams into higher productivity.
Motivating beyond money - reward and recognition tips for SMEs
Jamie Mackenzie of Sodexo Exchange sets out the options When it comes to motivating staff, money is often mistakenly identified as the best way for employers to commend and reinforce good practice. Though it is true that money is a big driving factor for a lot of people, it is not the be and end all – especially for SMEs which are unlikely to have the budget to facilitate regular bonuses and rises to pay.
Tackling the Great Resignation in 2022
Contributor: Jamie Mackenzie - Sodexo Engage | Published: 24 January 2022 Jamie Mackenzie - Sodexo Engage 20 January 2022 Competition was fierce throughout 2021 and the Great Resignation loomed large. Research by Microsoft found 41% of employees considered leaving their jobs, inspired in part by the move to remote work which gave them time away from the office to reflect on their career options.
Tackling employee’ festive stress this Christmas
Contributor: Jamie Mackenzie - Sodexo Engage | Published: 7 December 2021 Jamie Mackenzie - Sodexo Engage 3 December 2021 Christmas can bring plenty of stress but this year, with rising costs and the financial impact of Covid-19 still lingering, the stress could be even greater. Such strains have caused many to take drastic measures to have a good Christmas with Citizen’s Advice recently finding that more than two fifths of people are resorting to borrowing to help cover Christmas this year.
Time to reimagine the commute
Contributor: Jamie Mackenzie, Director - Sodexo Engage | Published: 18 November 2021 Jamie Mackenzie, Director - Sodexo Engage 12 November 2021 It’s Commute Smart Week and research from the Rail Delivery Group shows that less than half of commuters in the UK are back using the train again compared to before the pandemic.
Time to reboot physical wellbeing for employees
Contributor: Jamie Mackenzie - Sodexo Engage | Published: 28 August 2021 Jamie Mackenzie - Sodexo Engage 27 August 2021 Work and physical wellbeing might not obviously go hand in hand. However, if employees are involved in some physical activity every week, they’re more likely to feel energised and motivated at work. According to studies, sitting for long periods of time decreases mental wellbeing and has a knock-on effect on productivity at work.
How to win the war for tech talent
Article by Jamie Mackenzie, Director at Sodexo Engage The shortage of tech talent has been well documented with a recent report from Cloud Assembly revealing 69% of UK business owners are experiencing a digital skills shortfall. We’ve seen advancements in technology accelerate at a rate that training and development is struggling to match. The statistics are alarming at first glance, but can employers be doing more to attract and retain tech talent?
Who’s caring for the carers?
Article by: Jamie Mackenzie, Director - Sodexo Engage | Published: 26 June 2021 Jamie Mackenzie, Director - Sodexo Engage 25 June 2021 This week marks World Wellbeing Week, an opportunity to raise awareness of the broad-spectrum of wellbeing, including mental, physical, social, financial and digital. For the UK’s business leaders, this is a time to ensure initiatives are in place to nurture all elements of employee wellbeing in the workplace. But who’s looking after healthcare workers?
Five ways to create a more inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ employees
Article by: Jamie Mackenzie, Director - Sodexo Engage | Published: 14 June 2021 Jamie Mackenzie, Director - Sodexo Engage 11 June 2021 According to Stonewall, almost one in five LGBTQ+ employees (18%) have been the target of negative comments or conduct from work colleagues in the past year. This suggests that although strides have certainly been made over the last decade, there is still plenty of room for improvement when it comes to attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community.
Top tips to help employees thrive in the post-pandemic workplace
Article by: Jamie Mackenzie, Director - Sodexo Engage | Published: 17 May 2021 Jamie Mackenzie, Director - Sodexo Engage 14 May 2021 Every year, Mental Health Awareness Week is an important occasion to raise awareness around mental ill health. Unsurprisingly, the impacts of multiple lockdowns caused by Covid-19 have put a strain on the wellbeing of millions, with depression in adults more than doubling since the start of the pandemic.
