Blog: Are most diversity initiatives just PR stunts?
Nearly half of UK workers view their organizations’ diversity initiatives as mere PR stunts, according to a recent survey. Creating sustainable change requires genuine leadership commitment and consistent behavioral alignment, not just policy rhetoric.
Analysis: Oracle’s Taleo buy marks tipping point in talent management sector
Oracle’s acquisition of Taleo marks a significant defensive move in talent management software, directly countering SAP’s SuccessFactors purchase and competing with rising SaaS vendor Workday. The deal signals the sector’s shift toward cloud-based human capital management solutions.
Remote working: How to get started
Remote working is increasingly common in UK workplaces, offering benefits like improved work-life balance and higher productivity. To successfully implement remote work, organizations should secure management support, provide technology training, establish clear policies, and stay informed on flexible working legislation.
Recruitment agencies indulge in “casual racial discrimination”
A UK survey of 2,500 jobseekers reveals recruitment agencies discriminate against Black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, offering them jobs at significantly lower rates than white applicants. BAME candidates received job offers in 29% of agency placements versus 44% for white applicants, prompting many to bypass recruiters and apply directly to employers.
HMRC to charge PAYE dodgers from April
From April, HMRC will require employers with a serious risk of PAYE and National Insurance non-compliance to pay security deposits or bonds. Employers who fail to pay face fines up to £5,000, with amounts calculated based on previous behavior and tax owed. The measure targets deliberate tax dodgers while supporting businesses with genuine payment difficulties.
Oracle aims to up SaaS HCM credentials with Taleo swoop
Oracle acquired Taleo for $1.9 billion to strengthen its cloud-based human capital management offerings and compete with SAP’s SuccessFactors deal and rising startup Workday. The purchase marks Oracle’s shift toward SaaS talent management solutions as organizations increasingly seek cloud-based HR alternatives.
PM refuses to rule out ‘golden skirt quotas’ of 30%
Prime Minister David Cameron refused to rule out introducing 30% ‘golden skirt quotas’ for women on company boards, saying quotas could be necessary if voluntary measures fail to boost female representation at top levels.
Blog: The emerging discipline of strategic workforce planning
Strategic workforce planning (SWP) is emerging as essential for large organizations, yet only about 20% have successfully implemented it. Unlike basic resource planning focused on headcount projections, effective SWP integrates people planning into broader strategic capability planning, positioning HR as a key driver of organizational effectiveness rather than a standalone function.
Corporate karma: ‘Being good is good business’
As corporate scandals increase scrutiny on business ethics, organizations must prioritize employees’ mindset over skillset. Research shows 97% of employers value the right attitude, with integrity and kindness forming the foundation of a winning workplace culture that drives long-term success.
Update: Redknapp and Mandaric cleared of tax evasion
Harry Redknapp and Milan Mandaric have been found not guilty of all tax evasion charges at Southwark Crown Court. The jury cleared both men following a two-week trial that centered on £189,000 in payments to an offshore Monaco account, concluding a five-year £8 million police investigation.
London 2012: 02 staff pilot flexible working options
O2 closed its Slough headquarters and asked 3,000 employees to work remotely to test flexible working contingency plans ahead of the London 2012 Olympics. The pilot aimed to manage expected travel disruption while demonstrating mobile technology benefits to UK businesses.
Minister promises private sector pensions overhaul
The UK government plans to consult on a “third option” for private sector pensions, seeking a middle ground between expensive final salary schemes and less generous defined contribution plans to encourage employers to continue offering quality workplace pensions.
Blog: Why learning should never end
Continuous learning is essential for professional growth and workplace innovation. The traditional model of attending one or two training events yearly is no longer sufficient; today’s leaders must embrace constant upskilling through on-demand resources like podcasts, online lectures, and digital platforms to stay competitive and drive meaningful organizational change.
Talent Spot: Adrian Furnham, professor of psychology at University College London
Adrian Furnham, professor of psychology at University College London since 1981, is a prolific author, consultant, and workplace expert who explores how disruptive employee behavior spreads through organizations. His latest book examines the causes of workplace misconduct and offers strategies to prevent negative behavior from infecting company culture.
Book Review: Age discrimination – Ageism in employment and service provision by Malcolm Sargeant
Malcolm Sargeant’s comprehensive book examines the evolution of age discrimination legislation across employment and service provision. It analyzes the Equality Act 2010, explores international perspectives, and considers implications for employers and society amid demographic shifts.
Leadership training mandated for senior Whitehall project managers
The UK government has launched a £7 million Major Projects Leadership Academy to provide mandatory leadership and project management training for senior civil servants. Developed with Oxford’s Saïd Business School and Deloitte, the initiative aims to save £10 billion annually by reducing reliance on expensive external consultants and improving project delivery across Whitehall.
P45s will not get a pink slip
HM Revenue & Customs has decided to keep the P45 form after employer feedback, rather than replacing it with a ‘leaver statement’ as originally planned for the Real Time Information system rollout.
Youth unemployment “time bomb” to cost economy £9.2bn per year
Youth unemployment is forecast to cost the UK economy £9.2 billion annually from 2013, with losses from reduced tax revenues, benefits payments, and lost output. A report warns the crisis requires stronger government incentives for employers to hire young people and improved education and training pathways.
Blog: The benefits of coaching
Workplace coaching helps employees unlock hidden potential and reach performance levels they couldn’t achieve alone. According to the Institute of Leadership and Management, 96% of surveyed companies report coaching benefits individuals, while 95% say it helps the organization overall.
Management book of the year unveiled
Christopher Bones’ “The Cult of the Leader” won the Chartered Management Institute’s Book of the Year award, beating 25 other candidates. The work critiques excessive executive compensation and proposes reforms to how business leaders are educated, selected, and rewarded.
