British workers beat the blues
British workers are feeling more satisfied and secure in their jobs in 2013, defying the gloomy reputation of Blue Monday. According to recruitment specialist Reed, three out of four employees reported job satisfaction, while job insecurity declined and employee benefits increased.
Talent Spot: Monica Walls, vice president of Human Resources at Nexenta Systems
Monica Walls, vice president of HR at Nexenta Systems, transitioned from semiconductor giant Applied Materials to the startup world, where she can make a bigger impact and see results faster. Now leading HR strategy for the rapidly growing storage software company, she focuses on attracting and retaining talent while building the right company culture.
The pros and cons of SaaS-based HCM systems
SaaS-based HCM systems are gaining market share over traditional on-premise solutions due to lower upfront costs, reduced maintenance burden, and easier scalability. Major acquisitions by SAP and Oracle signal the shift toward cloud-based HR delivery as the dominant model for modern organizations.
Analysis: Govt’s response to Frost sickness absence review “disappointing”
Experts criticize the government’s response to the Frost review of workplace sickness absence, saying it falls short of recommendations. The government’s new Independent Assessment Service will provide health assessments for employees absent four weeks or more, but critics warn funding proposals are inadequate and don’t extend coverage to treatments like physiotherapy and private medical care.
News: ‘Sign up to ethical code or quit,’ Barclays’ CEO warns staff
Barclays CEO Antony Jenkins issued staff an ultimatum to either sign up to a new ethical code of conduct or resign, as the bank attempts to rebuild its reputation following the Libor rigging scandal. Performance will now be judged on five ethical standards: respect, integrity, service, excellence, and stewardship.
Blog: Driver licensing changes – Pushing eyecare up the HR agenda
New driver licensing rules requiring regular medical certification for lorry and bus drivers highlight the importance of employee eyecare. Many organizations underestimate their duty of care regarding employee eye health, despite work-related driving causing 30-40% more accidents and vision being a key health indicator.
Book Review: The leadership challenge – How to make extraordinary things happen in organisations
The Leadership Challenge is a globally trusted bestseller that presents five exemplary practices for effective leadership: modeling values, inspiring vision, challenging processes, enabling others, and encouraging the heart. This updated fifth edition includes over 100 new case studies and practical strategies for implementing these principles in modern organizations.
Generating success: How to build a culture of confidence
Building a culture of confidence requires embedding positive expectations into organizational interactions and company culture. HR directors can foster success cycles by helping employees recognize their strengths, encouraging positive work practices from managers, and creating environments where confidence drives better performance.
Blog: The importance of thorough investigation in staff disputes
Employers must conduct thorough investigations before taking disciplinary action in staff disputes. The Stuart v London City Airport case demonstrates how failing to interview key witnesses, review evidence like CCTV footage, or consult relevant staff can result in unfair dismissal claims and tribunal appeals, emphasizing the need for systematic, independent investigation procedures.
The art of change management
Effective change management begins with comprehensive 360-degree feedback from all organizational levels to understand current state and future direction. HR leaders must then address critical decisions about outsourcing, workforce restructuring, compensation, and compliance to guide successful organizational transformation.
In a Nutshell: Five considerations when setting up an HR department from scratch
Building an HR department from scratch requires developing resilience, earning manager support, demonstrating financial value, maintaining strategic focus, and understanding your organization’s broader operations. Jennifer Longden shares five key lessons from establishing HR at Cititec without prior HR experience.
Ask the Expert: How can I stop being forced out after being bullied?
Learn what legal protections you have if you’re being bullied at work and forced out through restructuring. An employment law expert explains your options for constructive dismissal claims and challenging unfair dismissal.
News: UK’s top gay-friendly employers unveiled
Accenture, Gentoo and the Co-op have been ranked as the UK’s top three gay-friendly employers by Stonewall’s 2013 Index. The annual rankings recognize organizations for their LGBT workplace policies and practices, based on surveys of thousands of employees and various equality measures.
News: EU – Employers ‘must retrain or redeploy redundant staff’
The European Parliament has approved proposals requiring medium and large employers to retrain or redeploy staff facing redundancy. The regulations would apply to organizations with over 100 employees in a single EU member state, obliging them to provide retraining, job placement support, and paid time off for job searches.
Blog: The key talent trends from 2012 revealed
Career development and personal growth are the biggest drivers of talent retention in 2012, according to industry experts. Organizations must identify potential employees, offer flexible work arrangements, and help workers achieve self-actualization through aligned career opportunities to retain top talent.
Blog: Developing your open-mindedness muscle
Developing open-mindedness is a crucial leadership trait that helps you overcome frustration and stuck thinking. Learn a simple three-perspective technique—viewing situations from your perspective, others’, and as a neutral observer—to challenge fixed beliefs and gain flexibility in how you approach decisions and relationships.
Talent Spot: Jennifer Longden, head of HR at Cititec
Jennifer Longden built Cititec’s first HR department from scratch after joining the technology recruitment firm in 2009 with no HR experience. Now leading the HR function for 80 staff, she combines on-the-job learning with CIPD qualifications to develop training programs and employee policies.
Talking Point: Is motivation the secret to employee engagement?
Employee engagement is a top HR priority, but it’s often confused with employee motivation—a separate concept that’s equally crucial. Understanding the distinction between situational engagement (positive work environment) and motivation (what drives behavior) is essential for organizations seeking genuine performance improvements.
News: ECHR religious discrimination ruling could force more legislation
The European Court of Human Rights ruled on four UK religious discrimination cases, finding in favor of one claimant but rejecting three others. The mixed decision highlights conflicting rights between religious freedom and protection from discrimination, potentially requiring new legislation to clarify which rights take precedence in different circumstances.
News: Banks angle for tax-efficient bonuses amid change to police and teachers’ pay
Banks attempted to defer bonus payments to exploit a forthcoming tax cut from 50p to 45p, prompting warnings from the Bank of England governor. Meanwhile, police officer starting salaries were cut by more than a fifth, marking the first major pay overhaul in over 30 years.
