Profile: SSA winner – Octopus
Octopus HR won the mid-range HR software award at the Software Satisfaction Awards, capturing 26% of votes. The company delivers secure cloud-based HR solutions designed to reduce administration and enhance employee communication while building strong customer partnerships.
Redundancy: The elephant in your boardroom?
Businesses facing financial pressure should explore cost-cutting alternatives to redundancy through early employee consultation, including recruitment freezes, reduced hours, and voluntary measures. Proper handling of these discussions can protect staff morale and business reputation while meeting statutory consultation requirements.
Addressing core health and safety issues in a financial crisis
Workplace health and safety statistics reveal a concerning plateau in injuries and ill health, with workers facing a one in 100 annual chance of serious injury. Despite reassuring headline figures, the true cost to employers and employees represents billions of pounds in losses, requiring urgent action beyond complacency during economic challenges.
Ask the expert: Internet monitoring
Employers can monitor internet usage in the workplace while complying with data protection laws, provided they inform employees of monitoring practices, establish clear policies, and conduct impact assessments to justify the necessity of surveillance against potential privacy concerns.
A week in HR: Matters of the heart blamed on bad bosses
Bad bosses are linked to heart disease risk among workers, according to a new study showing that poor leadership and feeling undervalued at work can trigger stress and unhealthy behaviors. The research also covers the NHS phasing out traditional sick notes in favor of “fit notes” designed to return workers to productivity.
Vote in the Best of HRZone.co.uk 2008 awards
Vote now in the Best of HRZone.co.uk 2008 awards and you could win Christmas champagne. Popular categories include “Men in HR” and “Do Looks Matter?” with voting still open.
Yule be redundant: Crisis at Christmas
Employers facing redundancies should prioritize sensitive communication and advance planning, particularly around the Christmas period. Legal experts emphasize the importance of consultation, proper training for managers delivering news, and following robust procedures to minimize morale damage and tribunal risks.
Performance management: How appraisals can add business value
Effective performance management through structured appraisals helps align employees with business goals and drives engagement, yet many organizations treat appraisals as administrative tasks rather than valuable development opportunities. Modern performance management software can streamline the process, reducing paperwork and enabling managers to focus on meaningful conversations that improve performance.
HR tip: Qualifying to claim unfair dismissal
To claim unfair dismissal in the UK, an employee must have completed one year of continuous service. An employee dismissed one week short of this threshold cannot pursue an unfair dismissal claim, regardless of the dismissal circumstances or procedure followed.
Using people development to prove HR’s worth
HR can prove its value during economic downturns by investing in people development. Research shows companies that maintain talent investment during recessions gain competitive advantages and improve performance, making HR an essential business asset rather than a discretionary expense.
HR management in a recession
During economic downturns, HR leaders should avoid hasty redundancies and consider strategic alternatives like restructuring, performance management, and investing in employee development to retain key talent and maintain competitiveness for future growth.
The new disciplinary and grievance procedures: A simple success
New statutory disciplinary and grievance procedures were set to take effect in April 2009, reducing complex regulations from 40 pages to 10. The simplified Acas Code aims to streamline workplace dispute handling while maintaining mediation encouragement, with tribunals able to adjust awards by up to 25% based on compliance.
Ask the expert: Pestering and unwanted admirers
When an employee complains of unwanted romantic attention and persistent pestering, HR should treat it as a formal grievance and investigate thoroughly for potential sexual harassment. The employer has a duty of care to all parties and should document the complaint, interview both employees, and take appropriate disciplinary action if misconduct is confirmed.
Development centres: How to get the most from them
Development and assessment centres help HR functions identify talent and align people with roles during organizational transformation. These events involve structured tasks and observations to evaluate candidates objectively, but require careful planning and clear organizational commitment to justify their cost.
A week in HR: Income tax hike for high earners
The UK government announced a new 45% income tax rate for high earners over £150,000 and a 0.5% National Insurance increase in Monday’s Pre-Budget Report. Business leaders warn the tax hike could deter senior talent from the UK and harm global competitiveness.
Taking a measured approach to Christmas spirit
Employers can minimize risks at office Christmas parties by setting clear behavioral expectations, limiting alcohol access, and communicating workplace conduct policies in advance. Alternatives to traditional alcohol-focused events and proper duty of care practices help prevent misconduct issues.
Caption competition: And the winner is…
Alan Barry won November’s caption competition with his witty entry about Russell Brand’s appearance on the Jonathan Ross show. His prize is a choice of Italian red or Loire white wine.
HR tip: Employment end date – garden leave question
Employment ends at different times depending on the notice arrangement: with garden leave, employment ends when the leave period concludes, while pay in lieu of notice results in immediate termination. Understanding this distinction is crucial for proper employment record-keeping and final settlements.
Making incentives work for improved staff performance
Effective incentive programs align employee behavior with corporate goals, but require clear metrics, long-term focus, and formal management frameworks to succeed. When poorly designed, they can encourage counterproductive behavior and business risk.
Employee stress: Providing the required support
Rising work-related stress among UK employees is increasingly affecting productivity and wellbeing. Employee Assistance Programmes provide employers with a practical way to offer emotional and practical support, helping staff manage workplace stress, financial worries, and personal issues that impact performance.
