Christina’s Counsel: Help! My boss is creating a long hours culture
A newly promoted HR manager fears her managing director is creating a long hours culture through behavioral cues and subtle remarks about employee commitment. An expert counselor recommends introducing outcomes-based performance measures and productivity strategies to shift focus from hours worked to actual results delivered.
The HRZone Interview: The CMI’s CEO Ann Francke on management
Ann Francke, newly appointed CEO of the Chartered Management Institute, aims to increase professional management qualifications and promote ethical, collaborative leadership. She believes management best practice improves organizational performance and wants to shift workplace culture toward greater diversity, engagement, and trust.
News: HR salaries rise at nearly twice the national average
HR salaries grew at nearly twice the national average in 2012, with HR business partners in commercial roles seeing the most significant increases. The Robert Walters survey found permanent UK HR staff wages rose 2.6% year-on-year, far outpacing the 1.5% average across other industries.
News: Northumbrian Water wins award for health and well-being initiative
Northumbrian Water has won the Business in the Community Workwell Award for its health and well-being initiatives, which reduced sickness absence rates by 3.1% and cut musculoskeletal disorder absences by 40%. The company introduced RehabWorks and NWLsupport schemes to provide employees with early access to physiotherapy and confidential counselling services.
Blog: 6 tips to ensure project success
Discover six essential tips to ensure your projects succeed by creating a structured roadmap and actionable plan. Learn how to move beyond seeking quick fixes at conferences and instead implement practical strategies that drive real project completion and meaningful results.
Blog: Why a balanced boardroom is a better boardroom
Research shows that diverse boardrooms with balanced male and female leadership improve business performance. Studies reveal that women bring distinct leadership strengths like empathy and authentic engagement, which complement traditional styles and enhance organizational decision-making and outcomes.
Is leadership development really the answer to your problems?
Leadership development is widely promoted as the solution to organizational problems, but this assumption may mask deeper issues like outdated systems, poor structures, and unclear goals. A perceived leadership skills deficit often persists despite significant developmental investment.
News: Union welcomes Fujitsu’s move to tackle low pay
Unite union welcomed Fujitsu’s decision to increase its UK minimum wage to £14,000 annually, with some staff receiving £14,500 where collective bargaining applies. The IT services company committed to a fairer pay approach for lower-paid employees, though the union cautioned the increase may be a one-off measure.
News: Employers in jobless blackspots to get ‘speeded up’ youth subsidies
The UK government is accelerating wage subsidies for employers in 20 high-unemployment areas, reducing the eligibility period for young jobseekers from nine to six months. Firms will receive £2,275 per person to hire 18-24 year olds unemployed for six months, targeting youth unemployment hotspots across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Are you being paid what you’re worth?
Discover whether you’re earning fair market value with these five benchmarking strategies: job alerts, recruiter consultations, salary surveys, reward professional networks, and technology tools. Compare your total compensation package against similar roles to gain clarity on your earning potential.
In a Nutshell: Five considerations when creating a welcome pack for new hires
Creating an effective welcome pack for new hires requires clear objectives, input from across your organization, and messaging that reflects your brand’s true culture. Separate essential information from nice-to-know content, prioritize what matters most to new starters, and ensure your tone authentically represents your company’s values and personality.
News: Junior IT technician blamed for RBS debacle
A junior IT technician in India is blamed for accidentally erasing critical data during a mainframe software upgrade, causing RBS’s massive computer failure that disrupted millions of payments. The employee, hired after UK layoffs, reportedly cleared scheduling information, creating a backlog that required manual data re-entry and reprocessing.
Blog: An anti-engagement manifesto
Discover why traditional management tactics like threats, micromanagement, and withholding support actively destroy employee engagement and motivation. This anti-engagement guide reveals what NOT to do if you want a committed, empowered workforce.
Blog: Crisis stories – What RBS’ Stephen Hester can teach us
RBS CEO Stephen Hester’s apology for technical issues that locked millions out of their accounts demonstrates how leaders use storytelling during crises. While his plane delay analogy provided context, experts say effective crisis communication requires stronger empathy and immediacy to truly connect with affected customers.
Editor’s Letter: The art of engagement
UK workforce engagement remains concerningly low, with only 43% reporting positive relationships with managers. Research shows engaged employees are significantly more productive and take less sick leave, making manager support critical for HR professionals seeking to boost staff performance and organizational results.
Talent Spot: Charles Elvin, chief executive at the ILM
Charles Elvin, chief executive of the UK’s largest management body, the Institute of Leadership & Management, drives skills development through qualifications. His passion for education stems from his grandfather, renowned educationalist Lionel Elvin, and has shaped his career across teaching, educational technology, finance, and international business.
News: Redundancies to leap as employers bid to cut staff costs
UK employers are increasingly turning to voluntary redundancies and outsourcing to cut staffing costs as economic conditions deteriorate. A survey of 323 organizations found that 55% plan voluntary redundancy programs, while 54% expect pressure to reduce staff numbers in 2012.
News: Seeking part-time zombies
Wish.co.uk is hiring part-time zombies for its Zombie Manor House experience in Warrington, requiring candidates skilled in groaning, shuffling, and scaring people. Auditions take place June 28 at Pineapple Studios in London, offering flexible hours and competitive pay for “bright, responsible, rotting individuals.”
Blog: Still waters run deep – Never underestimate an introvert
Introverts like Google co-founder Larry Page and famous figures such as Warren Buffet and Albert Einstein have driven innovation and success through deep thinking and focused work. Business leaders who underestimate introverted employees risk losing valuable talent and insights.
Blog: 5 ways to get creative with fundraising in the workplace
Discover five creative workplace fundraising ideas beyond traditional bake sales, from office boot fairs and product sales to special events and walk-a-thons. These strategies boost morale while raising money for charity.