World Earth Day, the benefits for a carbon neutral workforce
Article by: Jamie Mackenzie, Director - Sodexo Engage | Published: 26 April 2021 Jamie Mackenzie, Director - Sodexo Engage 23 April 2021 2020 tied with 2016 as the hottest year on recordas a result of human activities, according to NASA. Keeping business going during apandemic hasbeenfront and centre this past year, but it’s possible that it’s distracted business leaders from another major crisis of our times – climate change.
Toronto Arrows score seven tries to thump Seattle Seawolves
1h ago The Canadian Press MARIETTA, Ga. — The Toronto Arrows ran in seven tries Saturday to thrash the Seattle Seawolves 52-7 in Major League Rugby play. Both teams came into the game in need of a win ranked at the bottom in their respective conferences. Toronto (2-3-0) and Seattle (1-3-0) lost their first two games of the season before bouncing back with wins.
How can HR help employees develop resilience?
Dealing with challenging situations is something that, at some point in life, everyone will have to overcome. Whether it’s work issues, personal problems or worries about a global pandemic, it’s fair to say we’ve all had moments that have felt a bit overwhelming. But how we overcome hurdles can have a huge impact on our mental wellbeing and our working lives, particularly as a staggering 70 million workdays are lost every year to poor mental health.
How many people have really found work-from-home work-life balance?
Contributor: Jamie Mackenzie, Director - Sodexo Engage | Published: 30 October 2020 Jamie Mackenzie, Director - Sodexo Engage 30 October 2020 National Work-Life Week is an opportunity for both employers and employees to focus on wellbeing and achieving a good work-life balance. But with the ongoing impact of the coronavirus crisis rumbling on, achieving a healthy work-life balance has presented new challenges this year.
Government’s Jobs Support Scheme. Will it work?
Contributor: Jamie Mackenzie, Director of Sodexo Engage | Published: 25 September 2020 Jamie Mackenzie, Director of Sodexo Engage 25 September 2020 Jamie Mackenzie, Director of Sodexo Engage: “Not only is this news a relief for businesses, especially SMEs, who have been strongly impacted by the pandemic and subsequent downturn in demand, but it also gives employees hope that they won’t be let go by their employer during this time of crisis.” “Although businesses will still have to share some...
What we can learn from Robbie leaving Take That
Article by: Jamie Mackenzie, Director - Sodexo Engage | Published: 6 August 2020 Jamie Mackenzie, Director - Sodexo Engage 7 August 2020 In July 1995, hearts across the UK were broken as Robbie Williams announced that he was leaving the world-renowned boy band, Take That. He was a crucial part of the band and his departure had a role in their temporary break up in 1996. Whilst all good things must come to an end, nobody can ever fully prepare for a surprise departure.
Articles
Show menu TJ Newsflash: 16 July Written by Jon Kennard on 16 July 2020 in News What is an office for? A lot of businesses seem to be rationalising these decisions at the moment. This, and more, in the week's newsflash. Take 5: Positivity Written by Liggy Webb on 15 July 2020 in Features Be positive! A few tips from our regular columnist on all things wellbeing-related, Liggy Webb.
What to do if you're furloughed and feeling like a phony
The world is strange right now and we’re all adapting and finding new ways to create sense where there isn’t any. Yes, the sun still sets and the earth is still spinning, but pretty much everything else has changed. For the 8.4m on furlough, this might be the longest time they have had without a structured working day, like going back to being a kid, but scary and uncertain.
How can worried furloughed employees be better supported?
Contributor: Jamie Mackenzie, Director at Sodexo Engage | Published: 27 June 2020 Jamie Mackenzie, Director at Sodexo Engage 29 June 2020 Recent research shows that 54% of staff currently supported by the government’s furlough scheme are worried about their future and career prospects. The research, conducted by Adzuna, also found that over two fifths (44%) of those still at work are concerned that their jobs are also at risk as we face an economic downturn.
