Summer holiday begins at work
More than half of UK workers book their summer holidays during work hours, according to Monster recruitment research. While 32% complete the entire booking process at the office, experts say short breaks for personal tasks can boost productivity if kept reasonable.
Numbers working over 48 hours a week climbs to 3.3 million
The number of workers in Britain putting in more than 48 hours weekly has surged to 3.3 million, with 180,000 additional people joining this category over the past year. The TUC attributes the increase to economic pressures forcing employers to extend existing staff hours rather than hire new workers, warning of consequences including reduced productivity and increased stress levels.
Blogging brings legal baggage
Employment lawyers warn that workplace blogs can create legal problems for both employers and employees. Without clear company policies, employees risk dismissal for defamatory posts or confidential information breaches, while employers may face liability. Establishing detailed blogging guidelines in employee handbooks can help mitigate these risks.
CMI’s new chief vows to put skills in the spotlight
Ruth Spellman, the new chief executive of the Chartered Management Institute, is prioritizing skills development and professional management qualifications to boost UK competitiveness. She’s calling on employers to invest in their leadership teams and adopt long-term development strategies to support a multi-generational workforce.
Apprentice star Lee, caught out for lying on his C.V.
Apprentice contestant Lee McQueen was exposed for falsifying his CV during the final interview round, claiming two years of university when he actually attended for only four months. The incident raises questions about CV fraud in recruitment and highlights why employers should use personality and ability assessments alongside interviews to verify candidate credentials.
Shortlist for national employment awards revealed
The shortlist for the inaugural Local Employment Partnerships awards has been revealed, featuring 20 UK employers including Tesco, Nissan Motors, and Marriott Hotels. The awards recognize outstanding contributions to helping disadvantaged jobseekers return to work through employer partnerships with Jobcentre Plus. Winners will be announced July 1 in London.
Tougher times boost interest in software on demand
Economic pressures are driving faster adoption of on-demand software in HR and beyond. Web-hosted applications offer lower implementation costs and enable pay-as-you-go models that help companies manage upfront expenses while maintaining flexibility in talent management and recruitment.
HR software consolidation: Does size really matter?
HR software consolidation is reshaping the industry as major players like Sage and COA acquire competitors to expand market share and capabilities. Sage’s acquisition strategy has pushed its integrated HR software share to roughly 15%, while COA is building a rival holding through its own consolidations, claiming over 1 million licensed users.
Getting to grips with the Facebook phenomenon
Facebook has split the HR profession over social networking’s workplace impact, with employers divided between concerns about lost productivity and recognition of recruitment and engagement opportunities. The article examines both the risks—including reputational damage and disciplinary issues—and potential benefits like accessing passive job candidates and improving internal communication.
Dyslexia at work: Realising your employees’ potential
Discover how to create a dyslexia-friendly workplace and support your employees’ potential. Learn the signs of dyslexia, screening methods, and legal requirements for accommodating this common hidden disability affecting one in ten UK workers.
Web 2.0 generation would quit if access banned
Nearly 80% of young office workers use social media during work hours, with 39% saying they would quit if personal internet access was banned, according to a workplace survey.
Talent management: Looking for unification?
UK businesses recognize talent management as critical for success but struggle with execution and technology challenges. New research shows 60% consider it essential, yet 66% find linking talent management goals to business objectives extremely difficult, with fewer than one-third having a documented strategy in place.
The low-down on language training
Modern language training helps UK businesses bridge communication gaps in multilingual workplaces. Effective programs combine flexible learning methods—virtual classrooms, podcasts, distance learning—with clear needs assessments, qualified native speakers, and measurable outcomes to ensure quick deployment and strong ROI.
Punishment – any suggestions?
Dealing with office non-compliance, the author explores punishment strategies for employees who neglect shared responsibilities like refilling coffee and doing dishes. Frustrated with ineffective emails, they consider removing communal items but worry about unfairly punishing everyone for a few people’s behavior.
HR tip: Lateness and absence caused by transport strike
During a transport strike, employers should judge lateness and absences case-by-case, considering employees’ circumstances like travel distance and health. Those making reasonable efforts to attend shouldn’t face penalties, though others should be warned that disciplinary action may follow.
Psychometrics don’t work – unless you choose the right supplier
Psychometric testing is used by 70% of British organisations in recruitment, but success depends on selecting the right supplier. Choose providers certified by the British Psychological Society or CIPD who use rigorously validated tests and offer expert interpretation.
Happiness Index reveals secrets of job satisfaction
The City & Guilds Happiness Index reveals that job satisfaction depends more on meaningful work and colleague relationships than salary. HR ranks 13th among professions, with beauty therapists showing the highest happiness levels. Experts emphasize that flexible working practices and individual recognition strategies are essential for building productive, satisfied workforces.
Mobile working blamed for rising RSI complaints
RSI complaints have surged over 30% in the past year, with mobile working blamed for the rise. Office workers spending more time on laptops and mobile devices in awkward positions report increased back pain, shoulder strain, and wrist injuries, costing businesses over £300 million annually.
UK’s biggest employer gives £92 million to staff
Tesco is distributing £92 million in free shares to nearly 193,000 employees through its ‘Shares in Success’ scheme, which has awarded over £440 million since 2003. Eligible staff receive shares worth 3.6% of their annual earnings for continued employment with the UK’s largest private sector employer.
The secret of my succession
Effective succession planning is critical for corporate stability, with poorly executed transitions wiping billions from company valuations. Companies like Vodafone demonstrate how preparing successors in advance ensures seamless leadership changes, while others face reputational damage from unclear plans.
