Good HR is E.ons away
Energy supplier E.On announced plans to cut 800 jobs, including 600 from its Rayleigh call centre closure, but staff learned about it from a newspaper before receiving official notification from the company, sparking backlash over poor communication and HR practices.
HR tip: Employee refuses contract
When an employee refuses to accept a statement of terms and conditions, employers must still issue it as required by law. If the employee declines, place the document in their personnel file and mark it accordingly—you’ve met your legal obligation while making clear the terms apply regardless of acceptance.
Recruiting? Get the job spec write!
Learn how to write effective job specifications that attract ideal candidates. Expert tips on clarity, brevity, and proofreading help HR professionals communicate role requirements clearly to job seekers, reducing wasted time and improving candidate quality.
A carrot a day – keeps employee churn at bay
Chester Elton explains how appreciation culture reduces employee turnover and improves organizational performance. He shares why frequent, specific, timely recognition—what he calls “carrot culture”—costs nothing but delivers measurable results in employee retention and engagement.
Recession raising pension fund risks
The UK recession has increased long-term risks for pension schemes, with a marked rise in insolvencies and investment losses forcing funds to become more costly to pay out. While recent market recoveries have reduced the collective pension deficit to £78 billion, businesses are increasingly closing final-salary pension plans to new members.
Poor negotiation skills undermining business performance
Lack of standardized negotiation procedures and training is costing Global 2000 companies millions in lost profits. A report found that 80% of organizations have no formal negotiation processes in place, while companies with high negotiation maturity saw profits rise 42.5% despite industry-wide declines.
British Airways employee contests cross ban ruling
A British Airways employee is appealing a ruling that cleared the airline of religious discrimination after she was suspended for wearing a visible crucifix at work. Nadia Eweida claims she has a right to equality and respect for her religious beliefs under the Human Rights Act and is seeking £120,000 in damages.
HR sees green shoots of recovery
HR professionals expect business recovery over the next 12 months, with nearly three-fifths anticipating performance at or above 2010 targets. Pay freezes are thawing, with 79% of organizations planning salary increases averaging 2%, though public sector growth remains sluggish.
Ask the expert: Are lost payslips a legal minefield?
Lost payslips may constitute a data protection issue under the Data Protection Act, as payslips contain personal information like names, addresses, and national insurance numbers. Employers are legally obliged to provide itemized payslips and can reissue them, while the Information Commissioner’s Office handles unresolved complaints after contacting your employer.
Mover and shaker: Raj Verma, Sodexo
Raj Verma, Sodexo’s UK corporate HR director, has been promoted to lead the HR function across Australia and New Zealand. In his new role, Verma will oversee HR strategy, payroll, and communications while serving as a member of the executive team.
Top tips for offering remote working to employees
Discover five essential tips for successfully implementing remote work policies, from assessing your strategy and ensuring IT infrastructure readiness to securing remote devices and maintaining employee productivity outside the office.
Recruitment agencies and employers “work against each other”
Over three-quarters of UK employers report poor value from recruitment agencies, citing inappropriate candidates, wasted briefing time, and lack of transparency in fees. A study reveals £2.5 billion spent annually on external recruitment, with both recruiters and employers struggling to communicate effectively.
HR increasingly influencing business planning and strategy
A new study shows HR professionals are increasingly involved in strategic business planning across UK organizations, with 62% of companies now including HR in high-level decisions. The involvement rises to 80% among larger enterprises, reflecting the growing recognition that people management is critical to business strategy.
Blue Monday: go on, give us a smile!
Blue Monday, January’s most depressing day, sees employees struggle with winter weather and post-holiday bills. Discover five practical strategies to boost workplace motivation and reduce absence rates during this challenging period.
Make 2010 your year: Leadership, personal development and talent
Invest in personal development in 2010 to advance your career and leadership potential. With HR departments prioritizing succession planning and talent retention, developing your skills now positions you as a valuable candidate for future leadership roles within your organization.
Employee databases a top target for e-discovery
Employee relationship management databases were the top target for e-discovery in litigation last year, according to an IDC report. Enterprises faced increased legal pressures, with employee termination and intellectual property disputes leading disputes, while most companies remained in early stages of implementing standardized e-discovery tools.
Tell your boss what you think to cut stress – report
Allowing employees to provide feedback about their managers reduces workplace stress and improves well-being, according to research by occupational psychologists. The study found that managers who received employee feedback were more likely to improve their leadership skills, including emotional management and empathy, creating a healthier work environment.
Three ways to enhance the value of psychometrics
UK organisations spend £100 million annually on psychometric assessments but often use them ineffectively. Enhance their value by focusing on cultural fit, using personality questionnaires alongside ability tests, and creating realistic job expectations during recruitment and interviews.
HR tip: After lunch nap
Post-lunch naps can boost afternoon alertness and productivity, but implementing workplace napping requires careful planning. Consider designating a quiet rest area and gaining senior management support to normalize the practice and overcome employee concerns about appearing unprofessional.
Are your employees in the office or volunteering today?
BT allows employees to volunteer during work hours, contributing over 22,000 days to local charities and communities. The program benefits nonprofits through donated professional skills while helping employees develop new abilities and increase workplace engagement.
