Online payslips: A step too far?
Online financial transactions are on the increase in all areas of the economy, yet electronically-delivered payslips still raise issues for employers and employees alike. Are they a natural evolution for organisations, or a technology too far, asks Tim Richards. Presenting pay electronically can open up a wealth of possibilities for a company to demonstrate […]
Ask the expert: Trade union representative
Where does an employer stand if an employee wants to bring a trade union representative into a disciplinary meeting, rather than a colleague? Gillie Scoular and Esther Smith advise. The question: We do not have any trade union on site, but a member of staff pays a union fee and wants to bring a […]
What is the cost of employee under-performance?
What’s an employee worth? Can we measure it? Dr Nikos Bozionelos explains how to assess performance and what methods to implement to ensure employers recruit ‘high performers’. Managers need to know both the price and the value of their employees. In fact given the huge financial losses or gains that depend upon employee performance, […]
Planet of the apps: Touching the void
Technology correspondent Jon Wilcox examines the touch screen technology of the BlackBerry Storm and highlights some of its best apps. Research in Motion’s (RIM) attempts to take on the iPhone in the touch market emerged at the end of 2008 with the BlackBerry Storm. A year on, and with details of a ‘Storm 2’ already […]
Colborn’s Corner: Who are the fat cats?
With news about Barclays’ recent profit announcements and headlines about the fat cats being back in town, Quentin Colborn takes a look at fat cat salaries in the light of a recent article in The Times and questions if they are who we were expecting. When you think about it, the expression ‘fat cat’, which is normally used […]
Is talent management in a slump?
In contrast to claims that recession and staff cutbacks would stimulate interest in talent management, the software companies supplying programs to support these activities are having a tough year. John Stokdyk investigates. US-based talent software analyst Josh Bersin first called attention to the talent management software slump in a May blog posting. He concluded that […]
Tanith Dodge interview: Managing change at M&S
The recession demands change from all organisations, but how do you galvanise your employees at one of the biggest businesses on the high street? Marks & Spencer’s group HR director Tanith Dodge speaks to Neil Davey about the secrets to her success. Marks & Spencer is a high street behemoth with a remarkable heritage, having recently […]
Handling difficult conversations in the workplace
Managers must be able to handle difficult conversations at work, especially in the current climate. Gill Trevelyan advises on how best to communicate with employees. Lost for words? What is the hardest part of conducting a disciplinary, grievance or investigatory interview? Is it trying to remember and adhere to the legislation that […]
HR tip: Parking on residential roads
These questions are being answered by Learn HR, a market leader in the provision of HR and payroll training and nationally-recognised professional qualifications. Question: Our premises are on a street that is lined with houses and some of the residents have complained to us that our employees regularly park their cars outside their homes. Our employees […]
How to blog on HRzone.co.uk
It is really easy to blog on HRzone.co.uk but if your inner blog just hasn’t come out yet and you feel you need a helping hand to get started, Karyn Romeis has a few tips on how to become a successful blogger on our site. There are probably as many different reasons for blogging as there are bloggers out […]
The rise of talent management systems
Josh Bersin outlines how HR professionals can keep up with the rapid growth of talent management software and ensure you find the best fit for your organisation. One of the fastest-growing segments of HR is talent management systems. These new integrated platforms automate and improve processes for applicant tracking, goal setting and performance management, career and […]
What’s your professional USP?
Personal development expert Tessa Hood explains how to differentiate yourself from the crowd and get noticed for the right reasons. If there is any doubt in your mind over the security of your position at work, there is a tool that you can use to influence the influencers who have the power over your future, […]
Tips on investigating employee misconduct
When dismissing an employee for misconduct, many employers stumble at the investigation stage. Martin Brewer examines the common pitfalls and how best to avoid them. The dismissal of an employee for misconduct will almost certainly lead to a claim for unfair dismissal. In assessing the fairness of a dismissal, an employment tribunal will be […]
Is your HR department pulling its weight?
In the toughest trading conditions in a generation, HR needs to add value and be able to prove it. Making the most of HRIS can be key, says Denis Barnard. We all know what good HR practice should mean – higher retention, productivity and business performance. The problem is, with costs coming […]
Ask the expert: Compromise agreements
An employer is managing out some poor-performing employees. However it is proving to be a time-consuming exercise, and would like to offer them a compromise agreement instead. Adam Partington and Esther Smith advise. The question We have a situation whereby three managers in the business are failing to deliver in a number of areas. We have […]
Agresso: The future of salary reviews
As the recession continues to bite, technology correspondent Jon Wilcox speaks to software developer Agresso about what it thinks is the future for salary review software. In an interview with HRzone.co.uk, business software developer Agresso has prophesied the future of salary review tools, and revealed one issue it’s experienced during the marketing […]
David Fairhurst interview: Managing the workforce in a recession
Lucie Mitchell talks to David Fairhurst, HR chief at McDonald’s, about his views on the importance of employee engagement and talent management during the current downturn. David Fairhurst, senior vice president, chief people officer at McDonald’s Northern Europe, knows a thing or two about human resources. Recently voted as HR’s most influential […]
HR tip: Length of CV
These questions are being answered by Learn HR, a market leader in the provision of HR and payroll training and nationally-recognised professional qualifications. Question: How long and comprehensive should a CV be? I have been told it should be no more than two pages, but I have a varied career background and a lot of experience […]
Thinking of becoming a consultant?
John Pope outlines everything you need to consider before taking the plunge into consultancy work. During the recession, you may be frustrated at the resistance to your ideas for change; you may be upset at the way management has failed to take your advice or has ignored your warnings. You may envy the […]
Job interviews: Careless talk costs your business
Many managers do not realise that some of the questions they ask during interviews are unlawful. Pam Loch and Chloe Pereira explain how to avoid the interview trap. Many managers carrying out interviews focus not only on the skills of the candidate concerned, but also on their ‘fit’ for the business. Will they get on with […]