Helping employees play to their strengths

Whilst there has been much focus on implementing a US-style ‘strengths approach’ in the workplace, there is very little advice out there as to how it may be used. Dr Paul Brewerton explains how HR can encourage staff to play to their strengths. Much has been made of positive psychology and the so called ‘strengths […]
HR tip: Making notes in disciplinary hearings

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:"In a disciplinary hearing I find it difficult to listen, think, and make notes, all at the same time. Any suggestions please?" HR tip:Don't do them all at the same time. Listen until […]
Lifelong learning: Jump on the bandwagon

Continuing with her series exploring the findings from the five components of the Adecco Institute’s ‘Demographic Fitness Survey’, this month, Donna Murphy examines lifelong learning. “We live in a world where change is the only constant.” Change comes at us at a furious pace – from technological change packaged as a new software product or […]
Microsoft wins employer award

Microsoft has won the ‘Employer of the Future Award’ at a ceremony at No. 11 Downing Street this week.The awards, organised by webzine mother@work, are now in its fourth year. Theresa McHenry, head of leadership and development at Microsoft, was presented the award by Fiona Cannon, head of equality and diversity for the Lloyds TSB […]
Elearning available on iPhone

Software provider Mohive has announced that it is the first company in Europe to offer elearning on the Apple iPhone.Mohive CEO Lars Unneberg said: “The introduction of Apples’ iPhone has dramatically boosted the potential for mobile learning in the markets we operate in. Traditional barriers to effective mobile learning, like low quality video or clunky, […]
ASR Puts Spotlight on .NET Workflow at HR Software Show

13 June 2008 – ASR Computers Ltd. is exhibiting a comprehensive portfolio of human resource (HR) systems, including the recently launched .NET Workflow, on stand H180 at this year’s HR Software Show (18 – 19 June at Olympia Conference Centre, London). Following its acquisition in March 2008, ASR exhibits as a COA Solutions company and […]
Racial discrimination still rife

Racial discrimination is still so rife that firms are missing out on key talent, according to a new report. The study, published by the Chartered Management Institute, Department for Work and Pensions and the Institute for Employment Studies, examined the career aspirations and job-search methods of a range of diverse groups. It found discrimination and […]
Colborn’s Corner: Building staff satisfaction

Quentin Colborn examines the topic of staff satisfaction and considers routes to building improvements that last. ‘Turning Europe Orange’ was not a political initiative designed to coincide with the debate on the Lisbon Treaty, but a project within EasyJet designed to create a European airline, rather than one that is seen as being solely UK-based. […]
Interactive guide to flexible working launched

A new, free web tool designed to help senior professionals and managers to understand, negotiate and implement more flexibility in their roles has been launched.Work Re-tune is an interactive website which has been written using the expertise of Working Families and Sapphire Partners, supported by the government’s quality part-time work fund. It can be viewed […]
Businesses lose billions through employee misunderstanding

Employee misunderstanding is costing UK and US businesses $37 billion every year, which works out at an average of $624 per employee, according to a new white paper.‘$37 billion: Counting the cost of employee misunderstanding’, a white paper commissioned by employee assessment specialist Cogniso, highlights the impact of employees who do not fully understand their […]
Report shapes HR’s use of Web 2.0

The HR community is being encouraged to debate how web-based technologies are influencing their role and people management for the next stage of new research launched today.The CIPD paper, Web 2.0 and Human Resources: A Discussion Document, aims to offer HR a new way of making a significant contribution to an organisation’s strategic and operational […]
MPs require more guidance on older workforce

Many MPs are unaware of the barriers facing older workers, a survey has revealed.The survey, carried out by The Age and Employment Network (TAEN), questioned 88 MPs about their experiences of age and employment issues in their constituencies and only 39% were aware of barriers such as lack of access to training, lack of suitable […]
Final destination? HR in the future

HR has come a long way since its previous incarnation as ‘personnel’ but that’s not to say its long-term future is assured. Louise Druce looks at some of the challenges that could lie ahead over the next few years. There’s no doubt technology has been one of the key drivers in HR transformation over the […]
Free workshop to reveal secrets of career success

A leading headhunter will be revealing his secrets for landing a dream job at a free event next month. Hamish Davidson, one of the UK’s high-profile headhunters, will be running a half-day workshop on Tuesday 1 July in London, from 4pm to 9pm.This is the latest in a series of events run by executive resourcing […]
Thank ‘summer’ it’s Friday

Sarah Fletcher talks to Kellogg’s compensation and benefits business partner, David Lowe, about the benefits of a summer hours scheme where staff can leave work early on a Friday. The UK is hardly famed for having good summers. In fact, it’s usually wise to take both sunglasses and an umbrella to work with you, in […]
How to become culturally intelligent

‘Cultural intelligence’ is a business skill that can bring bottom line benefits through enhanced teamwork and improved cross-cultural communication. Richard Wilkes explains how to develop your cultural intelligence and avoid a culture clash. As today’s organisations grow increasingly global and diverse – with different work practices, employee preferences and cultural norms – there is a […]
Dressed for success

Stuart Lauchlan presents a round-up of the news and issues to come out of this year’s SuccessConnect conference held in San Francisco, and interviews SuccessFactors CEO Lars Dalgaard about his plans to revolutionise the future of work. To date, most attention in the software as a service (SaaS) space has been focused on customer management […]
Change management goes mainstream

Change management now plays a major part in many transformation programmes, according to a global survey.The survey, by global management consulting firm Booz & Company, polled senior executives who have led major transformation programmes in large organisations. It found that 82% implement change management work streams, with the same number reporting them to have had […]
Ask the expert: Employee searches

If there has been an increase in the number of thefts at work, can an employer enforce the right to search employees’ cars? Esther Smith, partner at Thomas Eggar, and Martin Brewer, partner at Mills & Reeve, advise. The question:We have a clause in our employment contracts relating to the right to search our employees […]
Boozy staff trips costing firms an arm and a leg

Team bonding days could cost employers more than a day out, as alcohol and dangerous activities increase the risk of accidents.Research by claims investigation and risk assessment firm Themis revealed that more corporate away days are turning into weekends, with popular activities including wine tasting, skiing, boating and horse riding.But even though corporate away days […]