A decade in HR – 10 years of talent spotting and getting more social
Over the past decade, HR has transformed significantly due to economic shifts and technological advances, particularly the rise of social media in recruitment. Employers increasingly use platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to attract talent more cost-effectively than traditional agencies, though adoption has been slower than expected. Professional networking profiles are replacing static CVs, offering employers more accurate and detailed insights into candidates’ skills and personalities.
All change for 2011: change managers, social media and retention
Project managers need stronger leadership and change management skills as work becomes more complex and virtual. Organizations will increasingly assign change experts to project teams and shift toward experiential learning, social technologies, and retention strategies to combat talent poaching in emerging markets.
Employment tribunals cost BBC £600k in 2010
The BBC spent over £600,000 on employment tribunal claims in 2010, with nearly £400,000 paid in settlements to staff. Of 33 cases brought against the broadcaster, 22 were settled, while external legal fees and other costs made up the remainder of the total expenditure.
CIPD outlook for 2011 grim
The CIPD forecasts a difficult 2011 for HR professionals, predicting 200,000 job losses and unemployment reaching 9%. The best-case scenario is a “jobs-light” recovery with modest wage growth below inflation, while pay squeezes and public sector cuts threaten further workplace challenges.
Small businesses not prepared for pension provision
Most small businesses lack pension provision, with only one in five considering the financial impact of government auto-enrolment rules. Cost remains the primary barrier, though employers must comply with new minimum contribution requirements starting in 2014.
Season’s Greetings: Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year
Wishing you and your families a wonderful Christmas, peaceful New Year, and stress-free return to work. Thank you for your support throughout 2010 from the entire HRzone.co.uk team.
Employees want supportive, approachable communicators for managers
Employees prioritize approachable, communicative and supportive managers, yet most report their bosses lack these qualities. Studies reveal 88% find their managers uninspiring, with poor communication and lack of idea-encouragement driving reduced motivation, productivity losses and increased staff turnover.
Immigration cap could be challenged
The UK government has reintroduced immigration caps on skilled workers outside the EU following a High Court ruling, but an immigration specialist warns the new measures could face legal challenge for similar procedural failings that made the previous cap illegal.
Revising the remuneration code – prepare to meet the new FSA regulations
The FSA has published new remuneration regulations requiring at least 50% of variable pay in shares, retention periods for deferred compensation, and firm-wide guaranteed bonus controls. Organizations must comply by January 1, 2011, with emphasis on longer-term performance alignment, risk-adjusted rewards, and effective deferral mechanisms.
CIPD: HR must be at the centre of public service change
A joint CIPD and PSPMA report warns that public service reform plans risk failing without HR playing a central role in managing change, workforce planning, and organizational development. The study argues that government must shift from viewing HR as a cost-cutting function to recognizing it as essential for embedding behavioral change and supporting service transformation.
Profit-sharing affects female employee-boss relationships
Research shows profit-sharing schemes damage relationships between female employees and their bosses, though men are largely unaffected. Women face increased workplace pressure due to outside responsibilities, leading to resentment and conflict with managers and colleagues.
Top ten of 2010 on HRzone.co.uk
HRzone’s top ten articles of 2010 reveal readers’ priorities in human resources, with employment law dominating the list. Featured topics include redundancy guidance, the Equality Act, workplace bullying, and managing extreme weather. The year highlighted significant shifts in HR practice and legislation affecting recruitment, health and safety, and employee rights.
Employees still dogged by money worries
Despite fewer expected pay freezes in 2011, 60% of employees worry about financial hardship. A CIPD study shows worker confidence in pay has declined, with only 58% expecting raises compared to 67% last year, while rising living costs fuel financial anxiety.
Economic recovery concerns for 2011
Worse-than-expected unemployment figures, rising to 2.5 million in the three months to October, have triggered warnings that the UK’s economic recovery could falter in 2011. Long-term joblessness, youth unemployment, and part-time work unable to transition to full-time positions paint a concerning picture before government spending cuts fully take effect.
Civil service boards will be able to fire senior officials
Civil service boards are gaining new power to fire senior officials who fail to meet their targets. Non-executive business directors will be appointed to government department boards, with authority to recommend the dismissal of permanent secretaries for underperformance as part of an efficiency drive.
UK hangover costs £620 million
UK workers’ Christmas hangovers will cost the economy £620 million, as staff call in sick and productivity plummets by half. A Travelodge survey found that two-thirds of workers attend multiple festive events, with many planning to drink more than usual after a stressful year.
Europe turns down maternity leave extension
The European Parliament rejected a proposal to extend maternity leave from 14 to 20 weeks on full pay, with ministers citing excessive costs and impracticality. The UK, France, and Germany led opposition, estimating the expansion would cost billions annually.
How will the Equality Act impact your Christmas celebrations?
The Equality Act 2010 expands harassment protections at workplace events, including Christmas parties. Employers can now face liability for harassment based on protected characteristics, associative harassment, and harassment by third parties after two prior incidents. Understanding these changes helps prevent costly discrimination claims during the festive season.
Don’t let snow stop your business
Severe winter weather can cripple business operations, costing the UK economy around £1bn daily. Conducting employee assessments helps managers identify critical staff, transferable skills, and contingency plans to maintain business continuity when severe weather prevents workers from reaching the office.
How time flies…10 years of time and attendance
Over the past decade, time and attendance systems have evolved from basic Windows-compatible software to comprehensive workforce management solutions that streamline HR administration, boost productivity, and reduce costs through better shift planning and payroll integration.