Flexible working should be here to stay - the impact of COVID-19 on policy
The four-day working week is not really a new idea. It’s been floating around in the background for a while, with periodic calls for its widespread implementation. The four-day working week is not really a new idea. It’s been floating around in the background for a while, with periodic calls for its widespread implementation. The Labour Party even made it an election promise during its 2019 campaign.
Survivor's guilt: supporting staff who have avoided redundancy
Shutterstock With mass redundancies expected over the coming months, it’s easy to focus on supporting those losing their jobs. But ‘survivors’ also need reassuring that their job is safe and the process was conducted fairly. Jamie Mackenzie offers some tips for HR. With recent Barclaycard research finding that 82% of UK SMEs have been negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, employers will inevitably have some tough decisions to make.
Times of crisis call for business transparency
With uncertainty growing as the coronavirus pandemic continues to build momentum, it’s only natural that businesses and their employees are looking for reassurance. People are not only worried for their health, but for their livelihoods too. Now, more than ever, is a time for companies to be transparent with their employees and be upfront about any issues. Why? Because transparency in business leads to trust.
What a Recognition Platform Can Do for Your Employees
Traditionally, if you wanted to attract the crème de la creme of candidates to your job post, a lucrative wage offering would be sufficient. But in the modern job market, employees are wanting more than just an appealing wage. Recognition Platform can be helpful to fulfill employee expectations and increase retention rates. According to a recent journal article from Harvard Business School, what entices applicants the most are the benefits you list alongside the monetary compensation.
Jamie Mackenzie: Lessons HR managers can learn from the rugby world cup
With the Rugby World Cup in full swing, head coach Eddie Jones has got the England team fighting fit and ready to tackle whatever comes their way. And with motivation and camaraderie key to their success on the pitch, managers could certainly learn from Eddie’s ability to form a strong team that works well together. Know your staff Any coach worth their weight in gold will know their team inside out, playing to their individual strengths.
The lessons employers can learn from the BBC’s Naga saga
The controversial and subsequently reversed decision by the BBC to discipline Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty over a comment about Donald Trump has been covered widely in the press over the past couple of weeks. On top of the questions around racism the story has raised, it has also shone a light on the problems with rigid HR procedures.
Jamie Mackenzie: Stranger Things and HR lessons from the 1980s
The beloved Netflix show Stranger Things has come back for a third season and it’s filled to the brim with 80s nostalgia, classic movie references and neon bright fashion. It’s a show that’s captured the attention of many, with its fun storyline, cool scenes and entertaining characters. It’s also a series that reminds us of how far we’ve come along – presenting a world where things like mobile phones and the internet are non-existent.
Are you considering the mental health needs of older employees?
The conversation around mental health has evolved in recent years, and with this, people have finally started to feel more confident to speak up about the struggles they’re facing. Employers have also taken note, with many launching wellbeing initiatives to provide practical support for their employees.
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Increased capacity in the Permian pipeline
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Steering toward a common goal
Steering toward a common goal Geosteering requires sophisticated technologies, mounds of data — and co-operation. Yet the teams tasked with drilling unconventional wells are often judged on conflicting performance metrics. However, mutual understanding can help geosteering teams overcome drilling challenges to deliver successful horizontal wells.
In the drone zone
In the drone zone Once a novelty, drones are fast becoming an indispensable part of the offshore oil and gas inspection tool kit. Early adopter Maersk Oil talks about recent projects, and where the technology could be headed. The offshore industry has been quick to embrace unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, for visual inspection tasks. The technology ticks a lot of boxes in these cost-conscious times: they’re fast, inexpensive, and require far fewer people on deck and in transit.
Gas/LNG | Upstream
Gas/LNG Natural gas is a crucial part of the global energy mix, a role that is bound to become more prominent as nations implement tighter controls on carbon emissions. The fuel has overtaken oil in many operators' portfolios, and projects are under way to increase that share. The technology to safely and efficiently produce gas is evolving as producers tackle high pressures, complex reservoirs and environmental challenges.
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