How can Keir Starmer ensure a smooth transition? 

In what has been one of the busiest weeks in British politics, which has seen People Insight sharing our commentary in not one, but two national publications, Managing Director Tom Debenham shares his insights on everything from Starmer’s work-life balance debate to what steps our incoming Prime Minister can take to ensure a smooth transition.  

Read further: Leadership in the UK’s new political era  

Tom Debenham shares: 

“With Britain bracing itself for the biggest Government shake up in 14 years, we, like businesses across the country, have of course, been keeping a keen eye on the developments of the General Election.  

“While we may not be in a position to directly advise Number 10’s newest resident, as the leading consultants for leaders at some of the nation’s biggest organisations and with hundreds of thousands of data points to guide us on everything from effective leadership to the best way to manage organisational change, we’ve maybe been looking at it with a more critical eye. 

And it’s that critical eye that means we’ve been well-placed to lend some of our expertise to debates surrounding the biggest political event this decade. 

Today’s employees care about (and will vote for) work-life balance 

Unsurprisingly, issues and concerns surrounding work-life balance remain a top priority and concern for employees today. This is certainly reflected in the data we have collected. Tom continues: 

“As our data shows, work life balance is one of the key drivers for employee engagement, so it’s no wonder that Keir Starmer’s declaration of a 6pm finish on a Friday was one of the most contested debates of the campaign, ruffling feathers across the political spectrum.

“Indeed, as I shared with Amelia Hill at The Guardian this week alongside commentators including Harriet Harman, Ed Davey and Andy Burnham, the outdated criticisms of a potential ‘part timer’ PM are not only a throwback to the workplace conversations of the 1970s, but are a surefire way to be branded as a toxic boss.” 

Read further: What does the Labour manifesto mean for employment?

Nudging parliamentary culture into the 21st century 

What difference does the leadership of our country make to the way we lead our businesses? While the relationship may not be direct, we can’t deny that what happens in parliament, what behaviours are encouraged or looked down upon, matters to the rest of the country. 

“While I’m sure most leaders won’t be looking to the inhabitants of the Palace of Westminster as role models for work life balance (amongst other things), credit must be paid to any of them that attempt to nudge the parliamentary culture out of the 20th and into the 21st century. 

“The sheer fact that our incoming Prime Minister has voiced his commitment to work-balance only serves to demonstrate that it not only remains a topic that is front of mind for workers at all levels of seniority, but one that is going nowhere fast.  

“However, while we may think we’re moving closer to finding an equilibrium between our careers and our home life, our own research shows that it may not be that simple. Our data suggests that despite a rise in flexible and hybrid working practices, the number of people who felt that they had struck the right balance has actually fallen, from 70% in 2022 to 61% in 2024.  

“Similarly, the number of employees who felt their employer did enough to support their health and wellbeing at work has also fallen from 66% in 2022 to 59% this year. 

Our new PM faces a difficult transition period 

“In a recent article in The Scotsman unpacking the ever-present return to the office debate, our Head of Consultancy Kate Pritchard shared her insights on why bosses should take these falling figures as both a warning and an opportunity to turn the tide.  

“And turning the tide will be a task for our PM who faces what could be a difficult period of transition requiring them to not only win back the trust of the country, but demonstrate a realistic, clear and actionable plan for the future.

“As we would advise leadership teams as part of the support we offer through our Change Management programmes, clear and open communication will be key in ensuring that the next few months are marked by progress not disillusionment.  

“There are a number of vital ingredients to organisational success. The same goes for the change we are about to experience as a nation, but ultimately, effective, inspiring and directional leadership is its linchpin.” 

Change impacts everyone, and while it is crucial for transformation to be led from the top, it is imperative that the voice of those the change will impact most is not only heard, but is utilised in a valuable and constructive way.  

So while we can be fairly sure that we’re unlikely to see Westminster leading the way with a progressive new hybrid working policy, one thing that we can all agree on is that we all need balance in the workplace. Even the Prime Minister.

Read our free, comprehensive guide on action planning for positive organisational change.