A paradigm shift in performance management – part two
Modern performance management practices face significant challenges as organizational structures and work environments evolve. Traditional approaches—including fixed goal-setting, observable behaviors assessment, and top-down management—are becoming obsolete in today’s remote and flexible workforce. Contemporary performance management must adapt to accommodate autonomous employees, technology-enabled accountability, and dynamic organizational designs.
Recruitment levels remain tough as employers exercise caution
Private sector recruitment slowed slightly in December as employers remain cautious amid government austerity measures. The REC warns the next few months will be “very tough” for the UK jobs market, despite rising vacancy numbers, as businesses delay hiring decisions.
BBC Tribunal has lessons for whole industry
Miriam O’Reilly won her age discrimination case against the BBC after being dropped from Countryfile alongside other middle-aged female presenters. The tribunal’s ruling has prompted the BBC and broader broadcasting industry to reassess diversity practices and fair representation across all age groups.
Stress and depression ‘no reason to take time off’
A UK survey reveals that over half of employers don’t consider anxiety, stress, and depression valid reasons for taking time off work, highlighting serious gaps in how businesses handle employee mental health issues.
BA and tube strikes threaten to cast cloud over Royal wedding
BA cabin crew and London Underground drivers threaten strikes on Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Royal Wedding day on April 29. The industrial action could severely disrupt transport in the capital during the UK’s major tourist event, as unions seek better pay and conditions.
Ask the expert: Work-related anxiety
Experts advise employers to maintain supportive contact with employees on work-related anxiety leave, using written communication to document conversations. Regular check-ins about wellbeing and return-to-work timelines are appropriate and legally permissible, provided they focus on assistance rather than pressure.
Top 10 tips to measuring happiness at work
Discover ten practical ways to assess employee happiness at work, from observing how tasks are completed to measuring team optimism and workplace friendships. These indicators help identify a positive workplace culture beyond traditional HR metrics.
Socially acceptable – enforcing social media policies in the workplace
Companies must develop social media policies to protect confidential information, maintain reputation, and prevent employee misconduct. Clear acceptable use guidelines help organizations embrace social media’s business benefits while preventing costly breaches, legal issues, and reputational damage.
Employee engagement surveys ain’t no fad – there’s too much evidence that proves their worth
Employee engagement surveys have become more affordable and accessible to companies of all sizes due to internet technology and advanced reporting software. While survey adoption has grown significantly in the past decade, organizations use them for different purposes—from proving good management to building genuine employee engagement and performance.
The decade that revolutionised learning, performance and talent management
The past decade transformed HR from administrative function to strategic partner, driven by knowledge economy demands and technology advances. Organizations now use integrated talent management platforms combining learning, performance management, and succession planning to develop flexible, capable workforces in real-time rather than annual cycles.
Employment law leniency won’t help employment stability, says CIPD
The CIPD warns that the government’s plan to ease unfair dismissal rules for new employees won’t boost job creation and may destabilize the labor market. Loosening employment protections could increase hiring during recoveries but accelerate firings during downturns, ultimately making employment less stable.
Cameron to host job-boosting summit
Prime Minister Cameron will host a jobs summit today where 19 retail businesses plan to pledge creation of around 40,000 new jobs. However, the financial services sector is expected to cut 15,000 positions this quarter, potentially offsetting private sector gains needed to replace 330,000 public sector job losses from budget cuts.
Invest in development to reap tourism rewards
Tourism organisations must invest in customer service training to capitalise on £2 billion in potential Olympic revenues. With two-thirds of UK companies facing customer service skills gaps, a new WorldHost training scheme aims to prepare 200,000 hospitality staff to deliver positive experiences for half a million expected visitors.
Dinner lady who spoke to parents and press wins tribunal
A school dinner lady who was fired for speaking to the press about a bullying incident has won her employment tribunal case. Carol Hill’s dismissal was ruled procedurally unfair after the school failed to properly investigate allegations against her and denied her fair disciplinary hearings.
Staff sharing scheme to help public sector retain talent
A staff secondment scheme is being piloted by 30 local authorities to help retain talent and reduce redundancies amid budget cuts. The program allows councils to temporarily redeploy employees to other organizations while covering part of their salaries, creating cost savings without losing skilled workers.
Below inflation wage increases threaten recovery
Private sector wage increases are expected to reach 3% this year but remain below inflation for a second consecutive year, while public sector workers face wage freezes, threatening consumer demand and economic recovery, researchers warn.
UK seeks to create jobs and cash in on tourism
The UK government has launched a £100 million tourism promotion fund backed by major companies including British Airways and P&O, aiming to create 50,000 jobs and attract one million additional overseas visitors. The initiative capitalizes on upcoming high-profile events including the Royal Wedding, Diamond Jubilee, and London Olympics to boost the UK’s tourism sector and generate £2 billion in additional visitor spending.
A paradigm shift in performance management – part one
Traditional performance management systems designed decades ago no longer fit modern workplace realities. This article explores why organizations need a fundamental paradigm shift, moving beyond outdated annual appraisals to create performance strategies aligned with today’s dynamic business environment and workforce expectations.
Sealing the black hole in HR and careers advice
HR departments face a critical gap in careers advice and skills development as government cuts threaten public sector guidance services and leave hundreds of thousands of unemployed workers without support. Companies must reimagine HR’s role as a regenerative hub, partnering with education and community groups to address widespread skills shortages and guide displaced workers through major economic challenges.
The workspace is key to engagement
A psychologically enriched workspace—where employees can personalize their space and feel a sense of control—significantly boosts engagement, productivity, and organizational loyalty, according to University of Exeter research. Stripping bare, impersonal offices of personal touches and autonomy can actually harm employee morale and performance rather than enhance efficiency.
