Case study: Why evaluate training?
Regular training evaluation is crucial for organizations to measure whether their investment in employee development delivers results. This case study examines how insurance group Aviva implements evaluation strategies to assess training impact, exploring both return on expectation and return on investment metrics.
Colborn’s Corner: Business ethics – an HR issue?
Business ethics presents complex challenges that HR departments often avoid due to risk concerns. From bribery and corruption to unfair dismissal practices and outsourcing decisions, ethical dilemmas span multiple areas. The question remains: should HR take a stronger role in addressing ethical conduct across organizations?
HR tip: Recovering training costs from departing employee
You cannot recover training costs from a departing employee or their new employer, but you can protect future investments by requiring employees to sign repayment agreements for expensive courses completed shortly before resignation.
Mistrust of senior managers strangles business
A survey reveals that less than half of workers trust their organization’s senior management, while nearly a third of middle managers plan to leave this year. The disconnect between senior leaders and staff threatens business effectiveness during economic uncertainty.
Vulnerable workers report reveals true horror
Two million British workers are trapped in low-wage, insecure employment with poor treatment that often remains legal, according to a Trades Union Congress report. The Commission on Vulnerable Employment found that 19th-century exploitative practices persist today and calls for urgent action from government, employers, and unions to address the issue.
Training spend is record breaker
Organisations spent a record £38.6 billion on training in 2007, up 16% from 2005, according to new research from the Learning and Skills Council. The survey of nearly 80,000 employers found that average training spend per employee rose 11% to £1,750, while skills shortages affecting vacancies dropped from 25% to 21%.
Tech-savvy workers do it for free
Tech-savvy workers check emails and work outside office hours so frequently they’re giving up an extra 20 working days annually. Research shows 40% feel grateful for mobile technology despite the pressure it creates, citing improved efficiency and flexible working arrangements.
Blue Tuesday triggers job hunt
The Tuesday following a UK bank holiday sees a surge in job applications, with nearly half of workers motivated to search for new roles after the extended weekend break.
Managers fail to measure home workers’ performance
Nearly half of small business managers struggle to measure the performance of remote workers, and 88% lack formal training in managing home-based staff, according to a new BT Business report on flexible working.
Bosses fail to calculate interim investment
Over 80% of interim managers report their organizations fail to measure return on investment, according to HR consultancy Chiumento research. Despite this gap, interim confidence remains strong, with most expecting increased assignments and a growing market this year.
Health and efficiency: Employers get physical
Employers increasingly recognize that investing in employee health and wellness boosts productivity and reduces absenteeism. Companies are offering benefits like subsidised gym memberships, cycle-to-work schemes, and team sports programs, with research showing these initiatives can significantly decrease sick days and improve workplace relationships.
Blowing the whistle: Implications for employers
Whistleblowers in the UK have legal protections under the Employment Rights Act 1996 when disclosing wrongdoing such as criminal offences, legal violations, or health and safety dangers. Protected disclosures must be made in good faith through proper channels like employers or regulatory bodies, and employees dismissed for whistleblowing can claim unfair dismissal with uncapped compensation.
How can you make your development stick?
HR professionals can boost training effectiveness by focusing on what happens after the development event, not just during it. Key strategies include using real business examples, implementing buddy systems or coaching schemes, and providing ongoing support to reinforce learning in the workplace.
Polish exit harbours skills
About half of Polish migrants who came to Britain after 2004 have already left, but those remaining are better skilled and more qualified, according to a new report. The Institute of Public Policy Research predicts that long-term Polish residents will advance their careers as their English improves and they pursue professional roles rather than low-skilled work.
Ask the expert: Dealing with performance and misconduct
Employers can address both performance and misconduct issues together in a disciplinary process if they’re linked, such as when personal internet use directly impacts work output. Legal experts advise documenting the connection, following consistent procedures, and giving the employee a fair hearing before making any decisions.
Public consultation on revised grievance code
Acas has released a revised code of practice on discipline and grievance for public consultation, designed to help organizations resolve workplace disputes internally. The updated code reflects changes from the Employment Bill and offers flexible, principles-based guidance to replace statutory procedures, with consultation closing July 25, 2008.
Living the dream? Flying high with HR consultancy
Four HR professionals share why they left successful corporate careers to launch their own consultancies, citing desire for variety, autonomy, and better work-life balance. Each consultant highlights the importance of developing business skills beyond HR expertise, including marketing, finance, and self-motivation.
HR tip: Employing husband and wife in same unit – sex discrimination?
Employers cannot refuse to hire a qualified applicant simply because their spouse already works in the same department, as this constitutes sex discrimination. Address any actual workplace issues through standard disciplinary procedures rather than preventive hiring decisions.
A new era of diversity in the boardroom
Organisations are increasingly prioritising boardroom diversity, recruiting talent from varied industries and backgrounds rather than traditional competitor pools. This shift reflects a strategic focus on enriching leadership with fresh perspectives, methodologies, and skills to drive innovation and navigate business change effectively.
Maximising the office space
Learn how to maximize office space efficiency by assessing employee needs, analyzing workflow, and implementing strategic design choices. Proper workspace planning improves productivity, employee motivation, and reduces costs while supporting better communication and lower staff turnover.
