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.
Exclusive video interview: Chester Elton
Motivational expert and bestselling author Chester Elton discusses HR challenges and building workplace innovation culture in this exclusive video interview from the HR Directors’ Business Summit.
Only 3% of UK Organisations Have a Completely Automated Procurement Process
Only 3% of UK organisations have fully automated procurement processes, despite 69% believing electronic procurement would support their environmental strategies. The research reveals that 47% of organisations have little or no automation, with manual document processing and approval remaining widespread barriers to efficiency.
Performance appraisals every day?
Traditional annual performance appraisals may be ineffective compared to more frequent reviews. While daily appraisals aren’t practical, meeting monthly or quarterly allows managers to assess progress, address obstacles, and support development more regularly than yearly evaluations.
Sorting the wheat from the chaff: Talent management in a recession
During a recession, organizations should refine talent management strategies rather than use economic hardship to eliminate underperformers without proper process. Experts warn that while redundancy may seem appealing, ethical performance management—not opportunistic culling—protects both employees and company reputation long-term.
In turbulent times, people matter
During economic downturns, companies risk making short-term decisions that damage long-term success. Rather than cutting staff or freezing development, organizations need well-trained, passionate employees who deliver consistent quality and reassure customers seeking stability and safety.
HR tip: Changing terms of employment after TUPE
Under TUPE regulations, changing terms of employment solely due to the transfer is prohibited. However, employers can modify terms after sufficient time has passed if there’s a legitimate business reason unrelated to the transfer itself.
Disciplinary procedures: Out with the old and in with the new
UK employers face significant changes to dismissal and grievance procedures starting April 2009, when a new ACAS Code replaces the compulsory statutory process. The simplified approach aims to encourage workplace dispute resolution rather than legal procedures, focusing on flexible guidelines over rigid requirements.
Equality Bill: Stifling women’s rise to the boardroom
Women still struggle to reach boardrooms despite flexible work policies, and critics argue the proposed Equality Bill may actually hinder their career progression by increasing employer costs and workplace resentment rather than supporting advancement.
HR in America: Big country, big company
UK HR manager Lynn Starsmore visits a large American food distribution company and discovers significant differences in HR practices, including advanced systems for top management, strong employee focus, and extensive HR departments—contrasting sharply with her small company’s single-person HR team.
Ask the expert: Forcing staff to attend training
Employers can generally require staff to attend mandatory training courses if the instruction is reasonable and non-discriminatory, even when it conflicts with personal commitments. However, legal experts suggest considering whether making exceptions for valuable employees might benefit the business, while ensuring policies are applied consistently.
A week in HR: Downturn heroes
Global hiring activity is declining amid recession fears, with Western European hiring down to 28% from 31%, while Germany bucks the trend at 81%. City job vacancies fell 65% year-over-year in December 2008, and employers are failing to adequately educate staff on retirement planning.
How different roles give feedback in 360 degree appraisals
In 360 degree appraisals, different raters use distinct communication styles: supervisors employ business language and directive advice, while peers and direct reports provide contextual feedback without solutions. Understanding these role-based differences and narrative feedback patterns is essential for accurate appraisal interpretation.
Homophobic workplace bullying: Heterosexuals can be victims too
A Court of Appeal ruling now protects heterosexual workers from homophobic bullying in the workplace. The decision established that sexual orientation harassment laws apply regardless of the victim’s actual sexual orientation, requiring employers to train staff on recognizing and preventing such behavior.
