News: Mixed response to EC’s watering down of gender quota proposals
The European Commission weakened its original plan for strict 40% gender quotas on company boards, instead requiring member states to impose sanctions only on firms failing to hire equally-qualified female candidates for non-executive positions. The revised directive has drawn mixed reactions, with some employers and management bodies supporting the softer approach while quota advocates argue it remains too weak to drive meaningful change.
News: Institute launched in bid to improve UK employee relations
The Employee Relations Institute, a new UK membership body led by Jan Parkinson, has launched to provide training, research, and expert advice on workplace relations to employers, trade unions, and employer bodies. The organization aims to improve employee relations by establishing education standards for supervisors and managers while offering professional qualifications and degree programs through Bradford University.
Blog: How best to protect your staff when travelling abroad
Employers with international staff should implement comprehensive protections for business travelers abroad, including pre-trip planning, emergency assistance services, and identity theft coverage. Research shows employees are more likely to travel to risky destinations when employers provide medical services, pre-travel information, and legal assistance.
Blog: Have you thought about candidate cloning?
Candidate cloning explores hiring strategies focused on emotional intelligence rather than just technical skills. Companies could develop in-house training programs to cultivate top performers by identifying the behavioral competencies that distinguish star employees from average ones.
Talent Spot: Susie Robinson, DHL’s executive VP of HR for EMEA
Susie Robinson, executive VP of HR for EMEA at DHL, has navigated the company through multiple mergers since joining in 1998. She oversees talent development, employee engagement, and brand consistency across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and globally, emphasizing active leadership and continuous organizational adaptation.
Talking Point: If we are what we eat, what kind of workforce have you got?
Employee nutrition directly impacts workplace productivity and morale. Research shows that staff with poor diet quality take 21% more sick days and demonstrate 11% lower productivity than healthier colleagues, making workplace nutrition programs a smart investment for employers.
Infographic: HR pros among most unhappy in their career
HR professionals rank among the least satisfied workers in their careers, according to recent data. Job stress, workplace challenges, and limited advancement opportunities contribute to declining morale in the human resources field.
News: NHS “sleepwalking” into workforce crisis within 3 years
The Royal College of Nursing warns the NHS faces a workforce crisis within three years due to staff cuts and reduced nurse training posts. Since 2010, the health service has lost nearly 21,000 staff including 6,150 qualified nurses, with another 40,000 jobs at risk and nurse training numbers down 14% in two years.
News: Flexible parental leave branded an “administrative nightmare”
Government plans for flexible parental leave in 2015 will let parents share up to a year off work, but employers have called the system an “administrative nightmare” due to complex scheduling requirements and uncertainty about leave timing.
Blog: US election – The need for charismatic leaders during times of austerity
During times of economic austerity and organizational change, charismatic leadership becomes essential for building employee engagement and sustaining success. Drawing lessons from presidents who faced major crises, leaders must role-model organizational values and provide inspiring direction when employees feel anxious about uncertain futures.
Blog: Do you know how to be happy?
Your mindset directly impacts your energy and performance. Research shows that people with positive outlooks achieve better productivity, creativity, and engagement, while negative thoughts drain your resourcefulness and strength in real time.
The HRZone Interview: David MacLeod on employee engagement
David MacLeod, co-chair of the Taskforce on Employee Engagement, discusses the ‘Engage for Success’ campaign launched to help UK employers implement engagement initiatives. The movement provides free advice from 250 experts and 700 practitioners to help companies unlock employee potential and improve performance.
Relationship building – The power of feedback
Effective feedback is essential for building strong workplace relationships and driving business success. By learning to give and receive feedback constructively, you create trust and openness that enable game-changing conversations and improved team performance.
News: Impact of flexible working extension will be “limited”, says lawyer
A lawyer warns that the government’s plan to extend flexible working rights to all employees may have limited practical impact, since employers can still refuse requests on various grounds. While the government projects significant economic benefits and increased female workforce participation, existing employer discretion and high childcare costs could hinder real-world implementation.
News: CIPD 2012 – HR acts as an ‘inhibitor to innovation’
At the CIPD 2012 conference, HR leaders were challenged to stop acting as “custodians of consistency” and embrace innovation by breaking down organizational rigidity. Graham Abbey argued that HR’s traditional command-and-control approach stifles creativity, and that encouraging cross-functional collaboration and protecting experimental teams are essential to fostering genuine organizational innovation.
Blog: Dealing with tax and the contractor issue
The BBC is reviewing contractor employment agreements following a tax audit, highlighting the importance of correct contract classification. Improper contractor designations can create significant tax liabilities for both employers and employees, particularly regarding IR35 regulations and personal service company status.
Book Review: Lead with a story
Paul Smith’s “Lead with a Story” explores how storytelling has become essential for effective leadership and employee engagement. The book provides a practical framework for structuring business narratives, complete with templates and real-world examples, though reviewers note it’s heavily US-focused with limited appeal for international audiences.
How to rebuild staff morale following a crisis
Rebuild staff morale after a crisis by recognizing warning signs like decreased productivity and increased absenteeism. Key strategies include managers modeling positive behavior, developing strong relationships with teams, and implementing targeted morale-boosting initiatives tailored to your organization’s specific needs.
News: CIPD 2012 – Engage for Success movement unveiled
The ‘Engage for Success’ movement launched in November 2012 to promote employee engagement in UK workplaces. Led by David MacLeod and Nita Clarke, the voluntary initiative aims to raise awareness, equip organizations with engagement tools, and foster productive working environments through collaborative project groups and expert support.
News: CIPD 2012 – Four ways to ensure positive industrial relations
London Overground’s HR director shares four essential strategies for managing industrial relations: treat union representatives as individuals, practice genuine negotiation, work within people’s limitations, and address issues early before escalation occurs.
