Blog: Why do we tolerate jerks at work (and what to do about it)?
Tolerating badly behaving high performers damages workplace productivity and increases aggression, research shows. While managers often excuse jerks’ behavior, studies prove rudeness impairs performance and creativity in colleagues. Supportive, appreciative leaders actually drive better results than aggressive ones.
Technical skills seen as key barrier in move to HR shared services
Technical skills and capability gaps are major barriers for public sector organizations implementing HR and payroll shared services, according to a survey of over 100 public bodies. While technology improves efficiency and handles multiple service requests, developing the necessary skills to manage software and technical systems remains a top challenge for newcomers to shared services.
Top mandarin’s pay link to PM’s salary “crude” and “arbitrary”
A Commons Committee has criticized the government’s practice of linking senior civil service pay to the Prime Minister’s £142,500 salary as “arbitrary” and “too crude,” arguing it risks losing top talent and calling for a proper assessment system instead.
Lessons from across the pond: could regional talent hubs create a ‘Big Society’?
Regional talent hubs modeled on US initiatives could help empower UK communities by revitalizing local job markets. These online platforms connect employers with skilled workers, provide job market insights, and foster professional development discussions—key elements missing from current Big Society policies focused on community regeneration.
Talent Spot: Denise Keating, head of the Employers’ Network for Equality and Inclusion
Denise Keating, head of the Employers’ Network for Equality and Inclusion, brings decades of HR expertise and diverse business experience to lead the new membership organization uniting employer forums on protected characteristics under the Equality Act.
Blog: Is social media a legal nightmare or a boon?
Employers face legal risks from employee social media misuse, including dismissals for reputational damage and policy violations. HR directors must balance monitoring misconduct with privacy concerns while addressing confidentiality breaches and online harassment.
Employers forced to cut pay rises to fund pensions, warns head of NEST
Employers will need to cut pay rises from next year to fund automatic pension enrolment for workers, according to the head of NEST. The Government’s workplace pension scheme requires large employers to contribute 3% of salaries from October 2012, forcing businesses to redistribute wages to cover the extra costs.
White officers sue Metropolitan Police for racism
Six white Metropolitan Police officers are suing the force for racial discrimination and victimization, claiming they were unfairly treated after being acquitted in a 2009 trial related to alleged race-motivated assaults. The officers allege the Met’s investigation was biased in favor of a black colleague who testified against them and that they faced retaliation due to fears of appearing institutionally racist.
Mediation: Part One – When to use it and why
Mediation offers an effective alternative to formal workplace dispute procedures, facilitating confidential conversations between conflicting parties to improve understanding and working relationships. This first part of a series explains when mediation is suitable and why organizations should consider it for resolving conflicts based on differing perceptions rather than clear misconduct.
Blog: Is regulation really to blame for hiring caution?
Regulation may not be the real barrier to small business hiring. Analysis of employment law claims shows discrimination issues—not unfair dismissal rules—drive concerns, while cash flow challenges from payment delays pose greater obstacles to recruitment.
Proposals to change parental rights slammed as “hideous”
A Liberal Democrat minister has condemned proposals to restrict maternity and paternity rights as “hideous,” signaling Cabinet resistance to recommendations from a government review aimed at cutting business regulations.
Employers sign up to Recruitment Protocol to tackle disability discrimination
Sixteen major employers have signed up to a Recruitment Protocol designed to eliminate disability discrimination in hiring. The agreement requires recruitment agencies to remove employment barriers for disabled candidates and implement inclusive practices. The initiative aims to improve candidate quality while reducing legal and reputational risks for employers and agencies.
Roll up, roll up: 10 complimentary passes for the Business Cloud Summit
HRZone is giving away 10 complimentary passes (worth £499 each) to the Business Cloud Summit 2011. Use registration code ‘HR1’ to claim your free ticket and gain practical insights into cloud computing and its impact on business operations.
Positive moves: Dealing with the back pain epidemic
Back pain costs UK employers billions annually, with work-related complaints rising steadily for three decades due to sedentary office work. One percent of the working population is absent on sick leave at any given time due to back issues, making it the second-most common reason for long-term sickness absence.
Government funds released to train more online spooks
The UK government will allocate funds from its £650m National Cyber Security Programme to train more cybersecurity specialists for GCHQ and other intelligence agencies, addressing a critical shortage of internet security experts identified by parliamentary oversight committees.
‘Humanising’ HR through social media
HR departments are expanding beyond policy enforcement to use social media for recruitment and internal communication. With 80% of employers using LinkedIn to recruit, HR can strengthen employer branding through employee testimonials and company culture content. Enterprise social media platforms also facilitate internal dialogue and help humanize the organization to staff.
Blog: Committing to a compassionate culture within the NHS
The NHS must shift from compliance-focused culture to prioritizing compassion in patient care. This requires genuine commitment from senior leadership and management teams to reduce bureaucracy, allowing staff time for meaningful patient interactions rather than administrative tasks.
State pension age to hit 67 up to a decade earlier than planned
The state pension age will rise to 67 up to a decade earlier than previously scheduled, with changes potentially beginning in the mid-2020s instead of 2034-2036. The Coalition Government attributes the acceleration to an aging population and rising pension costs.
Only 20% of employers hire apprentices – and falling
Only 20% of UK employers hired apprentices in the past year, with just 15% planning to do so next year. A survey reveals employers view the apprenticeship system as irrelevant to their sector, too rigid, and of insufficient quality.
Ask the Expert: How can I legally sack an employee with a disability?
Employers can dismiss a disabled worker for behavior arising from their condition if it’s a proportionate response to legitimate workplace objectives like safety and harmony. However, reasonable adjustments must first be considered, and the employer should discuss concerns with the employee before proceeding with dismissal.
