MySpace or yours? Social networking in the workplace
Social media in the workplace presents both opportunities and risks for employers and employees. While companies benefit from improved communication and marketing, they face threats including data breaches, harassment liability, and productivity concerns that require careful policy management.
Employment law update: Paternity and pensions
New employment law regulations coming into force in April 2010 introduce protections against trade union blacklisting and expand paternity leave entitlements. The changes prohibit compiling or using lists to discriminate against union members, while also establishing a new 26-week additional paternity leave scheme for eligible employees.
Employer of choice – with privilege comes responsibility
Being an “Employer of Choice” requires balancing multiple factors—from financial stability and workplace safety to fostering a supportive community where employees can achieve meaningful work and personal growth. This approach aligns with fundamental human needs for security, belonging, esteem, and self-fulfillment, creating organizations where talented people actively choose to work.
Where are the women in IT?
Women comprise only 19% of the UK IT workforce, with even fewer in senior leadership roles. Diversifying tech teams with women improves financial performance, brings valuable soft skills, and creates role models to encourage future generations in the industry.
Ask the expert: Is this harassment?
This employee describes uncomfortable behavior from a senior manager including unwanted physical contact at social events, personal text messages, and staring at her chest—raising questions about whether it constitutes sexual harassment and how to properly report it through her organization’s channels.
UK employees slate ‘negative’ management
Half of UK workers view their organisation’s management style as negative, according to a Chartered Management Institute survey of 5,000 employees. The most common negative styles are authoritarian, bureaucratic, and secretive, with only 10% describing bosses as accessible and 7% finding them empowering.
Are you sitting comfortably?
Despite companies investing heavily in ergonomic furniture, musculoskeletal disorders remain the UK’s leading cause of workplace sickness absence. Poor workstation setup and incorrect sitting posture—even slight deviations from neutral positioning—can trigger damaging muscle and joint strain that commonly goes unaddressed.
What’s social networking got to do with learning?
Social networking has evolved beyond a workplace distraction into a valuable business tool, with 91% of learning professionals believing it’s even more useful in professional settings than personal ones. Companies are increasingly using social media for internal knowledge sharing, collaborative learning, and customer engagement, marking a significant shift in how organizations leverage these platforms.
59% want workplace first aid training
A new study reveals 59% of people believe first aid training should be mandatory in workplaces, yet two-thirds lack confidence to administer potentially life-saving aid. Many would either do nothing or perform incorrect procedures that could worsen emergencies, highlighting the urgent need for wider first aid education.
Public sector pensions – an election issue?
Public sector pensions emerged as a potential election issue in the 2010 general election due to rising costs from generous benefits and unfunded schemes. The CBI released a reform report recommending moving public sector staff away from defined benefit pensions toward more sustainable models like Sweden’s notional defined contribution scheme.
Research reveals new talent in town – Gen R
Generation R—professionals who survived the recession while taking on expanded responsibilities—are now seeking recognition and advancement. Research shows 73% believe they’re performing above their current job title, with employers acknowledging these retained employees are more commercially aware and proficient than before the economic downturn.
Law essentials: Equality bill
The Equality Bill harmonizes discrimination law across protected characteristics including age, disability, sex, and sexual orientation, while introducing new protections such as bans on pre-employment health questions, discrimination by association, and dual discrimination claims.
Wellbeing – the healthy breakfast choice
A nutritious breakfast improves energy, concentration, and appetite control throughout your day. Quality protein-based options like scrambled eggs with vegetables, Irish oatmeal with berries, or a European cheese and meat plate provide sustained energy compared to sugary cereals and toast.
Cutting through a bullying culture
Leadership plays a critical role in preventing bullying culture within organizations. When senior leaders model bullying behavior without facing consequences, it becomes normalized throughout the workplace hierarchy. Organizations can address this through staff training, clear dignity-at-work policies, and effective support services for employees experiencing bullying.
Wellbeing – the business strategy
Wellbeing is a key business strategy that boosts employee productivity, reduces sick leave, and improves retention. Employers can implement effective wellbeing plans by consulting staff, offering health education, introducing cycle-to-work schemes, and encouraging regular breaks.
Equality bill gets washed up
The UK’s Equality Bill received Royal Assent in April 2010 during the parliamentary wash-up period, consolidating multiple equality rules into a single act effective October 2010. The legislation extends discrimination protections to include young mothers and school-age mothers-to-be, while lifting restrictions on civil partnership ceremonies in religious settings, though churches retain hiring discretion.
‘Time to Train’ is now in force
From 6 April 2010, employees in organisations with 250+ staff can request time off for relevant training under the new Time to Train scheme, which extends to all employees from April 2011. Employers must seriously consider requests but can refuse if there’s a valid business reason.
Can telecoms companies really help HR beyond phone networks?
Telecoms companies are increasingly expected to provide HR and IT business services beyond traditional phone networks, but many lack the professional service capabilities and investment needed to deliver industry-specific solutions that address customer pain points effectively.
Election 2010 – your manifesto
HRzone is inviting HR professionals to submit policy ideas for a 2010 election manifesto wishlist, covering topics from National Insurance and minimum wage to pensions and business regulation. The publication will compare community suggestions against actual party promises to track which pledges are kept.
Is your business ‘fit’ for Fit Notes?
The new fit note system introduced in April 2010 requires employers and employees to take a more active role in workplace absence management. Unlike previous medical statements, fit notes can recommend modified duties, reduced hours, or phased returns to work, placing responsibility on employers to find suitable roles within those restrictions.
