The role of the HR business partner: Making it work
Although many organisations employ HR business partners, there are different interpretations of the role and varying levels of success. Laura Albregts and Cindy Meervis examine the important part they play in inspiring your organisation and assess what is needed to make the role work effectively. Many organisations have implemented HR business partner roles, whose aim […]
Caption competition: And the winner is
January is traditionally the month when we all decide to get a bit more fit and healthy, following the over-indulgent festive break. Therefore, the theme for this month’s competition was all about getting active. There were some seriously funny entries this month, but there was one in particular that really made us chuckle here at […]
Ask the expert: Sacking during a probation period
An employee, who is currently within her three-month probation period, is not performing to a satisfactory standard. Esther Smith and Martin Brewer advise on the correct procedure to follow should the employer decide dismissal is the only option. The question:I work for a parent-run committee and just need a bit of advice. We employed a […]
A week in HR: Brown in cash boost to stem rising unemployment
The key story this week is the ‘golden hello’ that Gordon Brown is offering to employers willing to take on the long-term unemployed. In other news, a new survey has found that HR managers see employee retention as the greatest challenge this year. By Annie Hayes. Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced far reaching plans […]
Finding someone better than you
I’m on a run of conducting a number of 360 degree feedback debriefs. I have been completing those debriefs in quite different industries. But I have hit a common thread. Nearly every person I have debriefed is working punishing hours. Within the 360 feedback peers, direct reports and managers are advising the individual to delegate […]
Dressing For Success in Times of Recession
There was an article in one of the Sunday papers recently entitled “Dressed for Success in Times of Recession”. Did anyone see it ? How true that comment is. The perennial problem that faces the working mum-to-be should now be addressed by all other members of the work force as a priority. While there are […]
Beating the sick note culture: Health and wellbeing in the workplace
As sports centres prepare themselves for the January rush, organisations can also help look after the wellbeing of their staff and cut absenteeism rates to boot. Verity Gough asks the experts how HR can help maintain a happy and healthy workforce in 2009. New year resolutions are all very well, but as Britain slides into […]
The knowledge crunch: Communication is key
Is there a need, now more than ever, to communicate with your staff? As unemployment soars and the credit crunch bites, Kevin Condon warns of an impending ‘knowledge crunch’. We are all aware that it’s gloomy out there at the moment; business is tough, so I hate to jump onto the band-wagon and be the […]
RPO: Reducing recruitment costs without compromising on talent
Graham Snuggs explains how recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) is an ideal solution for organisations looking to reduce the overall cost of their recruitment and time-per-hire, without compromising on the quality of talent they bring in. Recruiting the right staff, with the right skills, in the right role has always been an important factor in an […]
HR tip: Time off for redundant employees
These questions are being answered by Learn HR, a market leader in the provision of HR and payroll training and nationally-recognised professional qualifications. Question: "Some employees who have been declared redundant have asked for time off to go for interviews, look for jobs and so on. This could disrupt the operation of running down their section, […]
Disability discrimination: Legislative changes
When the government initially consulted on the content of the Single Equality Bill, it was felt that disability discrimination did not need to be revised. However this has changed as a result of the recent House of Lords decision in London Borough of Lewisham v Malcolm (2008). Alice Reeve examines the impact of this decision […]
Got something to say? Your community needs you
Want to get an opinion off your chest, start a debate, or get up on your soapbox? Then become a contributor to HRZone.co.uk! Even if you’re not a writer, you could always record a short video or audio file. Or perhaps you’d like to get really involved and become a community advocate? Here’s a detailed […]
When is incapacity not incapacity?
A landmark tribunal ruling has paved the way for unfairly sacked employees to claim for loss of future earnings even when claiming incapacity benefits. Adam Fuge outlines the case, and explains what this means for employers. In the recent combined appeals of Sheffield Forgemasters International Ltd v Fox and Telindus Ltd v Brading the employment […]
Credit crunch or global growth: What business structures are needed?
It's safe to say that 2009 will be a big year for many organisations, however the economy and markets perform. Andy Bedwell discusses how we should structure, recruit and develop to make the most of the uncertainty and recover quickly when it is over. The past year has shifted the landscape for most organisations. For […]
HR in America: Diary of an exchange visit
HR manager Lynn Starsmore shares her experiences of a month-long exchange trip, organised by the Rotary Club, which saw her flying over to Southern California to expand her knowledge and experience of HR across the pond. The journeyOn the way to the airport last-minute nerves kicked in and I was thinking, how could I possibly […]
Ask the expert: Inappropriate behaviour at a Christmas party
A manager acted inappropriately at the office Christmas party last month, due to the amount of alcohol he consumed. Esther Smith and Martin Brewer advise on what disciplinary action to take now. The question:A manager in my business acted erratically at our Christmas party due to a quantity of alcohol. This consisted of several lewd […]
Who needs training in 360 degree feedback
We often work with training organisations who use 360 feedback as an input into the design of a training programme. More often now, we are working with organisations who recognise that the 360 itself requires people to be trained.Training can assist recipients, respondents, and managers in getting the most from the process. I learnt this […]
A week in HR: Gloom predictors brace workers for a difficult 2009
This week sees workers braving the freezing temperatures to make the long post-Christmas commute back to work, and many have job security on their mind as fear of redundancy and uncertainty looms over new year merriment. Annie Hayes reports for the first news round-up of 2009. Professional body the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development […]
No Irish need Apply
People forget the discrimination which the Irish, along with other immigrants, suffered even in recent times in Britain and America. It was not uncommon to see signs in boarding houses after the Second World War in England like the one below saying “No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs.” My Father in Law worked as a […]
Poor pay expected in 2009
UK employees have poor but realistic salary expectations for next year, according to a report published today by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).The CIPD’s annual Barometer Report reveals the full extent of the gloomy pay prospects for next year, after 2,604 employees were quizzed on their attitudes to pay in 2009. The […]
