Book Review: Face to face in the workplace: A handbook of strategies for effective discussions
Julie Cooper’s handbook offers managers and supervisors practical strategies for effective workplace discussions, combining established theories with real-world advice on coaching, interviewing, appraisals, and conflict management. The book’s modular structure allows readers to reference specific topics as needed, making it valuable for both experienced and new leaders seeking to strengthen their communication skills.
Legal Insight: When the (Christmas) party’s over…
Employers can discipline employees for misconduct at Christmas parties, even when held off-site, if behavior damages business interests. Alcohol-related incidents are most common, but employers who provide free drinks may face criticism in tribunal cases. Parties should be inclusive, offering non-alcoholic options and accommodating employees’ religious beliefs.
Employee engagement – and how to get it
The McLeod Review found UK employee engagement levels disappointingly low due to managerial oversight. Despite widespread recognition of engagement’s importance for productivity and profitability, recent surveys show minimal improvement, with only 43% of workers reporting positive staff-manager relationships.
News: Men who wear pink shirts earn more and are better qualified
Men who wear pink shirts earn significantly more and are better educated than those who prefer white or blue, according to a study of 1,500 male office workers. On average, pink-wearers earn £1,000 more annually and are twice as likely to hold a Masters degree.
What does the future hold for HR?
The future of HR is being reshaped by five major forces: low carbon economy needs, societal changes, economic imperatives, longevity, and rapid technology advances. Cloud technology and mobile connectivity are creating both opportunities and challenges, requiring HR professionals to shift from traditional gatekeepers to strategic enablers of business competitiveness.
Blog: Punk Rock HR – Christmas countdown part 2
Explore six HR lessons inspired by punk rock, covering fair compensation, union relationships, and workplace happiness. This countdown series uses iconic punk and new wave songs to challenge conventional HR thinking and offer practical insights for people management.
In a Nutshell: Five tips for becoming a staff motivation expert
Learn five essential strategies for becoming a staff motivation expert, from understanding employee motivators and setting smart objectives to selecting tailored rewards and communicating effectively. Expert guidance on moving beyond basic salary incentives to drive meaningful performance improvement.
The HRZone Interview: David Frost on sickness absence
David Frost discusses the economic impact of sickness absence, which costs the UK £100 billion annually and causes 300,000 workers to leave employment. His independent review recommends replacing GP fit notes with independent assessments for those absent over four weeks, emphasizing that managers must take responsibility for keeping workers engaged and supporting their return to work.
News: Underlying joblessness worsens despite official figures, warns expert
An employment expert warns that underlying joblessness is significantly higher than official UK unemployment figures suggest, citing distortions from 2012’s Olympics and unusual seasonal patterns. Unemployment could rise sharply in the New Year if temporary Olympic-related jobs end and the labor market weakens before Christmas.
News: Christmas party hangovers to cost employers £740m this year
Christmas party hangovers could cost UK employers £740 million in lost productivity this year, as survey data shows 75% of companies plan office celebrations and 70% of workers expect to party for multiple nights over the festive season.
Blog: Five ways to ensure your meetings are effective
Improve workplace meetings by establishing clear objectives, planning detailed agendas, respecting participants’ time, encouraging two-way communication, and ending with defined action items. These five strategies boost productivity, communication, and employee morale.
Blog: Getting your champagne stories ready for Christmas
Prepare memorable “champagne stories” from your year’s achievements to share at Christmas networking events and office celebrations. Use these anecdotes to showcase your accomplishments authentically, engage colleagues in meaningful conversation, and make lasting professional impressions beyond dry facts and figures.
Talking Point: Christmas – Is it really the season to be jolly?
Christmas can be stressful for employees dealing with personal struggles, financial pressures, and bereavement. HR professionals should offer emotional support rather than festive distractions, as mental health issues spike during the holidays and can impact workplace productivity.
Talent Spot: Lynne Graham, HR director at WSH
Lynne Graham, HR director at Westbury Street Holdings, believes employee engagement must be deeply embedded in company values rather than treated as a peripheral exercise. Her approach to people management was shaped by early experiences at Clarks, where she discovered her passion for training and developing staff.
News: Investment manager loses £1.7m bonus over poaching lunch
An investment manager has lost a £1.7 million bonus claim after the High Court found he breached his employment contract by attempting to poach a colleague over lunch while employed at RBC’s Bluebay Asset Management.
Vox Pops: How can you best build a business case for buying HR software?
HR professionals share practical advice on building a compelling business case for HR software investment, covering ROI analysis, stakeholder buy-in, and implementation considerations discussed at the CIPD conference.
News: EU pension change proposals to cost UK employers £350bn
Proposed EU pension changes could cost UK employers £350 billion in additional costs, the CBI warns, potentially reducing GDP by 1.5% annually and eliminating 180,000 jobs by the mid-2020s. The new funding regime would require final salary pension schemes to hold catastrophic reserve levels similar to insurance firms, which the CBI calls “completely unnecessary.”
Blog: Nine questions to ask yourself for a healthy 2013
Applying professional planning strategies to personal wellness goals can deliver better results. Instead of vague resolutions, ask yourself specific questions about what you want to achieve, why it matters, how long it will take, and when you’ll review progress. This systematic approach transforms fleeting good intentions into sustainable lifestyle changes.
Blog: Four tips to help stressed out HR pros relax
HR professionals can reduce workplace stress through four practical strategies: deep breathing and meditation, adding plants and improving office decor, scheduling meetings to minimize interruptions, and decluttering your desk. These evidence-based techniques help create a calmer, more focused work environment.
What can HR learn from the sales team?
HR professionals can boost their effectiveness by adopting sales strategies like relationship management, talent pipeline development, and clear communication. By proactively engaging employees, presenting career visions, and selling the organization as an employer, HR can better retain top talent and drive organizational growth.
