Building trust and confidence in a recession
During recessions, trust in business leaders declines significantly, yet most organizations aren’t actively working to maintain it. Research shows that empathy—not reliability or capability—is the most critical pillar of trust, with companies demonstrating high empathy reporting greater profitability and fewer redundancies even during challenging economic times.
Redundancy: It’s a psychological thing
Psychometric tools can bring objectivity and fairness to redundancy decisions, but employers must use them carefully and appropriately. Understanding when and how to use these instruments—avoiding common mistakes like using outdated results or justifying pre-made decisions—is essential for both legal protection and organizational integrity.
What is the cheapest way to obtain legal advice?
Obtain affordable legal advice through contingency fee agreements regulated under new government proposals, or explore free employment law services often included as add-ons with standard business insurance policies. Many employers overlook this readily available coverage option.
The HRzone.co.uk Recession Clinic with Acas
HRzone.co.uk hosted a recession clinic webinar with Acas employment relations expert Stewart Gee, addressing workplace challenges including redundancy, restructuring, performance management, and employment contracts during economic downturns.
Swine flu: Top tips for employers
Employers must prepare contingency plans for swine flu in the workplace to avoid legal liability. Key steps include updating sickness policies, identifying critical staff, arranging contingent staffing, and implementing homeworking options while following government health guidance.
Managing performance in a recession
HR professionals can help manage performance during recessions by setting clear, business-aligned objectives for remaining employees, providing managerial support, and ensuring staff understand expectations and have necessary resources. Effective performance management requires collaboration between managers and employees, with HR supporting leadership through transparent communication and documented accountability.
Video: Exclusive interview with Ed Sweeney, Acas
Ed Sweeney, chair of Acas, discusses how HR departments can navigate workplace disputes during economic downturns in this exclusive video interview with Verity Gough.
Workforce planning: Helping to deliver on promises
Workforce planning aligns future business strategy with workforce demand, helping organizations manage capacity, capability, and skills gaps. Peter Howes outlines five key areas to ensure the right people with appropriate skills are in place when needed, reducing business risk in unpredictable environments.
Opinion: Cost-effective retention strategies
Effective retention strategies focus on identifying which employees to keep and preventing turnover through proactive measures rather than costly last-minute interventions. By aligning retention efforts with business strategy and avoiding reactive pay increases, organizations can maintain talent while preserving company values.
HR tip: Wearing shorts at work
Employers can generally allow employees to wear shorts on hot days unless the job requires formal dress. Focus on cleanliness and tidiness rather than personal preferences, and avoid sex discrimination by applying dress codes equally to all employees.
Ask the expert: Notice period when dismissed for misconduct
An employee dismissed for social media evidence of dishonesty during sick leave may still be entitled to notice pay if proper disciplinary procedures weren’t followed. Experts advise that gross misconduct dismissals require a formal hearing and fair process to avoid breach of contract claims.
Views on HR news: HR blogging comes of age
HR blogging and social media adoption gained momentum at SHRM’s 2009 annual conference, with dozens of bloggers and tweeters sharing insights about HR trends and recruitment. While Web 2.0 tools are increasingly used by HR practitioners, mainstream adoption among generalists remains limited, though growing engagement suggests this is changing.
Seven deadly wins in employee motivation
Seven HR experts share strategies for keeping employees engaged and motivated during economic downturns, emphasizing leadership development, solution-focused management, and distinguishing between morale and motivation to retain key talent.
Why some survivors don’t survive
Employee survivors of redundancy programs often leave organizations if management doesn’t provide transparent communication, respect, and support. Without proper nurturing and honesty from leadership, remaining staff members typically begin searching for employment elsewhere, viewing their future as uncertain.
Legislation update: Reasonable adjustments and disability discrimination
A recent Employment Appeal Tribunal case established that an employer’s dismissal can constitute disability discrimination if reasonable adjustments—such as a phased return to work—were not offered. The ruling highlights employers’ obligations to explore alternative roles and accommodations before terminating disabled employees.
HR nominees revealed for Software Satisfaction Awards
The 2009 Software Satisfaction Awards nominees have been announced, featuring HR software solutions competing for recognition at the October 8 ceremony. Key contenders include Payroll Manager seeking a third consecutive win, Octopus HR pursuing back-to-back victories, and Cascade HR nominated in two categories.
Hold a coffee morning to engage employees
Hosting a coffee morning at work engages employees while raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. This team-building event improves staff morale and strengthens workplace relationships, with thousands of companies participating annually on designated fundraising dates.
Project management: What a steal!
Project manager Danny Ocean applies classic project management principles in Ocean’s Eleven, from stakeholder analysis and team selection through detailed planning and risk identification. This heist film demonstrates how effective organization, clear communication, and specialized team expertise drive successful project execution.
MacLeod Review: What the experts said
The MacLeod Review recommends tailored support and practical aids to help organizations improve employee engagement, including web-based resources and a nationwide discussion through conferences and workshops. HR experts broadly welcome the review’s emphasis on involving employees in business decisions and building trust through effective management and communication.
Driving employee engagement higher
Employee engagement drives productivity, retention, and customer satisfaction. Jack Wiley identifies four pillars of engagement—pride, satisfaction, advocacy, and retention—and highlights managers’ critical role in creating an engaged workforce focused on meaningful work and organizational support.
