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Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Conflict can be constructive

Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Conflict can be constructive

Conflict can range from mild disagreement to violent confrontation, and, especially in its stronger forms, can be extremely destructive. However, it would be a significant mistake not to recognize that, in the right circumstances and if handled skilfully and confidently, conflict can actually be constructive. This is because carefully controlled conflict can spur innovation, free people up from tramline thinking, generate considerable learning, provide opportunities for people who have previously been at loggerheads with one another to respect one another, allow us to see situations from new perspectives, and so on. Conflict can be understood to be like fire. If it is controlled and handled carefully, it can be very productive and helpful, but if allowed to go unchecked, can…
Dr Neil Thompson
April 23, 2024
UK Poverty 2024

UK Poverty 2024

The UK is entering this election year with unacceptably high levels of poverty, appallingly high for some groups. We need a coherent plan with creative policies to end poverty in the UK. This report looks at the current situation across different groups and regions, and the future prospects for poverty in the UK. Click here to read more  
Dr Neil Thompson
April 23, 2024
Stress contagion: Does observing others’ anxiety affect you?

Stress contagion: Does observing others’ anxiety affect you?

When you observe a person who is stressed, sometimes you begin to feel stressed yourself, even if you are not doing anything stressful. Consider a scenario in which you’re watching someone give a presentation and they are noticeably anxious. You may start to feel the same increase in heart rate or sweaty palms that they are feeling. How does this stress contagion work? A recent study conducted by the Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour at the University of Konstanz in Germany explores this question and finds that observing stress in others leads to higher levels of stress hormones like cortisol. The findings of this study can be particularly helpful in managing stress in the workplace. Click here…
Dr Neil Thompson
April 23, 2024
Wellness action plans

Wellness action plans

Wellness Actions Plans are an easy, practical way of helping you support your own mental health at work. And if you're a manager, allowing you to support the mental health of your team members. We have 3 guides for employees available: Guide for people working in a workplace Guide for people working remotely Guide for people who are hybrid working We also have a guide for line managers to help you implement Wellness Action Plans across your team. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
April 23, 2024
Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Find the right pace

Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Find the right pace

When it comes to working with people and their problems getting the pace right is perhaps one of the most difficult things to do, but do it we must. That is because if we are going too slowly we may miss opportunities to move forward – for example, ‘missing the boat’ when someone is in crisis and motivated to make important changes. If we move too swiftly, we may create (or exacerbate) insecurity and anxiety and thereby hamper progress in terms of whatever need we are trying to meet or problem we are trying to solve. So, how do we judge what is the best pace? There is no hard and fast rule, but mainly it comes from looking closely…
Dr Neil Thompson
April 10, 2024
ACAS Code of Practice on requests for flexible working in the UK

ACAS Code of Practice on requests for flexible working in the UK

Flexible working involves making a change to when, where or how an employee works. Some form of flexibility can be built into almost all jobs, regardless of the organisation's size or sector. When considering flexible working, it's best to start by thinking about what might be possible. There are many different types of flexible working. While some might not be practical for every job, it's likely other types will work. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
April 10, 2024
Activity Alliance – About us

Activity Alliance – About us

Activity Alliance is the leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity. Established in 1998 as a national charity, we were previously known as the English Federation of Disability Sport. It is not right or fair that disabled people are the least active in our society. Sport and activity play an important role in our nation’s health. We want to create a fairer society for everyone. A place where everyone can be active however and wherever they want to be. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
April 10, 2024