UK employees slate ‘negative’ management
1 in 2 UK workers say their organisation has a negative style of management, putting the economic recovery at risk, according to the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Take the management style test. A new survey of the workforce (5,000 adults surveyed by One Poll) highlights the three most common management styles within UK workplaces as […]
Are you sitting comfortably?
Most employees asked these days would probably answer yes: companies invest hundreds of thousands of pounds in high quality adjustable chairs with ergonomic desks all complying to the latest legislation, so why are muscular skeletal problems still the biggest cause of sickness absence in the UK today and on the rise? The modern day workstation […]
What’s social networking got to do with learning?
New research suggests its true potential is yet to come says Kevin Young of SkillSoft. A year or so ago, having a policy on social networking usually amounted to regulating the use of Facebook during office hours. Now such an approach looks positively naïve. So what has changed? First, time is proving that social […]
59% want workplace first aid training
Research carried out by St John Ambulance has discovered two thirds of us wouldn’t have the confidence to adminster potentially life-saving first aid. The study of 2045 adults was conducted by ICM, and uncovered several worrying statistics including that 24% would do nothing at all. Some 39% would attempt first aid, despite not being sure […]
Public sector pensions – an election issue?
Do you want to see ‘an independent commission on public sector pension provosion’ in our HR manifesto wishlist? Bonuses and benefits have been huge stories in the past year, and now we are offically in campaigning pereiod for the 2010 general election any newsworthy issue can become an election issue. In HR we might feel […]
Research reveals new talent in town – Gen R
Say hello to Generation R, your new must-have employee. They’re not defined by a date of birth but recession, retention, responsibility and a desire for recognition. Forget generations X and Y, it’s Generation R you need to look out for. This set of professionals have not only survived the recession but were retained, were not […]
Law essentials: Equality bill
The Equality bill changes you need to be aware of, from law firm Beachcroft LLP. Update: see the changes which came into effect on 1 October here View our article on the parts which didn’t make the cut here Harmonisation and extension of discrimination law: The prohibition in directly or indirectly discriminating “because of a […]
Wellbeing – the healthy breakfast choice
Start your day with a great breakfast for a great working day! This advice comes from nutritionist and author of The Food Mood Solution, Jack Challem – take your pick from his healthy breakfast menu. What your mother said is really true -breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eat the right […]
Cutting through a bullying culture
Leaders have a huge part to play not just in political parties but in all organisations, especially when it comes to dealing with issues such as bullying. But what do you do when those in leadership are seen as part of the problem rather than the solution? Dame Barbara Stocking, chief executive of Oxfam, shares […]
Wellbeing – the business strategy
Jamie-Natalie Cross explains why wellbeing is a business strategy and offers tips to help get your workforce in shape. Now it looks like spring has finally sprung, promising warmer temperatures and gently reminding us about that long-awaited summer holiday, employees may be more health conscious than they have been in recent months. With staff already […]
Equality bill gets washed up
The equality bill has been passed in the last days of the government in the ‘wash up’ period. Update – See an overview of the changes which came into effect on 1 October 2010 here The Press Association reported Deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman’s flagship Equality Bill was sent for Royal Assent on […]
‘Time to Train’ is now in force
Employees working in organisations with 250 or more staff are, from 6 April, eligible to request time off under the Time to Train scheme, which will be extended to all employees from April 2011. Legal changes have come into effect from 6 April 2010, which give employees the right to request time for study […]
Can telecoms companies really help HR beyond phone networks?
Different providers are always vying to supply HR with business services – but can the telecoms industry really handle business services like IT as well as the phone networks? From a business perspective it is far easier to work with a partner that you can have a business conversation with because they understand your requirements […]
Election 2010 – your manifesto
What do you want to see the parties promising you this election? We’re putting together a manifesto wishlist to win the hearts of the HR community. Now that parliament has been dissolved, the campaigning really has officially begun. The parties have been delivering hints and statements on their policies for some time now, but we […]
Is your business ‘fit’ for Fit Notes?
With the introduction of the new “fit note” medical statement system on April 6 2010, both employers and employees have a range of a new considerations for all the stages of workplace absence, and it’s far better to proactively prepare to work with the new process than to learn solely by experience. One of […]
Public sector pensions must be more affordable, says CBI
The ‘final salary’ scheme is unsustainable and is causing a trillion pound black hole burden on the taxpayer, the CBI claims. Their research claims the financial ‘black hole’ for unfunded public sector pensions is £10bn every year. The total overall liability for these schemes has mushroomed to £1 trillion, or £40,400 for every UK household. […]
Cases in point – bitesize employment law April 2010
Suzanne Horne of Morrison and Foerster gives her legal round up of case law affecting human resource practitioners. 1. Tullett Prebon v BGC Brokers LP – Team Moves & Constructive Dismissal2. British Airways Plc v Williams and Others – Holiday Pay ruling may impact all aviation sectors3. Dunn v AAH Limited – Failure to […]
The HR business partner health check
The trend in recent years has been a move towards a decentralisation of the HR role out into local business and organisation units, exemplified by the role of HR Business Partners (HRBPs). In theory, the HRBP brings HR expertise closer to what is required and can therefore tailor service and advice to local business requirements. […]
Ask the expert: SOS – help with SOSR
How should you handle a re-engagement after dismissal of SOSR following a salary reduction? Martin Brewer and Esther Smith advise. The question: Due to a requirement to cut costs we need to introduce salary reductions (amongst other measures).Following consultation, it is likely that we will have a small number of individuals who […]
Negative body language ends in disappointment for job seekers
When it come to interviews, those who lack self-belief are being let down by their body language, according to global recruitment firm NES Global. Since the recession, competition for employment has meant that job hunters are experiencing continual knock backs, which is consequently shattering their confidence. To help seal the deal in an interview and […]