Leadership development programmes not up to snuff in too many organisations
Only 38% of UK leaders and HR professionals rate their organisations’ leadership development programmes as highly effective, while 20-24% consider them ineffective. Research from CIPD and DDI highlights the critical need for better leadership development to equip leaders with essential skills for driving change and executing strategy.
Blog: Integrating people strategies into business plans
Most companies fail to integrate human capital risk management and recognition strategies into their overall business plans, keeping these critical people initiatives siloed in HR departments rather than treating them as enterprise-wide priorities that significantly impact business performance.
Going for gold – the role of HR in Olympic tenders
Companies bidding for Olympic contracts must navigate a stringent three-stage procurement process overseen by the Olympic Delivery Authority, with HR playing a critical role in the qualifying stage. Bidders are evaluated on employment practices, equality compliance, health and safety standards, and sustainability alongside cost and functionality, with weightings varying by contract.
Nurses’ ‘do not disturb’ tabards send out ‘wrong message’
Patient advocacy groups have criticized hospitals’ use of ‘do not disturb’ tabards worn by nurses during medication rounds, arguing the practice sends the wrong message to patients despite its intention to reduce medication errors. While nurses support the tabards as part of a wider patient safety strategy, concerns focus on whether the measure substitutes for adequate staffing rather than complementing it.
Female bosses to wait a century for equal pay, says CMI
At current rates of salary growth, female bosses in the UK will need nearly a century to achieve equal pay with men, according to a survey of over 34,000 executives. The gender pay gap stands at £10,546, though junior female managers now earn slightly more than their male counterparts.
Employers must tackle poor awareness of pension changes, warns CIPD
Over half of UK workers are unaware of pension auto-enrolment reforms beginning in October 2012, with particularly low awareness among young people aged 18-24. The CIPD warns employers must use targeted communication strategies rather than one-size-fits-all approaches to boost understanding of these critical changes.
London Fire Brigade uses e-learning to improve training and cut costs
London Fire Brigade implemented a blended e-learning and classroom training program that improved training consistency, increased frontline staff availability, and saved £700,000 annually while enabling rapid dissemination of safety-critical information across 5,000 staff.
Book Review: Suddenly in Charge by Roberta Chinsky Matuson
Roberta Chinsky Matuson’s “Suddenly in Charge” is a dual-sided management guide addressing both managing up and managing down. Designed primarily for new managers, it offers practical advice on building relationships with supervisors, handling difficult people, and establishing credibility with direct reports, though some American business terminology may feel unfamiliar to UK readers.
Blog: Is more home-working the Olympics’ legacy for employers?
London 2012 prompted major employers to reconsider flexible working arrangements to ease expected transport chaos during the Games. This shift toward remote work and flexi-time may create a lasting legacy, with organizations reassessing work practices beyond the Olympic period.
Legal Insight: How to craft an effective social media policy
A well-crafted social media policy is essential for employers to protect their reputation and establish fair dismissal procedures. This policy should be incorporated into employment contracts and clearly outline consequences for inappropriate online conduct, as demonstrated by the Preece vs JD Wetherspoons case where dismissal for misconduct on Facebook was upheld.
Birmingham Council to hire out staff using workforce planning tool
Birmingham City Council is using its new “Talent Net” workforce planning tool to identify and retain critical staff while managing thousands of job cuts. The framework will also enable the council to commercially hire out workers to other local authorities, helping offset expenditure reductions of £300 million.
Line managers lack skills for people tasks, fears HR
A majority of HR professionals are delegating HR tasks to line managers, but 60% lack confidence in their capability to handle responsibilities like disciplinary procedures, holiday booking, and absence recording effectively.
Modern Workplaces consultation: the view from payroll
The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals surveyed members on government proposals for modern workplaces, including flexible parental leave, flexible working rights, and equal pay measures. Payroll professionals raised significant concerns about administrative burdens, fraud prevention, and the challenges of organizing staff cover under more flexible arrangements.
Blog: Fancy contributing to a book on corporate politics, anyone?
We’re writing a book on corporate politics, hidden agendas, and workplace manipulation. HR professionals and business leaders are invited to contribute their stories, which will be analyzed for business impact and practical solutions. Submit contributions to info@askrevelation.com for potential publication with full credit.
Career visioning as an antidote to corporate rioting
Career visioning helps organizations address employee dissatisfaction and disengagement by demonstrating genuine commitment to staff development. When budgets are tight, strategic career planning—mapping employee growth over five, ten, or fifteen years—can rebuild trust and loyalty without requiring pay increases, benefiting both workers and employers.
Goldman Sachs takes away bankers’ two-year old pay rise
Goldman Sachs is cutting salaries for hundreds of London bankers by phasing out pay increases granted in 2009, using a contractual clause as market conditions tighten. The move follows the bank’s 9% reduction in salary budgets and planned elimination of 1,000 jobs globally.
Tate trustees take action to stop bullying
Tate galleries’ trustees have intervened following bullying complaints, implementing a zero-tolerance policy and appointing an independent monitor. A November survey found 13% of staff experienced harassment, prompting leadership training and whistle-blowing policies to ensure a safer workplace.
Digital and social media specialists’ wages soar 70% in three years
Senior digital and social media specialists’ wages have surged nearly 70% in three years as companies shift marketing budgets online. Head of Search roles now average £75,000 annually, up from £45,000, driven by high demand in financial services and retail sectors.
Ask the Expert: Can I reject candidates due to their visa status?
Rejecting job candidates solely due to temporary visa status risks discrimination claims based on race or nationality. While employers must verify right to work, case law suggests declining applicants because future visa renewal isn’t guaranteed may constitute unlawful discrimination under equality law.
SuccessFactors to expand beyond traditional HCM base
SuccessFactors is expanding its human capital management platform beyond traditional HCM functions to include business analytics and process execution, positioning itself to help HR leaders answer strategic business questions for company executives.
