Q5 Partners

Beyond People Data: how a Job Architecture can supercharge skills across your organisation Even the best people data can’t fully reveal workforce skills. This article explores how a Job Architecture, organising roles by skill and activity, enables better workforce planning, career development, and performance management. Real-world examples show how this framework helps organisations identify gaps, allocate resources, and support employee growth effectively. Reading time: 5 minutes Organisations we work with…

5 tips for navigating change with impact Implementing a Shared Service Centre is a major change that impacts people, processes, and culture. This guide shares five practical tips, from strong communication to people-focused planning, that can help leaders manage the transition smoothly. Learn how to align teams, transfer knowledge effectively, and build momentum for a successful, centralised model. Reading time: 3 minutes Implementing a Shared Service Centre (SSC) is a…

Choosing the right workforce planning approach for your organisation Workforce planning isn’t one-size-fits-all. While Strategic Workforce Planning (SWP) helps organisations plan for the long term, Tactical and Operational Workforce Planning address more immediate and mid-term needs. Understanding when to apply each approach is critical to workforce resilience, cost efficiency, and business success. Which planning approach is right for you? Reading time: 3 minutes Strategic, Tactical, or Operational Workforce Planning –…

How our pro-bono consulting is making a real difference for charities, communities, and young people In FY23/24, we provided £1 million in pro bono consulting to 24 charities and not-for-profits through the Q5 Foundation. Our four pillars Pop-Up Consulting, Community Partnerships, Young People, and Research Collaborations drive lasting social impact. Looking ahead to FY25/26, we’re committed to expanding our reach and continuing to support those who need it most. Download…

A new chapter for Q5 Arabia as we set our sights on 2025 Q5 Arabia is proud to welcome Scott Kennedy as its new Managing Director. With over a decade of experience across multiple sectors and regions, Scott brings deep expertise in strategy execution and organizational effectiveness. His leadership will drive Q5 Arabia’s growth, strengthen client relationships, and localize Q5’s expertise in the Middle East. Reading time: 2 minutes Q5 is…

The critical role of people and culture in retail mergers and acquisitions Summary: Many Retail & Consumer M&A deals fail to realise full value due to overlooked people and culture factors. With rising costs and strategic shifts, businesses must balance integrations with maintaining brand DNA, consistency of culture, while ensuring people remain focussed on core delivery. Q5 helps organisations embed a people-centric approach to maximise synergies and drive long-term success.…

A framework for addressing loneliness in the workplace for enhanced well-being Addressing loneliness and fostering a sense of belonging is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for organisations striving to cultivate a resilient, engaged, and high-performing workforce. To tackle this issue, we propose a holistic framework comprising five key elements: Culture, Leadership, DEIB & Well-being, Organisational Design & Workplace Environment, and Social Needs & Networks. This framework…

Reflecting on a year of meaningful impact 2024 was an amazing year for the Q5 Foundation, as we deepened our commitment to social impact and supported over 30 charities and community organisations globally. Together, we achieved remarkable milestones that demonstrate the power of collaboration, expertise, and passion. Reading time: 6 minutes A year of empowering communities This year, the Q5 Foundation proudly donated over £1 million in consulting time and…

Unlock M&A value through culture and leadership Over two-thirds of M&A activity fails to deliver value, often due to overlooked “People topics.” Our guide highlights how prioritising culture, leadership, and strategic alignment can drive performance across the transaction lifecycle. Download the full PDF to learn actionable strategies for defining priorities, minimising disruption, and achieving M&A success. Reading time: 2 minutes Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) are significant milestones for any business,…

Insights from Q5 Australia to help you lead with impact in 2025 Start 2025 strong with 7 key leadership lessons from Q5’s Australian team. From co-designing solutions and clear communication to embracing change and fostering team culture, these insights help leaders innovate, adapt, and empower their teams for success in the evolving business landscape. Reading time: 4 minutes In Australia and New Zealand, we see a new year as having…

Future-proof your business Strategic Workforce Planning (SWP) helps businesses align their workforce capabilities with future goals. By assessing skills, forecasting needs, and fostering adaptability, organisations build resilience against market uncertainties. Q5 supports clients with tailored SWP strategies, combining workforce modelling and organisational health expertise. A client example highlights enhanced talent retention and readiness. Reading time: 5 minutes Rapid technological advancements, shifting market dynamics, and global uncertainty are now commonplace influences…

