Book Review: The road to innovation by Cris Beswick and David Gallagher
This review examines “The Road to Innovation” by Beswick and Gallagher, praising its accessible approach to seven key HR innovation themes. The book encourages critical reflection through thought-provoking questions while presenting innovation as a continuous journey rather than a destination, making it valuable for HR professionals seeking practical insights without jargon.
Beecroft fire at will proposals stung by dismissal
The government appears set to reject Adrian Beecroft’s “fire at will” proposals, which would allow employers to dismiss staff without explanation. A consultation found only 38% of businesses supported the plan, with employment minister Norman Lamb stating there is “no clamour” for the measure among employers.
In a Nutshell: Five ways to structure your presentation effectively
Learn five key structural elements—ME, WE, IT, YOU, and US—to create engaging presentations that connect with your audience. This framework helps you build rapport, demonstrate relevance, present information effectively, and inspire action through a logical flow unknown to listeners.
Blog: leadership personified by inspirational mothers
Two mothers who lost sons to knife crime demonstrate transformative leadership by turning their grief into action through the Release the Peace project, inspiring communities to create safer neighborhoods rather than waiting for others to drive change.
A typical HRD: Part 5 – The interim HR director
Interim HR directors are professionals brought in for specific projects, skills gaps, or temporary role coverage, often involving change management. Success requires prior HR director experience, sector knowledge, and the ability to quickly build credibility and deliver impact from day one.
Blog: how to comply with fire safety at work
Businesses in the UK with five or more employees must conduct a written Fire Risk Assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. A comprehensive fire safety plan includes clear escape routes, employee training, effective alarm systems, and a designated responsible person to ensure compliance and safe evacuation.
Blog: The followers guide to what your leaders want
Leaders often overlook defining what they need from followers. This guide explores the expectations great leaders have of their teams—from taking responsibility and understanding organizational goals to supporting colleagues and maintaining commitment during challenges.
Equal pay tribunals could lead to near £20k of audit and legal costs
Companies losing equal pay tribunal claims face mandatory wage audits costing around £12,800 plus legal fees averaging £6,556, totaling nearly £20,000. The new rules aim to deter gender pay discrimination by requiring employers to examine all staff salaries after tribunal losses.
Whistle while you work to keep the workplace spirits up
Research shows that 77% of small and medium business owners believe workplace music boosts staff morale and creates a better environment, while 65% say it increases productivity. Background music also helps relieve workplace tension, with some businesses willing to sacrifice a day’s trade to avoid silence.
Enabling Technology: Renault drives off with SuccessFactors for global HCM
Renault is implementing SAP SuccessFactors, a cloud-based HR system, to modernize its fragmented HR operations and transform its HR team from administrative handlers into strategic business enablers. The global rollout prioritizes simplicity and speed over perfection to ensure cost-effective delivery within six months.
Living Leader Learnings: The Redundancy Challenge
An HR director navigates upcoming redundancies by balancing authentic communication with team members while maintaining company alignment. The key lies in active listening, asking thoughtful questions rather than offering advice, and demonstrating genuine support during organizational change.
Expert Voice: How to get your life balance right
Life balance requires juggling five key areas—work, family, health, friends, and personal fulfillment—but treating only work as recoverable while the others are fragile. Since work now defines much of our identity, achieving true balance demands personal strategies tailored to your circumstances, not generic solutions.
Legal Commentary: Has dishonesty by an employee been sanctioned by the Court of Appeal?
The Court of Appeal’s decision in Cavenagh v William Evans has established that employers must pay contractual compensation to terminated employees even if gross misconduct is discovered afterward, provided the dismissal wasn’t originally for misconduct. This ruling means employers cannot use after-discovered dishonesty to avoid payment in lieu obligations.
Social media trends: Moving into the mainstream
Social media adoption in HR is moving beyond recruitment toward structured, systematic use. Organizations increasingly leverage platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook for talent acquisition and internal communications, while social media’s collaborative potential is transforming change management and employee engagement strategies.
Ask the Expert: How do I end non-contractual arrangements?
When ending non-contractual workplace arrangements, first verify they’re genuinely non-contractual rather than established through custom and practice. While you’re not legally required to consult employees about changes, doing so can prevent practical and employee relations issues. Expert advice recommends treating non-contractual arrangements carefully to preserve their flexibility benefits.
Social Media Guide Part 3: How to use twitter lists and hashtags
Learn how Twitter Lists and hashtags can help you organize information and navigate the platform more effectively. Discover how to create curated lists, follow public lists created by others, and use hashtags to find relevant conversations and increase your visibility.
Blog: who are the best leaders – men or women?
Research analyzing 360° feedback from nearly 14,000 UK leaders reveals distinct leadership differences between men and women. Women score higher in planning, empathy, and personal responsibility, while men excel in strategic vision, commercial focus, and personal impact. The study shows these contrasting styles reflect different approaches to organizational leadership rather than determining who makes the better leader.
Blog: HR – also known as The A Team
HR departments are increasingly becoming catch-all problem-solvers for tasks that don’t fit elsewhere, from writing press releases to managing facilities. While taking on diverse challenges can build skills and demonstrate capability, it risks stretching HR professionals beyond their expertise and core responsibilities.
News: Men v women or men + women?
A new study analyzing 14,000 managers reveals distinct leadership differences between men and women. Men excel in strategic vision and commercial focus, while women score higher in planning, empathy, and team management. Organizations achieve peak performance by balancing both leadership styles through diversity.
Blog: what is charisma – and how do you get it?
Charisma is often described as personal magnetism or charm, stemming from traits like self-confidence, authenticity, excellent communication skills, and positive body language. While difficult to define, charismatic people share common characteristics that can be developed through genuine self-presentation, confident communication, and respect for others.
