Using temporary workers in a recession
During recessions, companies increasingly hire temporary and freelance workers for flexibility and cost savings, avoiding long-term employment commitments like pensions and benefits. However, these workers may struggle to build lasting team relationships essential for organizational cohesion.
The Stringer case: Much ado about nothing?
The House of Lords’ 2009 Stringer v HMRC decision addressed whether unpaid statutory holiday pay constitutes wage deductions, allowing workers to claim breaches under employment law with extended claim deadlines. However, the judgment did not fully resolve key questions about holiday accrual during sickness.
Success in a recession: What not to do
Discover the hidden obstacles undermining your success during difficult times. Blaire Palmer identifies key behaviors—like lack of generosity and poor relationship management—that can sabotage even well-executed strategies, and explains how to cultivate attitudes that support long-term achievement.
HR tip: Personal hygiene problem
Address employee hygiene issues directly and tactfully as a manager, avoiding hints or public embarrassment. Suggest practical solutions like daily showering and clothes laundering, and recommend medical consultation if the problem persists.
Sick to fit: The optimistic angle to employee sickness
The government is introducing a new ‘fit note’ to replace the traditional sick note, focusing on what employees can do rather than their incapacity. This initiative aims to facilitate earlier returns to work, reduce sickness absence costs, and improve communication between doctors, employers, and workers about suitable duties and support needed.
Unemployment figures hit a 12-year high
UK unemployment has reached 2.261 million, hitting its highest level since 1997, with the unemployment rate climbing to 7.2 percent. The employment rate fell to 73.3 percent, reflecting the worst quarterly job losses seen in the post-war era amid continued economic recession.
Staff development is weapon of choice in recession
During economic downturns, employers are prioritizing staff development and retention over recruitment, with 56% investing in training and career development. A CIPD survey found that 75% of organizations view internal training as the most effective recruitment strategy, though only 58% have formal resourcing plans to ensure targeted skill development.
Ask the expert: Return from maternity leave
A maternity returner failed to provide the required eight weeks’ notice and is requesting reduced hours from three to two days per week on non-preferred days. Employers can postpone the return date or negotiate using flexible working procedures, refusing requests only on specified business grounds like operational needs.
Views on HR news: 10 of the best HR blogs
Discover 10 outstanding HR blog posts curated by Jon Ingham, covering key topics like leadership, generational differences, compensation, executive pay, and social recruiting from leading HR bloggers and industry experts.
Retaining the talent in a recession
During recessions, employers must retain high performers through strategic talent management rather than high salaries alone. John Pope explains how to identify, motivate, and keep talented employees by providing clear leadership, recognition, growth opportunities, and demonstrating how the organization will succeed in changed economic conditions.
Wellbeing in the office: No girls allowed
Men-only wellbeing initiatives at work are proving effective at improving employee engagement by focusing on performance rather than health. National Men’s Health Week highlights how businesses can boost participation by tailoring wellness programs to male interests and motivations.
Networking without the hangups
Networking at business events doesn’t have to be stressful. A business psychologist explains how clear goals, strategic planning, and addressing common anxieties can help you build valuable professional contacts while maintaining your confidence and integrity.
HR agenda critical to UK economic success
HR professionals play a critical role in UK economic recovery, according to speakers at the Acas and CIPD ‘Resilience Through Recession’ conference. Effective people management and employee motivation are essential for businesses to compete globally during economic downturns.
HR tip: Unfair versus wrongful dismissal
Unfair dismissal relates to the reasons for termination, while wrongful dismissal concerns how it’s carried out in breach of contract. Unfair dismissal requires one year of service to claim protection, whereas wrongful dismissal has no minimum service requirement.
Seven office gadgets from the future
Discover seven futuristic office gadgets ranging from self-adjusting chairs and floating desk lamps to laser keyboards and mind-reading headsets. These innovative devices promise to transform your workspace with cutting-edge technology and improve productivity.
Leaders urged to take their five-a-day in people management
Acas and the CIPD have launched a ‘five-a-day’ management guide to help UK business leaders improve people management practices and address the nation’s productivity gap. The guidance covers five core management areas including team management, individual management, conflict resolution, and self-management, drawing on research showing that poor line management standards significantly impact organizational performance.
Recruitment 2.0
HR professionals can tap into social networking platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to recruit talent by creating professional profiles and engaging strategically with jobseekers. However, experts warn that recruitment strategies must be consistent and carefully planned to avoid confusing potential candidates.
Equality in the city: Women in charge?
Equalities minister Harriet Harman faced criticism for suggesting the Equality Bill could increase women in senior City positions. The bill’s new positive action measures would allow employers to favor equally-qualified candidates from underrepresented groups, though selection would not be automatic or mandatory.
Top tips on managing your company expenses
Businesses can reduce expenses by up to 40% through better management processes, governance controls, and transparent policies. Key strategies include automating approval workflows, setting clear authorization limits, reviewing alternative spending options, and tracking expenses by department or cost center to identify savings opportunities.
Facebook-style talent management software
SuccessFactors launched Employee Central, a new talent management module integrating social networking features like collaborative interfaces and peer recognition badges. The announcement follows the company’s record 420,000-user deployment with Siemens, positioning SuccessFactors as a leader in cloud-based enterprise talent management.