Tips to get your team future-fit for 2025 Chris Parsons, Q5’s founding partner, highlights the importance of becoming ‘future fit’ for 2025. By setting a clear direction, simplifying processes, embracing technology, and fostering a culture of optimism, leaders can drive efficiency and performance. The actions taken now will shape next year’s success—start planning for a thriving 2025 today. Reading Time: 3 minutes Being ‘future fit’ for 2025 should be on…

Unlocking workforce potential through culture, motivation, and innovative talent strategies Explore how to unlock your workforce’s full potential by building a culture of engagement, motivation, and development. In this article, we unpack strategies for fostering ownership, spotting talent, and implementing innovative, cost-effective rewards in today’s evolving workplace. Listen to the podcast below. Reading time: 3 minutes On November 21, we hosted a compelling panel discussion, “Maximising employee talents and managing…

Q5 earns top consultancy ranking in the Middle East Q5 has been recognised as a leading consultancy in the Middle East, achieving top rankings in Change Management, Human Resources, and Management. With accolades across key industries like Construction, Energy, and Media, this award highlights our commitment to driving impactful change for organisations. Reading time: 2 minutes We are thrilled to share that Q5 has been recognised as one of the…

From promises to progress: are Labour’s goals becoming reality? Recorded live at Prospect, this podcast delves into Labour’s journey since the UK and USA 2024 elections. Chaired by Prospect Editor Alan Rusbridger, the panel—featuring Baroness Simone Finn, Janine Gibson, and Mike Soutar—analyses economic reforms, employment rights, and leadership lessons. Are they delivering on their promises? Listen to the podcast. Reading time: 2 minutes Podcast recap: Elections 2024 – Promises vs…

Jen Gramolt, Partner of Q5 on building safer, more efficient workplaces Explore the early November Oil and Gas HSE podcast episode where host Russell Stewart interviews Jen Gramolt, Partner at Q5. They discuss the concept of organisational health, its impact on safety and efficiency, and practical strategies for fostering a resilient workplace culture. This episode is essential for leaders in energy and beyond. Reading time: 2 minutes What is organisational…

Insights from Q5’s Sydney forum on harnessing past lessons to fuel future success At a recent Q5 event in Sydney, Lyndal Hughes, MD of Q5 Australia, led a thought-provoking discussion on transformation beyond traditional change initiatives. Panellists Chris Parsons, Nicky Bowie, and Ed Bridgeland shared diverse perspectives, emphasising the importance of emotional readiness, team unity, and a strategic, holistic approach to true organisational transformation. Reading time: 4 minutes Transformation is…

Bridging the gap between sustainability goals and measurable impact Welcome to our first-of-its-kind research on sustainability transformation. We’ve gathered insights from 160 organisations and conducted interviews with over 50 business leaders across 27 countries to bring you an in-depth look at how businesses are navigating this critical journey. Produced by The Transformation Alliance, a coalition driving transformation with European roots and global reach, this report brings together expertise from consultancies…

Our first Pulse Report In the rapidly evolving landscape of Generative AI (GenAI), businesses are eager to harness its potential, with bold ambitions to scale alongside advancing technologies. But the question remains: can organisations keep pace with their own aspirations? Download the full report below. Reading time: 2 minutes Our first Pulse Report delves into this pressing issue. While companies are setting ambitious targets for GenAI initiatives, they are also…

What does the Employment Rights Bill mean for organisational health? The Employment Rights Bill introduces key reforms to UK labour laws, including a ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts, expanded day-one employment rights, and restrictions on ‘fire and rehire’ practices. These changes aim to enhance worker protections, but they also present challenges and opportunities for businesses, particularly in workforce management, organisational structure, and cultural shifts. Reading time: 7 minutes The UK…

How to effectively design, implement, and evolve a Target Operating Model A Target Operating Model (TOM) serves as the blueprint for how an organisation should function to achieve its goals. This article explores key elements such as strategy, value chains, enterprise architecture, roles, culture, and performance. It provides practical insights on how to effectively design, implement, and evolve a TOM. Reading time: 3 minutes You may well have come across…

Beyond HR and across your business Organisations often struggle with unreliable people data, impacting their ability to make informed decisions. This article highlights the importance of high-quality people data, offering strategies to improve data accuracy and effectiveness. Leveraging tools like OrgMaps and ensuring consistent data input can enhance strategic workforce planning, productivity, and organisation design. Reading time: 5 minutes “If organisations had the same quality finance data as their people…

