The role of HR in turbulent times
During economic downturns, HR struggles to function as a strategic business partner, with only 29% of organizations regularly using people metrics in business decisions, according to a new report examining HR efficiency and effectiveness.
HR admits to spying on potential recruits online
A study reveals that one-third of HR professionals search social media profiles of job candidates, with 24% changing hiring decisions based on findings like drunken photos or rude comments. Job seekers should monitor their online presence carefully during recruitment.
No pay rises please, we’re British
Employers are increasingly using non-monetary benefits like flexible working, recognition, and learning opportunities to motivate staff cost-effectively. Modern reward strategies recognize that employees have different needs throughout their careers, with cafeteria-style benefits allowing individuals to choose what matters most to them.
Internal threats: Are you protected?
Learn how economic downturns create vulnerabilities in HR and recruitment processes, enabling fraudsters to exploit scaled-back compliance measures. Employers face increased internal threats when verification controls are relaxed, putting sensitive roles and vulnerable populations at risk.
Talent mapping: Navigating through the downturn
Talent mapping charts employee skills and competencies to identify which workers can navigate economic downturns and where skills gaps exist. This strategic assessment helps organizations retain valuable talent, plan succession, and determine what external expertise may be needed during difficult times.
Ask the expert: Suspending an employee
Learn whether suspending an employee for unaddressed performance mistakes was the right approach. Employment law experts Esther Smith and Matthew Whelan explain proper suspension procedures and recommend alternative disciplinary actions.
Software Satisfaction Awards 2009: The race is on
Sift Media’s Software Satisfaction Awards 2009 are now open for entries, with voting based on user ratings of business software in areas including ease of use, functionality, reliability, and value for money. The awards cover HR, accounting, finance, and CRM categories, with winners announced on October 8, 2009.
A week in HR: It’s s’no’w joke as weather keeps workers at home
Severe winter weather combined with National Sickie Day created widespread workplace absence on Monday, with research suggesting around 330,000 workers called in sick at a cost of over £29 million to industry. The article also covers rising tribunal payouts and the impact of the recession on employment practices.
How a referee reacts to negative feedback
Referees often respond defensively to intense negative feedback, becoming more stubborn rather than improving their performance. Two examples—Rob Styles and Graham Poll—demonstrate how criticism can worsen decision-making instead of promoting reflection and growth.
Downturn downtime? Organisation development in a recession
During a recession, organisation development remains critical for businesses aiming to emerge healthy and competitive. While most organisations adapt rather than overhaul their OD strategies, the fundamental approach to managing organisational change and informal dynamics stays consistent regardless of economic conditions.
Flexible working extension: How will it affect you?
From April 2009, parents of children aged up to 16 will gain the right to request flexible working. Employers can refuse based on business grounds, but must follow a formal procedure and could face tribunal claims if requests are unreasonably denied.
Discrimination: Religion, belief and sexual orientation
UK employment discrimination law prohibits bias based on religion, belief, and sexual orientation. The regulations have created workplace tensions when employees’ religious beliefs conflict with job duties or employer anti-discrimination policies, as illustrated by cases involving dress codes and service provision.
HR tip: Following disciplinary procedure
Until April law changes take effect, employers must strictly follow existing statutory disciplinary procedures and their own internal procedures, especially if they’re part of employment contracts. Failure to do so could constitute breach of contract.
Organisational development in a recession and beyond
Organisational development is an effective strategy for growth in both recessions and normal times. Successful OD requires proper diagnosis, holistic business review, alignment with organisational objectives, and integration of HR with finance and operations. Research shows over 80% of change programmes succeed when these elements are implemented effectively.
Leading Leisure Provider is ‘Fit for Business’ After Implementing COA Solutions HCM System
freedomleisure, a Sussex leisure provider, has streamlined HR and payroll operations for 750+ employees across 15 sites using COA Solutions’ integrated HCM system. The cloud-based platform eliminated paper-based processes, improved recruitment efficiency, and enables real-time access to employee information and compliance tracking.
Online social networking: The productivity paradox
Online social networking tools like wikis and Facebook promise to boost productivity through collective intelligence and innovation, yet many corporations ban them from the workplace over fears they waste time and damage security. This productivity paradox reveals a fundamental tension between Web 2.0’s horizontal, open architecture and traditional hierarchical corporate structures.
Ask the expert: Maternity and redundancy
Employers must give employees on maternity leave first refusal of suitable alternative positions during redundancy, even if they haven’t returned yet. Suitability is determined objectively by comparing job roles, not by subjective assessments of candidate ability, to avoid discrimination claims.
HR in America: The last leg of the trip
Lynn Starsmore concludes her HR journey across America, visiting a specialist cancer hospital and medical research center. She gains valuable career advice from an HR director with a similar background and observes different onboarding approaches before returning home ready to implement her learnings.
Monster.com hit by hackers, again
Monster.com has suffered a second major data breach in 18 months, with hackers accessing user IDs, passwords, names, email addresses, and phone numbers. The company, which serves US Federal government clients, is forcing password resets and investigating the incident, though no evidence of misuse has been found yet.
A week in HR: Dark days as unemployment groans
The UK enters recession with unemployment rising toward two million, prompting warnings of “dark days” ahead. However, some job sectors are projected to see strong growth through 2017, and senior HR roles are predicted to receive pay increases despite the economic downturn.
