News: older workers more worried about job security than Gen Y
Older workers’ job security confidence dropped significantly in early 2013, with those aged 45-54 experiencing a 10% decline, while younger workers aged 18-24 were the only group to show increased confidence, according to Legal & General’s Job Security Index.
How to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace
Learn what constitutes sexual harassment in the workplace and how to address it effectively. This guide covers common scenarios, including office banter and innuendo, and explains the importance of implementing and enforcing a robust anti-harassment policy to prevent legal disputes and maintain a positive work environment.
The Position of Employer in the Family Unit
Traditionally, employers operated outside the family unit as workers separated their professional and personal lives. As HR analytics reveal employee engagement challenges, companies are increasingly recognizing that aligning workplace benefits with family values and goals drives retention and loyalty.
Research: concerns over trust in flexible working highest among HR professionals
Nearly half of HR professionals cite lack of trust in employee productivity as the biggest barrier to flexible working, significantly higher than other sectors. The Microsoft-commissioned study found HR workers are most skeptical about colleagues working remotely, with 46 percent expressing distrust compared to lower rates in legal and other industries.
Book Review: Exposure by Michael Woodford
Michael Woodford’s memoir details his courageous but costly battle to expose fraud at Japanese electronics company Olympus, where he was fired as CEO for challenging senior management wrongdoing and institutional practices that protected corporate misconduct.
News: personal issues main reason for employees leaving
Three quarters of UK CEOs cite personal issues like stress as the main reason employees leave, according to new research. Pay was cited by 34 percent and job dissatisfaction by 19 percent, while lack of opportunities ranked lowest at just seven percent.
Are companies meeting the needs of an ageing workforce?
Most UK companies fail to invest in training for employees over 60, despite workforce aging trends and retirement age increases to 67 by 2028. Research shows older workers have lower absenteeism rates and valuable mentoring potential, yet businesses must overcome outdated stereotypes to unlock their benefits.
News: benefits packages stagnating as employees demand more
Employee benefits packages haven’t been updated since 2008, creating a mismatch with worker priorities. New research shows 77% of UK employees prioritize financial security and want defined pensions and income protection, yet over half of employers haven’t reviewed their benefits in 15 years.
News: young people want green skills to get green jobs
Over half of UK young people (59%) want green economy jobs, but 38% lack the required skills. New research reveals they seek apprenticeships, work experience, and better career guidance to enter sectors like renewable energy and energy efficiency.
HRD Insight: Creating Person-centred Organisations
Person-centred organisations apply thinking tools originally designed for people with learning disabilities to improve workplace planning, decision-making, and performance across all staff levels. This approach emphasizes seeing the whole person, focusing on abilities rather than limitations, and understanding the root causes of challenging behaviour to create more effective management and better organisational outcomes.
News: employers to design their own apprenticeships
Employers will soon design their own apprenticeship standards to address skills shortages, following recommendations from the Richard Review. The government initiative aims to improve apprenticeship quality and align programs with employer needs, including outcome-focused training and final holistic assessments.
Businesses as living entities – the shift to corporate communities
Modern businesses that adopt a “living company” model prioritize adaptability over short-term profits, developing stronger long-term resilience. By fostering innovation, community engagement, and diversification, companies can reduce reliance on single competitive advantages and build sustainable competitive advantage in an unpredictable marketplace.
News: productivity being ‘sabotaged’ by email addiction
Email addiction is reducing workplace productivity by distracting employees from important work, according to workplace training experts. Implementing scheduled email check times rather than continuous monitoring could help staff focus on priorities and meet deadlines more effectively.
News: Pay gap influenced by low applications, says research
Research shows women are underrepresented in high-paying jobs largely because they don’t apply for them, citing preconceived notions about gender roles and job fit rather than employer discrimination. A study of MBA students found similarly qualified men and women apply for different jobs based on gender perceptions, suggesting recruitment materials need redesign to encourage diverse applicants.
Talent spot: Tim Munden, Unilever’s VP of HR for UK and Ireland
Tim Munden, Unilever’s VP of HR for UK and Ireland, joined the company’s graduate scheme in 1993 after an accident ended his army career aspirations at age 22. Over 18 years with the multinational, he’s held roles across multiple countries and levels, learning early that building trust and relationships are essential to driving organizational change.
Is training key to preventing spear-phishing attacks?
Employee training significantly reduces spear-phishing attack success rates. While 60% of untrained users fall for phishing emails, trained employees can identify suspicious indicators like spoofed URLs and email headers, providing crucial defense against targeted attacks that aim to compromise sensitive corporate data.
News: Organisations invest in talent – but is it paying off?
Organizations worldwide are increasingly investing in talent development, but only 24% report their efforts are highly effective in meeting business needs, according to Mercer’s Talent Barometer Survey. The research shows 60% of firms have boosted talent investment recently, yet most struggle to demonstrate clear ROI and face gaps in workforce planning, education partnerships, and employee wellness programs.
Interview: Peter Cheese, CEO of the CIPD
Peter Cheese, CIPD CEO, discusses how HR stands at an inflection point where the profession can deliver greater business impact. He outlines the need for HR to adapt to workplace volatility, prioritize employee engagement and culture, and embrace flexible working models to reflect a more diverse workforce.
Book Review: Transformative HR by John Boudreau & Ravin Jesuthasan
Transformative HR by Boudreau and Jesuthasan advocates for evidence-based HR management grounded in analytical rigor and business outcomes. The book presents five principles—logic-driven analysis, segmentation, risk leverage, integration, and optimization—to help HR professionals gain credibility and decision-making authority equal to other executives.
Posture at work – how to improve it, why it’s important
Good posture at work improves flexibility, reduces brain fog by increasing oxygen levels, and enhances confidence. Regular movement throughout the day counteracts the negative effects of prolonged sitting and can help maintain a youthful body.
