Social media not delivering strategic HR results
Many organizations are failing to leverage social media and Big Data effectively in HR strategies, with less than 30% finding social media data useful for hiring decisions and fewer than one in five satisfied with their talent data management systems, according to a Global Assessment Trends Report surveying 592 HR professionals.
Yahoo boss bans remote working
Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer has banned remote working, requiring all 11,500 employees to work from company offices starting June or face termination. The decision, intended to improve collaboration and company culture, has drawn criticism from industry leaders who argue remote work is now more effective than ever.
Stress slays two in five staff in smaller firms
Workplace stress affects over 40% of UK small business staff, impacting absence levels, morale, and performance. The ongoing economic uncertainty is forcing managers to deliver profits with reduced workforces, exacerbating mental health challenges across SMEs.
Gender politics: woman losing out in the UK, but on top in France
UK women’s representation in politics and public life is declining dramatically, ranking 60th globally in female parliamentary representation, while France leads in corporate boardrooms with 25% women directors following quota legislation.
British Gas goes green with recruitment
British Gas is launching the Transform scheme to train 1,400 unemployed young people aged 17-25 for skilled green jobs over three years. Participants receive free sustainability training, a BTEC qualification, and a guaranteed interview with British Gas upon completion.
Book Review: Stories That Move Mountains: Storytelling and Visual Design for Persuasive Presentations
This book review examines how storytelling and visual design principles can persuade audiences to embrace organizational change. The authors present the CAST framework—Content, Audience, Story, Tell—a step-by-step process that distills complex change messages into compelling visual narratives designed to motivate action.
Blog: Doing that Pope thing!
Pope Benedict XVI’s 2013 resignation after 600 years without papal resignations prompted HR insights about career decisions. The author reflects on resigning from a job without another lined up, exploring the emotional journey and the moment that finally triggered the decision to leave.
Carry on first aiding: HSE says no need for matron
The HSE has published draft guidance on proposed changes to workplace first aid regulations, including removing the requirement for HSE-approved training providers. From October 1st, employers will have greater flexibility choosing training providers based on their needs, though they must still ensure adequate first aid provision and providers must meet HSE-controlled syllabus standards.
Are employers up to speed on failing Work Programme?
A cross-party parliamentary committee branded the government’s Work Programme “extremely poor,” finding only 3.6% of claimants moved into sustained employment in its first 14 months—less than a third of the predicted rate and below what would have occurred without the scheme.
Taming the raging bull
Emotional intelligence can help manage difficult workplace relationships and improve leadership effectiveness. An EQ assessment identifies specific emotional skills that managers can develop to become more approachable, better listeners, and more considerate of their impact on others.
UK workers set to run out of money due to lack of pension savings
UK workers have the worst retirement savings globally, with funds lasting only seven of their expected 19 retirement years, according to HSBC research. Their savings cover just 37 percent of needed retirement income, leaving a significant shortfall for the remaining decades.
The rise of the stunningly mediocre
Organizations that cut talent investment during downturns risk losing top performers while lacking bench strength. The recession revealed that companies claiming “staff are our most important asset” often prioritize short-term cost-cutting over developing reserve talent, ultimately damaging trust and respect needed for long-term success.
Blog: how not to ruin a team in 10 conference calls
Virtual teams benefit significantly from video conferencing over email and phone alone. Research with the Fraunhofer Institute shows video conferencing increases engagement by 70%, promotes more open discussion, and creates a more relaxed working atmosphere, ultimately improving team performance and collaboration.
Legal Commentary: contract termination – it’s not cricket! (part 2)
When an employer dismisses you without notice in breach of contract, determining your “effective date of termination” becomes crucial for establishing statutory rights like unfair dismissal protection. This analysis explores how the Supreme Court’s Geys decision affects qualifying service calculations and reveals potential inconsistencies in current employment law guidance.
Legal Commentary: contract termination – it’s not cricket! (part 1)
When employment contracts include termination clauses requiring notice or payment in lieu, determining the exact termination date is crucial for calculating contractual entitlements. The Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Société Générale v Geys clarified that termination isn’t effective until the employee receives formal notice, not when the employer decides to terminate or makes payment.
How to steer clear of office conflicts
Learn how to maintain office harmony by understanding your colleagues, avoiding gossip, resolving conflicts directly, respecting workplace protocols, and staying flexible. These practical strategies help you navigate workplace relationships and prevent misunderstandings before they escalate.
Blog: would turning off social media improve workplace productivity?
Turning off social media at work could boost productivity, though employees overwhelmingly want access to these platforms. A Cisco survey found two-thirds of job applicants ask about social media policies, with 56% rejecting positions that ban it, while psychologists note brief breaks from work can actually improve focus and problem-solving.
Talent Spot: Karen Myers, HR director for UK and Western Europe at RSA
Karen Myers, HR director for UK and Western Europe at insurance firm RSA, has built her career across major UK brands including Marks & Spencer, Barclays, BT, and Tesco. Her experience spans retail, banking, and insurance, shaping her insights on organizational culture, talent management, and leadership.
In a nutshell: making changes without ruffling feathers
Learn how to implement organizational changes successfully by appreciating what’s working, respecting past achievements, building a trusted team, prioritizing strong leadership, and listening to employees who understand the business.
Part timers worry about job security
Part-time workers express significantly lower job security confidence than full-time employees, with only 65% confident in 2013 compared to 75% of full-time staff, according to Legal & General’s Job Security Index. Recent job losses at major companies and declining part-time employment figures have intensified these concerns.
