I’ve always been one to look at both sides of a debate when it comes to any aspect of the state of Scottish business.
By taking this ‘both sides of the coin’ approach and constantly flipping it on its head, you are able to keep an eye on what’s happening within the business community and, more importantly, what we’re being told is going on with the nation’s employment and the wider economy.
This state of business zen, so to speak, came to the forefront again last week as we once again received a barrage of contrasting positive and negative news stories about the state of Scotland’s employment – both of which bring key information that I hope leaders are paying attention to.
Firstly, we’ve had more fantastic updates regarding the Scottish unemployment taking another dive of 1.1 per cent in the last quarter according to the Office for National Statistics, continuing the trend of more Scots finding jobs.
We’re yet to see if this decline will drastically reassure the nation’s confidence but it’s absolutely a step in the right direction with the unemployment rate now down to 3.3 per cent. Employers across the country have been pulling out all the stops to essentially market themselves as desirable places for prospective employees to work.
Competitive employee perks, flexibility with working, promising wage packages and other measures are being put on the table for new recruits as employers look to find the very best workers to help complement workforces nationwide. Job interviews are now a two-way street with employees and employers both required to leave a good impression on each other.
However, on the other side of the coin, a remarkable term I heard used last week demonstrates just how getting staff through the door and into a new role is not as easy as it once was, as more and more new recruits leave their jobs at a faster rate.
The term in question was ‘The Great Dissatisfaction’, coined in a recent research piece from recruitment firm Hays, which reveals that more than half of newly employed Scottish workers intend to find new jobs within the next 12 months.
It seems that the main reason for this expected mass exodus is simply tied to the lack of career progression opportunities, creating a dissatisfaction for employees and career optimism slowly tanking too.
According to the research, 52 per cent of Scottish workers claim this lack of career progression has impacted their desire to stick with their current employer, jumping a whopping 18 per cent since 2023.
Less than half of workers (41 per cent) surveyed said they felt they were positive about their career progression in their current role, which is obviously going to dull the honeymoon period of any new job opportunity.
While it’s clear to say that these people surveyed are obviously going to say that they’d be 100 per cent perfect for any promotion opportunities when it’s far more complex than that, the promise of career development is surely always at the forefront of any appealing job role – which means employers need to set terms of promotion in clear and precise pathways to anyone joining the business, even if they’re fresh through the door. After all, there is no point in punishing ambition.
If more than half of the nation’s workers are sat there thinking they could be doing better, then a lack of passion for work and unproductivity is surely an unfortunate side effect. More needs to be done to simply open up a dialogue between employees and employers to make things beneficial for all parties involved.
It’s simple modifications that business leaders can adopt to make small and smart changes to their business that are the ticket to success, creating a happier work culture across Scotland and strengthening our nation’s productivity.
Here’s hoping these stats start to create a much more zen mindset that further creates a Scotland that’s proud of its workers and opportunities.
Scottish SMEs must face climate threats head on
It’s worrying, but not surprising, to hear that Scottish businesses are struggling to prepare for climate change.
With extreme weather and stricter regulations looming, adapting should be high on every business leader’s agenda.
But as the recent PwC survey reveals, many are falling behind, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that often lack the resources to navigate these shifts. But inaction now could be catastrophic later.
Scotland’s commitment to net-zero is commendable, yet this lofty ambition demands full participation across sectors. Our businesses need support to adapt—from sustainable sourcing to reducing emissions and fortifying supply chains against climate disruptions.
All too often, smaller firms are left to figure it out themselves, without the tools or guidance larger corporations enjoy. This creates a risky imbalance, with larger players better prepared to adapt and survive, while smaller ones face potential collapse or crippling costs.
Let’s not forget that climate adaptation isn’t just about risk—it’s about opportunity. By investing in green technologies, energy-efficient practices, and waste reduction, businesses can actually boost their profitability and reputation.
With consumers becoming increasingly eco-conscious, those that can honestly call themselves sustainable will gain a competitive edge. Scotland’s economy and workforce depend on businesses that are resilient to climate impacts. From agriculture and tourism to manufacturing, every sector stands to gain by becoming climate-savvy.
In a world of increasing unpredictability, we must value preparedness as much as profitability. Businesses should treat climate adaptation as a critical investment, one that will pay off when the next storm—or drought or supply shortage—hits.
It Made Me Laugh
Saberwars: Dueling with a difference
Glasgow’s new combat saber battle experience might just be the perfect way for business leaders to settle the score with some light-hearted dueling.
I can see it now —a high-stakes boardroom clash turns into a duel of glowing sabers, with CEOs clashing not over spreadsheets but swing speeds.
This innovative idea, Saberwars, introduced by Carluke-based entrepreneur Scott Taylor and his team, could be just the spark we need to make business a little more cutting-edge.
Who knows, maybe next year’s corporate retreat won’t be in the Highlands but at Glasgow’s own Jedi training ground. After all, a bit of friendly saber sparring might just be the stress-buster modern business needs.
It Made Me Weep
End of an era for Glasgow’s magic landmark
Scotland’s beloved Tam Shepherds Trick Shop, a Glasgow institution since 1886, has sadly closed its doors for the last time, ending a remarkable 137-year legacy.
This quirky treasure trove of tricks and gags brought endless joy, mystifying both children and adults alike with its shelves brimming with mischief.
Over the decades, the Queen Street located treasure trove became more than just a shop—it was a magical escape, sparking laughter and curiosity in the heart of Glasgow.
But in today’s fast-paced, digital world, such family-run relics are a vanishing breed.
With Tam Shepherds’ closure, we lose a bit of our culture’s humour and wonder, leaving a hole that no online shop could ever fill.
