UK workers have lower ROI
A PwC study of 10,000 companies across 40 countries found that UK workers generate lower returns on investment for employers than their counterparts in Western Europe and the US, despite less restrictive labour laws. During 2002-2006, UK human capital ROI rose just 4.6% compared to 8.3% in Western Europe and 19.8% in the US.
Better communication with the DISC system
The DISC profiling system—measuring Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance—helps communicators understand different personality types and their body language cues. By recognizing these four distinct behavioral patterns, you can tailor your communication approach whether training managers, presenting to boards, or addressing HR audiences.
Employers face legal action due to sun danger
UK employers could face legal action for failing to protect staff from sun exposure risks. Following an Australian case where an employer was held liable for employees’ skin cancer, UK businesses must conduct proper health and safety assessments and provide adequate sun protection measures.
Ask the expert: Resign or seek severance?
An employee caring for a terminally ill parent explores whether to resign or negotiate severance when their employer won’t allow reduced hours. Legal experts weigh options including potential disability discrimination protections and practical considerations for someone without savings.
Flexible working key to retention
Most workers would stay longer at their current job if offered flexible working options, yet less than half of organizations currently provide them. A Hays survey reveals only 46% of employers actively encourage flexible work, despite 85% of employees saying it would improve retention.
CIPD in ‘wildly inaccurate’ policy paper row
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) faces criticism over a policy paper on education and skills quangos, which was branded “wildly inaccurate” and removed from its website. Multiple organizations cited in the report disputed its findings, prompting the CIPD chief executive to apologize.
Managing remotely – hands on, but hands on what?
Effective virtual team leadership requires adapting your management style to communicate through technology-mediated channels while building trust and engagement across dispersed teams. Success depends on understanding how reduced face-to-face contact affects team dynamics and maintaining regular dialogue despite physical distance.
Flexible working has the HR stamp of approval
HR professionals overwhelmingly support flexible working policies, with 98% backing government initiatives to promote remote work and reduce transport congestion. A survey found 36% of organizations already offer five or more flexible working policies to their workforce.
Vocational experience valued more higly than academic qualifications
Three out of five UK employers value vocational qualifications and work experience above graduate degrees, believing workers with practical training contribute more effectively from day one. Research from City & Guilds’ survey of 1,221 employers also found that apprenticeships provide essential skilled workers and boost employee retention and progression.
Dragon advocates softer management approach
Recent research shows that softer, empathetic leadership approaches are outperforming traditional authoritarian management styles, with over half of leaders actively changing their stance to bond with teams and show emotional intelligence during economic downturns.
Making the leap into the Cloud: one HRD’s story
An HR director at Landmark Group shares how she successfully transitioned her hotel business from paper-based HR processes to cloud-based SuccessFactors software. The biggest challenge wasn’t the technology itself, but managing organizational change and developing a performance-focused culture across three diverse sites.
Making time for talent management
Effective talent management is crucial for UK businesses competing for top graduates, who increasingly prioritize flexible working and work-life balance over traditional roles. Employers offering remote work and flexible schedules can attract better talent, improve retention, and access a wider geographic pool of candidates.
Working mums ‘resented’ in workplace
Nine out of ten working women resent colleagues with children for receiving flexible hours and better treatment, according to a survey. The findings highlight workplace tensions between mothers and childless employees, with a third of women believing working mothers use children as an excuse to avoid work.
Out of date policies putting businesses at risk
Outdated company policies on health questionnaires and anti-bribery procedures are exposing businesses to legal risks under new equality and anti-corruption legislation. A survey reveals most employers haven’t updated their hiring practices or compliance measures to meet recent legal requirements, potentially facing prosecution and investigation.
Business leaders offer advice to England football team
Business leaders surveyed during the World Cup identified key lessons from England’s campaign, emphasizing the importance of team cohesion, playing to individual strengths, and ensuring peak performance under pressure. These insights apply equally to corporate environments, where creating united, high-performing teams is essential for success.
James Reed: The three Rs – recruitment, retention and relationships
James Reed, chairman of Reed specialist recruitment, discusses how the recruitment industry has evolved over 50 years, focusing on changing employee attitudes toward careers, the shift to online recruitment, and the enduring importance of talent and retention in business.
Ask the expert: Default retirement age
Experts advise on managing default retirement age policies and handling requests from staff seeking to work beyond 65. Legal guidance covers establishing fair dismissal procedures, understanding contractual and normal retirement ages, and setting explicit criteria for accepting or rejecting extension requests.
Book review: ‘The Why of Work’ by Dave and Wendy Ulrich
Management consultants Dave and Wendy Ulrich’s “The Why of Work” offers practical principles for transforming organizations into “abundant” workplaces that foster creativity, hope, and resilience. The book presents seven core ideas—framed as personal questions for managers—that can help leaders build more effective organizations where employees find lasting value alongside sustainable business results.
Recession over but pay still low
Most workers who took pay cuts during the recession haven’t seen wages restored even though the UK economy has recovered. With only 15% promised full pay restoration, employers are turning to flexible working and training to retain staff.
Apprenticeship academy for young people at Co-op
The Co-operative Group has launched an Apprenticeship Academy offering 2,000 young people skills and qualifications over two years, as part of a £21 million ‘Inspiring Young People’ campaign. The initiative aims to tackle negative stereotypes about youth while providing training, work experience across Co-op divisions, and recognized qualifications including management opportunities.