Determining the optimal ‘spans of control’ is crucial for maximising organisational effectiveness. This article explores how the ideal number of direct reports for managers varies based on factors like company culture, work complexity, and desired outcomes. It also offers best practices, potential pitfalls to avoid, and insights into customised span analysis. At Q5, we are often asked, “what spans of control should we have to maximise the effectiveness of our…

Generative AI is redefining the publishing sector, offering efficiencies and reshaping roles, content, and business models. Our strategic guidance helps leaders navigate this evolution, ensuring ethical AI integration while fostering innovation. As the industry transforms, Q5 stands ready to assist publishers in embracing this new chapter with strategic foresight.  Generative AI (GenAI) is likely to present the biggest change to the creation, distribution and consumption of media since the dawn…

Amidst ongoing concern surrounding AI risk, safety and ethics, a key question arises – how can we truly harness this powerful technology as a force for good? To answer this, our recent ‘What’s Next?’ event provided an invaluable forum. It’s time to look beyond the Artificial Intelligence (AI) hype Last year, as AI-mania took hold, thousands of .ai domain names were registered (a boon for the Anguillan economy) and every…

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, strategic organisational design has never been more critical. This was the central theme of our recent panel discussion titled, ‘The experts’ guide: Design your operating model for growth, cost & agility’. Targeting business leaders across all sectors, the discussion consisted of practical insights and tools for effectively navigating the complexities and challenges of today’s dynamic business environment. Attendees were also given a roadmap for understanding…

2024 is only three weeks old, but it’s clear those waiting for a return to business as usual are missing the moment – and leaders focused on growth have good reason for the spring in their step. Turbulence is priced in Times have changed – turbulence in global affairs is here to stay. China’s rise & stall will not be without incident; Russia is testing the West’s will in Ukraine;…

How can your organisation best respond to an evolving workplace culture? This webinar, co-hosted by Q5 and Ceridian and inspired by Ceridian’s 2023 Pulse of Talent Survey, discusses some of the latest workforce insights around shifting employee needs and the increased importance of flexibility. In an era where the landscape of work is rapidly evolving, understanding the nuances of talent management has never been more crucial. Q5 recently hosted a…

The article provides a versatile approach to organisational design that effectively balances multiple strategic priorities, such as growth, cost, and agility. It offers concrete advice for reconciling conflicting business priorities within an operating model redesign. Drawing on Q5’s proven methodologies and tools, a practical blueprint is also given for establishing a solid base for organisational redesign. An environment that calls for a mindset shift Businesses today navigate exceptionally challenging market…

This article explores the impact of internal “ways of working”. Specifically, how the intangible elements within daily interactions, decision-making, and workflow structures are pivotal for business growth, beyond just a solid reporting structure. Drawing reference to ‘open working styles’, we provide you with a tool to use as a reflective exercise for teams and leaders to assess their current ways of working against future objectives. What does that mean and…

For businesses to secure a sustainable future, they must enhance their ability to adapt and innovate in an ever-evolving marketplace. Here, we’ll explore why change capability is a vital determinant of transformational success and provide two pieces of advice that leaders can leverage to build this key competency. We’ve heard it all before, but the evidence says your next transformation is likely to fail! Repeated studies have shown that most…

Shape the culture to attract and retain diverse talent Explore how organisational culture can become a key differentiator to attracting and retaining diverse talent. Turn hybrid working into an opportunity instead of a threat.  A record number of workers are walking away from their jobs. Businesses are facing an uphill battle in attracting the next generation of talent, particularly in sectors that are perceived as less attractive and no longer…

Healthcare has been revolutionised by technology. Robots are improving patient outcomes, speeding up surgery times and reducing costs. Seemingly every week, a new drug hits the news which promises to radically change patients’ chances. AI brings untold possibilities. The pace of change has never been faster. Far slower, however, has been the organisational, structural and systems change needed to enable clinicians and the new technologies at their disposal to do…

At Q5, we constantly challenge ourselves to push the boundaries of what we can achieve with our clients – and with every breakthrough comes new learnings, that we bring back in-house and cross-pollinate across our clients. Our recent work on Systems Leadership has presented a new perspective on organisational design, that could fundamentally reshape how government departments work to operationalise and deliver on policy objectives. Policy is often highly disjointed…

Working from home or working alone? – Activate a healthier culture by supporting employee well-being Much has shifted during the past few years. Hybrid and remote working have gone from unique to mainstream. People have been asked to do more and respond in unexpected ways to meet new community and customer needs. Time together as a team connecting has reduced, and a sense of greater purpose for the organisation may…