Blog: CIPD 2012 – Impose company values at your own risk
Imposing company values from the top down often fails because employees find them forgettable and meaningless. Effective values should be co-created across the organization, contextualized beyond buzzwords, and reviewed as business environments change.
Blog: CIPD 2012 – A view from the fringe
The CIPD 2012 fringe event showed a significant shift toward business-focused HR priorities, with less emphasis on introspective industry discussions. Notable trends included fewer L&D providers at the exhibition, widespread social media engagement during sessions, and growing recognition of independent HR professionals beyond large organizations.
Redundancies and how to reduce the risk of insider fraud
Large-scale redundancies significantly increase the risk of insider fraud, with employee fraud rising 52% during economic downturns. Employers can reduce this risk by managing redundancy consultations positively, maintaining transparent communication, and strengthening internal controls throughout the process.
News: CIPD 2012 – ‘Contingency risk-based approach key to Olympics success’
London 2012’s HR success relied on a contingency risk-based approach that planned for every eventuality, according to LOCOG’s HR director. Early strategy setting, cultural values, and strong partnership working were key to managing both controllable and uncontrollable factors during the Olympics and Paralympics.
News: Permanent placements rise at fastest rate for 17 months
Permanent job placements in the UK have risen for the first time since May, reaching the fastest rate in 17 months, according to the latest KPMG/REC Report on Jobs. The increase reflects growing employer confidence and rising job vacancies, signaling potential economic improvement.
In a Nutshell: Four tips for raising engagement levels
Boost workplace engagement beyond annual surveys with four key strategies: align employees with company vision through visible leadership behaviors, connect their work to personal and business success, empower staff through trust and accountability, and listen continuously to employee feedback and concerns.
Blog: Great ideas can come from anywhere – if you’re prepared to listen
Great ideas can emerge from unexpected sources when organizations create inclusive environments where all employees feel valued and heard. Steve Sabol of NFL Films credited a janitor with suggesting a viral fumble compilation that became a successful franchise, highlighting how leadership must empower staff at all levels to contribute innovative solutions.
Ask the Expert: Am I employed as a temp or a perm?
Determine whether you’re employed as a temporary or permanent worker when your employment status is unclear. Learn about your legal protections against unfair dismissal and how continuous service affects your employment rights, even on temporary contracts.
News: CIPD 2012 – Four ways to boost your board-level influence
HR professionals should prioritize building influence within the executive team rather than seeking board seats, according to Linda Kennedy, group HR director at Yell. Speaking at the CIPD annual conference, she outlined four key strategies: being commercial and measuring results, understanding the business environment, building credibility and trust, and developing business impact skills.
Legal Insight: Mind your language
Employers must carefully consider language requirements to avoid indirect discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. While requiring excellent English can be justified for customer-facing roles, blanket language policies need legitimate business reasons such as health and safety or workplace cohesion to be lawful.
News: Gender bias alive and well, survey finds
A Chartered Management Institute survey reveals a significant gender pay gap among UK executives, with women earning £10,060 less annually and receiving less than half the bonuses awarded to men, resulting in a lifetime earnings gap of £423,390.
News: CIPD 2012 – ‘Employers must take more responsibility for skills development’
At the CIPD 2012 conference, government and skills leaders warned that UK employers must take greater responsibility for developing the next generation’s workforce. Structural skills gaps—including declining entry-level jobs and low apprenticeship uptake—require employers to invest in training, work experience, and youth recruitment to keep Britain globally competitive.
News: National Stress Awareness Day – 1 in 3 take “stress day” since recession
One in three UK workers has taken sick leave due to stress, with money, work, and relationships cited as the primary causes. Nearly half of workers have felt increased stress since the 2008 financial crisis, with job security concerns rising to 49%.
News: Long term incentives boost FTSE director earnings
FTSE-100 directors’ total earnings rose 10% on average despite slower basic pay and bonus growth, driven by a significant 81% increase in vested long-term incentive plans. LTIPs, now used by over 90% of FTSE-100 companies, enable directors to earn substantial rewards tied to shareholder returns and competitive performance metrics.
Blog: Five reasons why organisational change fails
Organisational change often fails due to inadequate preparation, external leadership, insufficient commitment, lack of dedicated teams, and ignored employee feedback. HR professionals play a crucial role in developing effective change strategies that address these critical factors.
Blog: National Stress Awareness Day – How to deal with stress in the workplace
Stress and mental illness are leading causes of workplace absence. On National Stress Awareness Day, HR professionals can help employees recognize stress symptoms and build resilience through support, training, and coaching to improve wellbeing and productivity.
News: CIPD 2012 – ‘Crowdsourcing is the future of management’
Leadership guru Gary Hamel told the CIPD conference that crowdsourcing represents the future of management, arguing organizations must embrace “management 2.0” by decentralizing power, enabling innovation, and replacing traditional hierarchies with social networks to remain relevant in a changing economy.
Talking Point: Do you know how to devise a social recruitment strategy?
Most HR directors view social media as an ineffective recruitment tool, but experts argue this stems from poor implementation. A strategic approach to social recruiting can reduce costs, expand reach, and access broader talent pools when integrated with traditional methods.
Talent Spot: Community blogger, Emma Littmoden
Emma Littmoden transitioned from a successful sales career at hygiene companies to becoming a trainer at leadership development provider The Living Leader. After experiencing their personal leadership program multiple times, she was inspired to join the organization and share its transformative approach with others.
News: CIPD 2012 – ‘HR must redefine itself’, says Peter Cheese
CIPD Chief Executive Peter Cheese called for HR to redefine its purpose and engage with broader strategic business and social issues to address the volatile post-recession world. He emphasized rebuilding organizational culture, trust in leadership, and understanding tomorrow’s workforce while addressing youth and older worker unemployment.
