It’s about a sticky floor, not a glass ceiling
Gender discrimination starts early in women’s careers through unclear talent management processes, not just at the glass ceiling level. Research shows significantly fewer women advance into leadership roles, with men receiving 28-50% more development opportunities at management levels, creating a “sticky floor” that prevents career progression from the start.
HR tip: Closure of canteen
Closing your canteen requires checking employment contracts—if they guarantee hot meals, you must negotiate with employees. If contracts are silent, you have more flexibility, but offering alternatives like a sandwich service or microwave is recommended to maintain goodwill.
Views on HR news: Engagement and productivity
Jon Ingham curates this month’s best HR insights on employee engagement and workforce productivity, reviewing expert perspectives on motivation, retention, and measuring performance across organizations during economic challenges.
Twelve creative routes to talent engagement
Discover twelve creative strategies to boost employee engagement and unlock your workforce’s full potential. Low engagement costs organizations dearly in productivity and retention, affecting two-thirds of British workers. Learn how to move beyond basic talent management to identify what employees need to contribute their best work.
Making mergers work: People are the strategic imperative
Employee retention and culture integration are critical to M&A success. Research shows that people-related issues—including talent loss, culture clashes, and management conflicts—are the primary drivers of merger failure, making effective HR strategy essential throughout the transition period.
Jobpartners: ActiveRecruiter v8 “inspired by customers”
Jobpartners has released ActiveRecruiter v8, a talent management software update built on customer feedback. The new version features HTML-enabled editing, improved security, a redesigned interface, and enhanced branding tools to streamline recruitment communications.
Parents to share maternity leave, says Gordon Brown
Gordon Brown announced plans to allow parents to share maternity leave, letting fathers take up to six months of leave after mothers return to work. The scheme, delayed from earlier this year, will begin in April 2011 to give businesses time to adjust, though some employers have warned of administrative challenges.
Age discrimination in the media: Strictly unlawful?
The BBC faces age discrimination allegations following decisions to replace older broadcasters and judges at Radio One and Strictly Come Dancing with younger presenters, raising questions about whether such practices violate equality laws in the UK.
Facebook proves employment goldmine for bank
Japanese bank Nomura successfully recruited approximately 60% of Lehman Brothers’ former graduate trainees using Facebook, demonstrating the platform’s emerging value as a recruitment tool for identifying qualified candidates.
Legislation update: Continuity of employment with a company in administration
When a company enters administration, employees may lose the ability to claim unfair dismissal if they lack sufficient continuity of service. A recent appeal in Oakland v Wellswood (Yorkshire) Ltd clarified that continuity of employment can be preserved under the Employment Rights Act during business transfers, even when TUPE protections don’t apply.
Workplace wellbeing: Alternative rules of engagement
Wellbeing initiatives can transform employee engagement and performance when implemented strategically across all business levels. By offering on-site health screenings, expert consultations, and personalized wellness support, employers create an inspiring environment where staff are motivated and equipped to perform at their best while reducing absence and boosting morale.
Seize the moment: Embrace change and strengthen HR
Economic downturns present HR professionals with an opportunity to implement strategic changes that strengthen organizational resilience and demonstrate HR’s business impact. By embracing transformation now—whether through process improvements or outsourcing functions like recruitment—companies can reduce costs while building competitive advantage without waiting for crisis point.
Ask the expert: TUPE and offers of employment
TUPE protections apply to a GP whose employment contract was agreed before a practice transfer, even if the start date falls after the transfer occurs. Legal experts clarify that employment automatically transfers with existing terms and conditions preserved, and refusing to honor the contract may constitute wrongful dismissal.
SuccessFactors unveils new business execution software
SuccessFactors unveiled BizX, a new business execution software strategy designed to help companies improve strategy communication and alignment. The suite includes the BizX software, SuccessCloud platform for third-party connectivity, and go-to-market support for enterprise customers.
Your printer and you
Share your printer experience in our brief survey to help shape a comprehensive business buyer’s guide. Your feedback will contribute to an upcoming resource covering everything from desktop inkjets to enterprise printing systems.
Mandatory retirement: The case against
Mandatory retirement ages offer limited organizational benefits and create unnecessary constraints, according to research showing that employers without such policies face fewer challenges than previously assumed. As aging populations strain national economies, extending working lives becomes increasingly important for economic sustainability and productivity.
How to celebrate success when there isn’t any
Learn how to recognize and reward employee contributions during challenging times when budgets are tight. Discover that meaningful celebration doesn’t require expensive events—personal interest, transparent recognition, and thoughtful management can motivate teams just as effectively.
HR tip: Children at work on weekends
Employers should ban children from attending work during weekend shifts due to health and safety concerns. Minors lack workplace safety training and experience to recognize hazards, creating liability risks for the organization.
Success in a recession: Is talent really that important?
Research reveals that determination and deliberate practice matter more than innate talent for success, even during recessions. Studies show mastery requires at least a decade of focused practice beyond your current skill level, suggesting talent should rank lower in hiring and development priorities.
Ask the expert: Holiday during probation period
Employers can restrict when employees take holiday during probation, though staff remain entitled to statutory minimum leave. Holiday can be scheduled based on what employees have accrued rather than their full annual entitlement, allowing management discretion over timing while ensuring legal compliance.
