Book Review: Judgement Calls by Thomas Davenport and Brook Manville
“Judgement Calls” by Davenport and Manville examines how organizations resolve crises by leveraging employee talent through collaborative decision-making. The book explores four key approaches: increasing staff participation, using technology and analysis, leveraging organizational culture, and setting effective leadership context, supported by real-world examples.
Beecroft: A Dickensian charter for unscrupulous bosses
The Beecroft report’s proposed “no fault” dismissal rules could allow unscrupulous employers to terminate workers unfairly, including on discriminatory grounds. An employment lawyer argues the UK already has flexible labor laws and should instead focus on supporting small businesses and investing in infrastructure for genuine economic growth.
Talent Spot: Joris Luijke, Atlassian’s vice president of HR
Joris Luijke, vice president of talent and HR at Atlassian, leads HR strategy for the fast-growing Australian software company. He builds innovative workplace cultures through practices like “FedEx days,” where employees develop new ideas in 24 hours, and believes healthy paranoia keeps the company ahead of competitors.
A typical HRD: Part 4 – FTSE 250 companies
Modern FTSE 250 HR directors require broad business expertise beyond traditional HR skills, with responsibilities extending to talent management, change leadership, and strategic business partnering. These executives increasingly work closely with finance and CEO-level colleagues to drive organizational transformation and add value to the bottom line, often bringing experience in talent management and international HR operations.
Blog: 3 Tips to Build and Sustain a Strong Company Culture
Building a strong company culture requires intentional focus and deliberate hiring practices aligned with your organizational values. Learn three key strategies: prioritize culture as a central business focus, hire candidates who fit your values, and embed those values into daily operations to drive engagement and performance.
In a Nutshell: Five considerations to help boost staff innovation
Foster staff innovation by granting autonomy, organizing smaller teams, promoting transparency, providing support, and establishing clear frameworks for action. These five considerations help create an environment where employees feel empowered to share creative ideas and contribute meaningfully to organizational success.
Cable’s plan to pay off unwanted employees must carry a duty of care, warn experts
New legislation would allow employers to offer settlement agreements to employees before formal disputes arise, protecting such offers from being used as evidence in tribunal cases. However, experts warn that employers must exercise a duty of care to avoid discriminatory practices and maintain workplace trust, as casually offering payoffs could harm employee engagement and organizational performance.
English apprenticeships come under entrepreneurial review
The government has launched a review of English apprenticeships led by entrepreneur Doug Richard to ensure schemes deliver quality training and meet employer needs. The review will examine core components, learner eligibility, delivery arrangements, and qualification rigor after concerns that young people have been let down by weak courses.
Scottish Government accused of apprentice con
Scottish Labour claims more than 10,000 of the Scottish Government’s publicly funded apprenticeships went to people already in work, not unemployed youth as pledged. According to figures obtained from Skills Development Scotland, 39% of Modern Apprenticeship recipients had been in their jobs for over six months.
Five steps to help staff cope with digital distractions
Office workers are interrupted by digital distractions every 15 minutes on average, wasting at least an hour daily. HR professionals can implement five key strategies—starting with appropriate usage policies—to help employees manage interruptions and regain focus on core responsibilities.
Employee engagement on the rise?
Employee engagement rose to 58% in 2011 from 56% in 2010, according to Aon Hewitt’s Global Engagement report analyzing 9.7 million employees. The study identified improvements in leadership and HR practices, though communication and innovation declined across organizations worldwide.
Blog: feedback – are we even sure what it is?
Feedback must be frequent, timely, and sourced from multiple people to effectively guide performance—not just delivered through annual reviews. Regular recognition throughout the year provides the real-time course corrections employees need to stay aligned with organizational priorities.
How to communicate effectively with hard-to-reach workers
Reaching hard-to-reach workers like factory and warehouse staff requires understanding their demographics, work environment, communication preferences, and trusted sources. Effective strategies combine multiple channels—from face-to-face briefings and print materials to mobile surveys—rather than relying solely on digital platforms.
News: Former Olympus CEO gets £10m unfair dismissal payoff
Former Olympus CEO Michael Woodford, who was fired after exposing a £1.7 billion fraud, has received a £10 million unfair dismissal settlement. Woodford had initially sought £36.3 million for wrongful dismissal. The scandal has prompted investigations by UK and US authorities, with Olympus now cutting 2,700 jobs as part of its recovery efforts.
News: Police shared service move could see 1,100 jobs outsourced
Three police forces in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Cambridgeshire are considering outsourcing around 1,100 back office jobs, including HR, finance, and IT services, to help address a combined £73 million funding shortfall. The forces plan to develop a full business case and seek formal approval from their police authorities in late June.
News: Income tax and national insurance integration hits delays
The government has delayed its consultation on integrating income tax and National Insurance operations until after summer, citing technical challenges and potential disruption to employers’ payroll systems. The move coincides with planned PAYE reforms and welfare system changes, with an update expected in autumn.
Ask the Expert: Is being rude to a colleague’s mum grounds for a disciplinary?
A manager faces allegations of gross misconduct after being reportedly rude to an employee’s mother during a telephone call about emergency leave for a funeral. The expert clarifies the manager’s legal position and explains how non-employee complaints are typically handled in workplace discipline procedures.
Blog: Tips on how to create a powerful employer brand
Learn how to build a powerful employer brand through leadership endorsement, authentic messaging, and strategic recruitment partnerships. Expert insights reveal that strong employer branding attracts higher-quality talent, improves retention, and aligns recruitment efforts with your business objectives.
Blog: Are you paying enough attention to staff health and well-being?
Employee health and well-being remain undervalued by many employers despite clear evidence that staff struggle with personal problems and lack adequate support. Surveys show inadequate access to flexible work arrangements and counseling, while poor working conditions can have serious consequences for worker safety and productivity.
Performance psychology in action
Performance psychology combines business, sports, and positive psychology to help employees and teams reach peak performance. Organizations like Google, Microsoft, and IBM use these mental skills training techniques to improve motivation, stress management, and self-confidence in high-pressure environments.
