Ask the expert: Trade union representative
Employees have a statutory right to bring a qualified trade union representative to disciplinary hearings, even if the union isn’t recognized on site. The representative must be an official certified by the union with experience in accompanying workers, and the employee’s request must be reasonable.
What is the cost of employee under-performance?
Under-performing employees cost organizations significantly more than their salaries. Research shows the monetary difference between average and good performers equals half their gross salary, while poor versus good performers differ by their full annual salary—reaching twice the salary at performance extremes.
Planet of the apps: Touching the void
Jon Wilcox examines the BlackBerry Storm’s touch screen technology and its available apps, finding limited practical business options but discovering several compelling consumer applications that leverage the device’s accelerometer and haptic feedback capabilities.
Colborn’s Corner: Who are the fat cats?
Union leaders are emerging as the new “fat cats,” with some enjoying pay increases far exceeding inflation while their members face wage stagnation or job losses. The Times highlighted cases like RMT leader Bob Crow’s 8% raise to £91,646 and Unite’s Tony Woodley’s 20% increase to £105,761, raising questions about fairness during economic hardship.
Is talent management in a slump?
Talent management software sales slumped in early 2009 as companies postponed investments despite economic pressures. Leading vendors reported minimal growth, with most buyers focusing on immediate HR needs rather than strategic talent initiatives.
Tanith Dodge interview: Managing change at M&S
Marks & Spencer’s group HR director Tanith Dodge discusses how the company engages its 80,000 employees through major transformation initiatives like Project 2020 during economic challenges. She emphasizes that honest communication about organizational change and the reasoning behind it is essential for maintaining employee engagement and alignment with company vision.
Handling difficult conversations in the workplace
Managers can improve workplace communication and productivity by developing key skills for difficult conversations, including active listening, emotional control, and respectful assertiveness. Proper preparation—separating facts from feelings and clarifying desired outcomes—helps leaders handle disciplinary, grievance, and performance discussions more effectively.
HR tip: Parking on residential roads
Employees parking on residential roads can face legal consequences if neighbors report obstructions to police. Employers should advise staff of potential fines and direct ongoing complaints to local authorities, as they have limited responsibility beyond company parking solutions.
How to blog on HRzone.co.uk
Learn how to start blogging on HRzone.co.uk with practical tips covering blog naming, profile creation, writing style, and posting frequency. Expert guidance helps HR professionals begin their blogging journey successfully.
The rise of talent management systems
Talent management systems are rapidly growing software solutions that automate HR processes like recruitment, performance management, and career development. HR professionals should establish a clear strategy and select vendors that match their organization’s size and industry before implementing these integrated platforms.
What’s your professional USP?
Discover your professional Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and differentiate yourself in your career. Expert Tessa Hood explains how to define your value, build your personal brand, and strategically market yourself to influencers who control your future, especially during economic uncertainty.
Tips on investigating employee misconduct
A thorough investigation is crucial for defending employee misconduct dismissals against unfair dismissal claims. Learn how to properly appoint an investigator, scope allegations clearly, gather witness evidence effectively, and maintain documentation throughout the process.
Is your HR department pulling its weight?
HR departments must demonstrate measurable value through effective use of HR information systems, particularly by ensuring management uses data to drive business decisions rather than assuming technology alone improves outcomes like attendance and retention.
Ask the expert: Compromise agreements
Offering compromise agreements to underperforming employees can expedite departures but carries legal risks. Without an existing dispute, settlement discussions may lack “without prejudice” protection, potentially undermining dismissal justifications if the employee refuses and later claims unfair dismissal.
Agresso: The future of salary reviews
Salary review software is becoming increasingly sophisticated, helping HR departments benchmark compensation and assess staff performance against competitors. Industry expert Vicki Sanderson advises organizations to avoid panic-driven cost-cutting and consider long-term impacts during economic downturns.
David Fairhurst interview: Managing the workforce in a recession
McDonald’s HR chief David Fairhurst discusses the critical importance of maintaining employee engagement and talent management during economic downturns. He argues that organizations must rethink engagement strategies while ensuring fair treatment of all employees, positioning themselves as role models of ethical business practice.
HR tip: Length of CV
A CV should be no longer than two pages and tailored to the specific job, as recruiters spend only seconds reviewing applications. Focus on the most relevant skills and experience that match the job description, saving additional details for the interview stage.
Thinking of becoming a consultant?
Before launching a consulting career, consider whether you have the expertise, business acumen, and sales skills needed to succeed. This guide outlines key factors to evaluate before making the transition from employment to independent consultancy work.
Job interviews: Careless talk costs your business
Many managers unknowingly ask illegal questions during job interviews, potentially exposing their businesses to discrimination claims. Employers should train managers on employment law, prepare interview questions in advance, and avoid discriminatory notes to protect candidates’ rights based on age, race, sex, disability, and other protected characteristics.
Ask the expert: Redundancy and restructuring
When restructuring and making redundancies, employers must follow fair procedures by including all affected employees in the selection pool and using objective criteria, not part-time status. Legal experts advise considering whether full-time positions are truly necessary and offering qualified candidates the opportunity to relocate or change to full-time roles before making redundancy decisions.
