Better relationships, less red tape: The key to high work performance

What is the one thing we can do to improve work performance? Quentin Millington of Marble Brook argues that we should direct attention to better relationships, and not, as often happens, more systems.
Alcohol abuse in the workplace: Spot the signs and support

With 17 million working days lost each year in the UK because of alcohol-related sickness, this is an issue that HR needs to be alive to. Alcohol misuse does not discriminate, so having preventive and supportive measures is important for all organisations.
Burnout: How to spot the signs and prevent it in the workplace

When burnout hits, it not only throws your employee a curveball, but it has an impact on your business too. Here’s how to prevent burnout and support those recovering from it.
How to tackle skyrocketing rise in UK workplace sickness costs

New think tank data reveals UK workplace sickness costs have risen by 30% in six years to £100bn annually. How do we even begin to turn this around? Gethin Nadin recommends three actions for employers.
Performance management: How relationships beat systems

Talk of performance management and we usually think first of systems, data and processes. But in our complex world, vibrant human relationships are the surest way to enable the outcomes and behaviours we expect.
Performance management doesn’t work for 98% of CHROs

A recent Gallup survey found only 2% of CHROs strongly agree their performance management systems are effective. Gallup’s suggestions for turning this around do not go far enough though, says Jon Ingham, who advocates for a more human-centric approach.
Why there is a place for employers to use NDAs

The government’s rejection of a ban on non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in harassment cases was the right decision, say employment lawyers Laura Clark and Nick Hawkins at Knights. Now the focus needs to be on how they are used appropriately in the workplace.
Are we taking employee wellbeing too far?

With growing concerns about the impact of hybrid working on connection, team management and culture, is the focus on individual wellbeing being prioritised over that of the needs of organisations and customers?
Return-to-office tribunals: How to avoid the battleground

As UK firms move away from remote working and back to office-based setups, there may be an uptick in tribunal cases as employees push back. What do employers need to be aware of to ensure they remain compliant? Danielle Ayres, Employment Partner from Primas Law, advises.
Upcoming employment law changes: Your need-to-know guide

We are only six months into 2024 and the world of employment law has already seen a number of significant legislative changes take effect. Here are the important changes to employment law that employers need to know.
How HR is business-critical in 2024

Change across HR and employment regulation this year is affecting organisations of all sizes. By keeping abreast of statutory changes HR can advise and support accordingly.
Tesco CEO pay: What’s the problem?

The recent news of Tesco doubling the remuneration of its chief executive was met in the public square with concern and outrage. The furore underscores how hard it can be to reach agreement when the world we inhabit is complex and our view limited.
Supporting employees struggling with PMDD

With little to no treatment currently available to help combat premenstrual dysphoric disorder, employers may want to consider what measures they can implement to help employees who suffer from this condition.
Self-management part one: How to recruit without managers

In the first instalment of a three-part series on self management, ‘Powered by people’, Perry Timms and Kirsten Buck delve into recruitment and selection, looking at two unorthodox approaches to hiring in unorthodox organisations. What can we learn from these managerless, self-managed organisations?
Contracting: From accidental adversaries to progressive partnerships

How can we build robust stakeholder relationships? HRZone’s OD columnists Garin Rouch and Dani Bacon share five ways to implement manager contracting to create progressive partnerships between different leaders and departments.
How much do you really know about Evidence-Based HR?

You’ve probably heard of Evidence-Based HR (EBHR). But do you really know what it is and how it can be harnessed to enhance the effectiveness of HR? Let’s put your knowledge to the test!
Why better questions mean better performance

When it comes to performance management, it’s time we swap ticking boxes with talking to a human being. By enabling fruitful conversations, we can secure better outcomes for individuals and our organisation.
Achieving connection: The gold dust of high performance

Connection is key for organisations; connected employees are engaged and better performing employees. Raising the level of connection with our team members requires re-adjusting our priorities and making impactful changes that can be sustained.
The Spring Budget 2024: Hints for HR on the future of work

The 2024 Spring Budget Statement offers subtle hints at a changing world of work. Culture expert Deborah Hartung postulates the direction we might be heading in, and how HR can adapt.
AI and employment law: Practical steps to manage risks

The use of AI in the workplace could cause legal issues to arise. How can you manage these risks and avoid a claim being made against your organisation?