Humansolutions Bulletin - March 26th 2024

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We don’t get a second chance when it comes to first impressions, and yet sadly many organizations pay relatively little attention to how people are greeted when they have their first contact with the organization concerned. If we want to make a positive difference, then it is important that we get off to a good start by giving a positive, welcoming message, letting people know that they are valued and respected. Much of ‘customer care’ is basic communication skills, but there can sometimes be additional challenges involved (for example, where someone is irate or threatening). Of course, however difficult such situations may be, we need to remain focused and respectful – even if we feel very uncomfortable. This will help…

Thousands of people in the UK are being deemed incapable of any work every month due to mental health problems, figures have shown. According to official data published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), at least 20,000 incapacity benefit claims are for mental health problems – making up more than two-thirds of the total. Previous figures have shown that mental health and learning disabilities are among the main contributors to disability benefits, which are paid regardless of whether someone can work. But until now, there had been no such data for incapacity benefits paid through universal credit when people struggle to work. Click here to read more

Research from the American Heart Association shows that routine stress, including job strain and long working hours, may contribute to serious health problems, including elevated risk for heart disease and stroke and experiencing depression for the first time. Working on fast-paced, demanding projects and constantly being connected to technologies can make the workplace exciting — and very challenging. While being challenged at work can help strengthen resilience as a skill, it can also come with a cost. Approximately two in three employees report that work is a significant source of stress. And stress can lead to depression and anxiety. Click here to read more

Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. We have been at the forefront of shaping and coordinating responses to domestic violence and abuse through practice for almost 50 years. We empower survivors by keeping their voices at the heart of our work, working with and for women and children by listening to them and responding to their needs. Women’s Aid was founded on women’s struggle against patriarchy, sexism and male violence and grew out of the Women’s movement in the 70’s and 80’s. Today we take an intersectional approach to our work to end domestic abuse and stand with other feminist organisations leading the way in eradicating Violence Against Women and Girls.…

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