Everywhere you look people are referencing the “new world of work.” 👀 But what do we actually mean by this? And how much has really changed in the last four years? Sure, most of us spend a lot more time in our home office (or at the kitchen table) these days, and maybe there’s a few more diversity initiatives. But probing deeper than that, what are the fundamental differences between what was acceptable in the workplace in 2020 that feels a thing of the past now?

We've been reflecting on all this change...

- Cressida, Head of Content

QUICK FIRE NEWS 🧨

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🧑⚖️ Arizona vote to repeal abortion ban

🇩🇲 Dominica overturns ban on same-sex relations

🏢 KPMG introduce national scheme to employ prison leavers

🚍 Protesters block bus taking asylum seekers to barge

LET'S GET INTO IT 🤓

Should you get interview questions in advance?

John Lewis made the news this week by providing all their job applicants with the interview questions in advance of meeting.

Why? The move is an attempt to make the process fairer and not penalise applicants for their nerves, particularly neurodivergent people. John Lewis have said interviews would “be no less rigorous” and would still include follow up questions that aren't declared beforehand. Allowing candidates a chance to be more prepared can only be a good thing, right?

Some say no... As this has become a more common practice in hiring processes, criticisms have emerged. Some recruiters claim that it leaves less room for authenticity in answers, while others express concerns that answers will be "outsourced" to friends or the internet.

This is a big move from John Lewis and is sparking lots of conversations in other companies, including our own! What do you think?

Trans patients to be treated in separate hospital rooms

What's the new proposal? As part of a package of changes to the NHS constitution, transgender patients will not be able to be treated in the wards which align with their gender identity. This comes at a time when NHS funding, waiting times, and the state of health facilities should be a top priority. Matthew Taylor, chief exec of the NHS Confederation says the NHS should not be dragged into this "pre-election culture wars debate.”

“If these proposed changes come into effect, transgender and non-binary patients will potentially find their access to vital NHS services limited.”

In an already oversubscribed system, where will these private trans rooms fit in? And who will this scheme actually help? A lot of questions and concerns have come out of these proposed reforms, which Labour opposition Keir Starmer appears to support.

Would you rather be alone in the woods with a man or a bear?

This is the question making the rounds on social media, with many women picking the bear over the man.

Er, seriously? Consider the facts - in 15 years, there have been 664 bear attacks worldwide, and very few casualties. Now look at violence perpetrated by men: one in three women – around 736 million globally – experience sexual or physical violence in their lifetime. This lighthearted hypothetical has resonated with many people online, particularly shocked men who tend to overlook the constant threat of violence women experience around men.

"Not all men" Yes, obviously not all men. As humans, we make generalisations. For example, we say "tics carry lyme disease" and we implicitly know that not every single one does. In the same way, it is obvious that not all men are abusive - we know that - we don't need to point it out. Yet the chances are so high, that seemingly most women would trust a bear over a man...

THIS WEEK WE'RE LOVING ✨

🎾 The defining summer movie has hit our screens

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