Blog: When did you last challenge wrongdoing around you?
When misconduct goes unchallenged in organizations, those who stay silent share moral responsibility for the wrongdoing. This post explores why people fail to speak up about unethical behavior and examines high-profile cases where hierarchical structures and cover-up cultures enabled abuse to continue unchecked.
Living Leader Learnings: Do 360 degree feedback systems really work?
360 degree feedback systems can provide valuable organizational insights, but they work best when built on existing trust and open communication rather than used to artificially introduce feedback where cultural barriers exist. Without careful positioning and genuine commitment to dialogue, these systems risk becoming box-ticking exercises that miss their intended purpose.
How to create a physically healthy workplace
Work-related illnesses affect millions annually, but creating a physically healthy workplace doesn’t require major overhauls. Simple, low-cost adjustments like proper ergonomics, optimal temperature and humidity levels, and regular screen breaks can significantly reduce workplace health problems.
Ask the Expert: How do we deal with a post-work event rape allegation?
An employer faces legal complexities when addressing a rape allegation involving staff members that occurred outside work following a company event. Expert guidance suggests suspension is appropriate, but disciplinary action may require invoking “some other substantial reason” for dismissal rather than misconduct charges, with careful consideration of employment law risks.
News: Repeal of equality legislation will “let bad bosses off the hook”
The government will repeal sections of the Equality Act that hold employers liable for third-party harassment of staff, drawing criticism from unions who say the move lets bad bosses escape accountability and weakens employment protections.
News: Kite marked pensions required to plug employer “advice gap”
A kite mark system could help employers navigate pension schemes and close the “advice gap” created by auto-enrolment, according to a Pensions Institute report. Without action, millions of workers risk becoming victims of a pension “mis-selling scandal on an unprecedented scale.”
Blog: Social recruitment – Stop hunting, start fishing
Social recruitment works best when companies shift from active hunting to passive engagement on social networks. Rather than interrupting users with job postings, employers should focus on building genuine community presence and relationships where candidates naturally discover opportunities.
In a Nutshell: Seven songs to ensure career success
Management consultant Peter Cook draws parallels between music and business to offer HR leaders seven lessons for career success, from Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” to George Michael’s “Faith.” Using popular songs, Cook illustrates key principles like continuous learning, avoiding complacency, and articulating value effectively.
The HR Headmistress: How to weed out litigious job candidates
Employers can protect themselves from vexatious litigation by implementing rigorous selection processes, documenting hiring decisions objectively, and providing clear feedback based on job requirements. Some candidates exploit anti-discrimination laws to pursue frivolous claims unrelated to genuine job applications.
News: Financial services firms scoop up at race diversity awards
Financial services firms dominated this year’s Race for Opportunity awards, with Barclays, HSBC, Goldman Sachs, and KPMG among the winners recognized for workplace diversity and inclusion initiatives.
News: Celebrity campaigns help reduce mental health stigma at work
Recent surveys show celebrity campaigns and media initiatives are reducing mental health stigma in workplaces. While progress is evident, nearly a third of workers still view mental illness as taboo, highlighting the need for greater employer support and awareness programs.
Blog: World Mental Health Day – How to deal with depression
British workers take significantly more time off work for depression than their European counterparts, with one in four reporting absences compared to one in ten across Europe. Experts suggest better reporting practices and reduced workplace stigma may explain higher UK figures, but employers must implement proper policies, manager training, and support services to address this serious workplace challenge.
Blog: What Boris can teach us about resilience
Boris Johnson demonstrates key resilience traits including self-belief, adaptability, emotional management, and humor that enable him to thrive under pressure and maintain public support. These qualities—crucial for navigating challenges in politics and business—show how leaders can connect with their audiences while maintaining focus and optimism during difficult times.
Talking Point: Do you know what stress looks like?
Stress costs UK businesses over £5 billion annually through lost working days and reduced employee performance. Understanding stress’s physical effects on the brain and recognizing warning signs is crucial for both employers and workers seeking to address this growing workplace health issue.
News: Sickness absence down, presenteeism and mental illness up
Employee sickness absence has fallen to 6.8 days per year, down from 7.7 in 2011, but job insecurity is driving rising presenteeism and mental health problems including anxiety and depression. A CIPD survey warns that lower absence rates may reflect employees struggling to work while ill rather than genuine health improvements.
News: UK’s most satisfying HR software to be unveiled at Harrods
The UK’s Software Satisfaction Awards will announce winners of the most satisfying HR software at Harrods on October 11. Based on votes from over 10,000 business software users, the awards recognize leading HR and human capital management solutions.
Blog: The shares-for-rights conundrum – A fair exchange?
The Chancellor’s proposal to offer employees shares in exchange for surrendering employment rights like unfair dismissal and redundancy claims raises serious fairness concerns. Without adequate detail and safeguards, vulnerable workers could be pressured into unfavorable agreements while unscrupulous employers exploit the scheme with minimal share allocations.
Blog: The World of HR – Today’s frustrations, tomorrow’s dreams part 1
HR leaders worldwide share common aspirations for transforming their function from traditional service delivery toward integrated business support, while managing the challenge of workforce reduction through technology and line-manager delegation. This article explores what HR wants to become based on insights from 26 HR directors across 12 countries.
CEO Insight: Spencer Ogden’s David Spencer-Percival on engagement
Spencer Ogden CEO David Spencer-Percival discusses workforce engagement strategies, emphasizing that employee retention depends on creating positive work environments through thoughtful office design, leadership outlook, and competitive incentive schemes rather than relying solely on aesthetics.
Five considerations for carving out a successful HR career
Discover five key considerations for advancing your HR career, from understanding what decision-makers value to mastering table-stakes skills. Research shows career progression depends on operational excellence, business acumen, and visibility among leadership teams at different career stages.
