In a Nutshell: Five ways to encourage a positive attitude
Boost employee engagement and workplace performance by cultivating a positive attitude. Learn five practical strategies to encourage resilience, support staff wellbeing, and help workers maintain optimism during challenging times.
Is it time to rework your social media policy?
Employers must balance protecting their reputation with respecting employees’ freedom of expression on social media. Recent court cases show that overly restrictive policies can breach employment law, while unchecked social media use risks organizational damage. A well-drafted policy should address inappropriate content removal and abuse reporting without infringing employee rights.
Blog: How to receive feedback in an effective manner
Learn how to effectively receive feedback by listening carefully, staying calm, and avoiding defensiveness. Understanding that feedback is meant to help you improve—whether positive or negative—is key to professional growth and better performance.
News: Female solicitor warned off having relationship or babies, tribunal hears
A female solicitor has accused her former manager of unfairly dismissing her due to gender discrimination after she began a relationship against his wishes. Kate Baker claims she was warned not to have a relationship or babies and describes a bullying workplace culture at the law firm. The case is proceeding to a full tribunal hearing.
News: Wanted – One wolf boy/girl, with circus skills and all their own hair
Circus of Horrors is hiring a “wolf boy” or “girl” with hypertrichosis (a rare condition causing extreme facial hair growth) and circus skills for their nationwide tour. Applicants must have at least 60,000 facial hairs and genuine performers need not apply.
Blog: Why are annual performance appraisals so stressful?
Annual performance appraisals create significant stress because managers avoid them, employees dread them, and once-yearly feedback fails to improve performance. Social recognition and crowdsourced feedback can replace traditional reviews with continuous, constructive input that reduces anxiety and drives better results.
Talent Spot: Julia Warren, HR director at Serco UK and Europe
Julia Warren became HR director at Serco UK and Europe after a 30-year career spanning John Lewis, Hay Group, and Thomson Reuters. Known for embracing diverse roles and learning opportunities, she advocates for HR professionals to take career risks even when positions initially seem unappealing.
Talking Point: Lembit Opik – Do you know how to manage a maverick?
Lembit Opik explores how to effectively manage mavericks in the workplace—unconventional thinkers who challenge norms and offer fresh perspectives. He provides strategies for understanding these individuals, distinguishing between left-brain and right-brain focused mavericks, and converting them from liabilities into organizational assets.
News: Law firm’s ‘be in the office by 9.15am or else’ email causes storm
A Hogan Lovells managing partner’s email demanding Shanghai office lawyers arrive by 9:15am sparked backlash after going viral. The memo threatened that persistent lateness would affect promotions and pay reviews, drawing criticism from legal commentators who argue rigid office hours are inefficient in a digital, always-on work environment.
News: Top 10 professions most likely to be caught speeding unveiled
A study analyzing 14 million car insurance quotes reveals that operations directors, surgeons, and sales directors are most likely to be caught speeding, with high-paid professionals in powerful cars showing significantly higher conviction rates than average drivers.
Blog: Four simple ways to improve how senior leaders communicate
Senior leaders can dramatically improve their communication effectiveness through four key strategies: establishing genuine two-way dialogue channels, tailoring interventions to individual leaders and employee needs, and implementing other targeted approaches that enhance strategic focus and employee engagement.
Blog: How to live long and prosper
A 60-year Harvard study reveals seven controllable factors that significantly influence longevity and happiness: avoiding smoking and excess alcohol, exercising regularly, continuous learning, nurturing relationships, altruism, and stress management. Starting these habits before age 50 is crucial for long-term health and well-being.
HRD Insight: GGHT’s Gary Cookson on hiring the long-term unemployed
GGHT’s HR head discusses how the housing provider hires long-term unemployed workers while maintaining service quality and standards. The organization developed tailored HR policies, including eliminating occupational sick pay and partnering with a social enterprise, achieving low sickness absence rates among new employees.
Four easy steps to plan for career change
Planning a career change requires self-reflection before jumping into job hunting. This four-step guide helps you clarify your values, strengths, and passions through written exercises, then narrow down to three realistic career options that align with your goals.
News: Deloitte’s Bersin buy signals HR’s growing strategic importance
Deloitte Consulting acquired analyst firm Bersin & Associates to strengthen its HR capabilities as the human resources function gains strategic importance among corporate leadership. The acquisition will operate as a standalone business unit called “Bersin by Deloitte,” continuing to provide market research, benchmarking, and advisory services to employers in HR and talent management sectors.
News: Low income NHS staff “not paid properly” since transfer to outsourcer
Low-income NHS staff at Brighton’s Royal Sussex County Hospital have experienced payment problems since being transferred to contractor Sodexo, with some workers missing wages and overtime payments. The GMB union reports employees have had to collect emergency cash at company offices, though Sodexo says it remains committed to resolving the issues.
Blog: Dealing with the thorny legal issue of vicarious liability
Employers can be held vicariously liable for employee harassment, discrimination, and misconduct that occurs during the course of employment. Courts apply a “close connection” test to determine if an employer’s liability is fair and just, even after an employee leaves the organization.
Blog: What to do when 2012 anxieties becomes 2013 stress
Managing workplace stress after the holidays is crucial for employee wellbeing and productivity. A study found 65% of workers experienced stress at year-end, with 30% reporting work impacts. Creating supportive environments, recognizing early warning signs like tiredness and irritability, and building employee resilience through coaching and recognition can help reduce stress and prevent mental health issues.
Three key trends in the world of work (and how to deal with them)
Discover three key European workplace trends reshaping how organizations work: fostering product innovation through flexible work environments, managing aging workforces proactively, and enhancing customer experience. Learn how companies are adapting work practices to boost performance and efficiency during challenging times.
News: Christians cannot refuse to work on Sundays, rules judge
A High Court judge has ruled that Christians have no legal protection against being fired for refusing to work on Sundays, rejecting a constructive dismissal claim by a care worker who said her employer initially accommodated her faith requirements before pressuring her to change.
