New managers: In at the deep end?
New managers are often promoted without adequate preparation, leading to varying outcomes from success to failure. Management consultant John Pope outlines practical strategies for developing potential managers, including mentorship, observation, starting roles with limited responsibility, and gradual exposure to management duties before placing them in demanding positions.
Corporate manslaughter: Ignorance is no excuse
Senior managers face strict liability under the new Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act from April 2008, with unlimited fines and reputational damage possible. However, research reveals many company leaders remain unaware of their responsibilities despite widespread warnings about the legislation.
Loyalty is a two-way street
Building genuine employee loyalty requires leaders to earn respect through humility, recognition, and personal investment in their workforce. CEO Ratan Tata demonstrates this philosophy through personal thank-you notes, admitting mistakes, and supporting terminated workers, creating deep organizational commitment that transcends mere financial compensation.
Thieves at work grab £432m per year
A private investigator’s research reveals that 78% of workers have stolen from their employer, totaling £432m annually. The study found an average of £920 stolen per worker throughout their careers, with CCTV identified as the most effective deterrent against workplace theft.
FTSE 100 lead demand for HR professionals
FTSE 100 companies and the media sector are driving strong demand for HR professionals, pushing salaries up and prompting employers to offer enhanced benefits packages including flexible working and long-term incentives alongside compensation.
Ask the expert: Changing job description
An employer cannot simply declare redundancy when converting a part-time role to full-time. Legal experts advise consulting the employee, attempting to recruit additional staff, and only considering dismissal for “some other substantial reason” if recruitment fails and alternative roles are unavailable.
Home workers stamp on stress but fear being ‘overlooked’
Working from home reduces stress and improves work-life balance, but employees worry about missing career advancement opportunities and being overlooked for promotions due to lack of office visibility, according to new research from Durham University.
‘Carbon champions’ boost green engagement
Appointing a ‘carbon champion’ can significantly boost employee engagement in sustainability efforts, according to Carbon Trust research. While 70% of employees want to reduce emissions, most lack guidance and training—yet 93% of those trained found it valuable for understanding how to cut their carbon footprint.
Coaching enjoys heightened respect
Coaching has gained significant respect in UK organizations, with nearly three-quarters of employers now using it for employee development and performance improvement, according to the CIPD’s 10th annual survey. The practice has evolved from a management fad to a recognized tool, with 72% of organizations finding it effective for personal development and addressing poor performance.
Appraisals: The bigger picture
A successful 360-degree appraisal requires more than software—it needs proper preparation, clear objectives, and organizational commitment. Bad appraisals cost the UK economy over £2 billion annually, often due to ineffective implementation and unclear feedback processes that undermine employee motivation.
The psychological contract within employer branding
Employer branding campaigns often raise employee expectations that organisations struggle to fulfill. Dr Graham Dietz explores how the psychological contract framework can help employers align their employer brand promises with actual workplace delivery, turning branding into a genuine investment rather than wasted cost.
HR tip: Satisfactory references
Employers have the right to determine what constitutes a satisfactory reference, though they must not do so arbitrarily. If references raise concerns, consider contacting referees for clarification, discussing issues with the candidate, or assessing whether problems are trainable—but avoid discrimination based on health issues.
Transforming the HR function with technology
Technology adoption in HR can transform administrative processes into self-service systems, freeing HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives like talent management and reducing absence rates. However, many organizations lag in implementation due to lack of internal expertise and concerns about failed deployments, despite e-HR’s critical importance for maintaining competitive advantage.
Good looks scoop dream job
A new survey reveals that nearly 90% of employers admit to choosing the most attractive candidate for job openings at least once, raising concerns about potential discrimination in hiring practices.
Mills-McCartney divorce highlights plight of low paid workers
The £24.3 million divorce settlement awarded to Heather Mills from Sir Paul McCartney has drawn attention to wage inequality, with data showing it would take an average McDonald’s worker nearly 1,800 years to earn that amount. The comparison reveals stark differences in earning power across professions, though surveys suggest job satisfaction depends on more than just salary.
Unite opposes Northern Rock redundancy plan
Unite is opposing Northern Rock’s compulsory redundancy plans, demanding workforce reductions occur through voluntary means only. The union will negotiate with the bank to protect employee terms and conditions and explore retraining and alternative business options to minimize job losses.
Budget brings ‘breathing space’ for bosses
The CIPD has welcomed the budget, saying employers gain “breathing space” from recent employment legislation while appreciating additional skills and welfare resources. However, with record redundancy plans among member firms, the organization emphasizes the need to optimize performance and minimize job losses.
Workers prepared to pack their bags for the right job
Most workers are willing to relocate for the right job, with 77% prepared to move to a different city and 66% open to relocating abroad. A Kelly Services survey of 115,000 people across 33 countries reveals that younger workers and men are most likely to prioritize career advancement over staying put.
LSC faces the chop
The government proposes closing the Learning and Skills Council, transferring £7 billion to local authorities and creating a new Skills Funding Agency to streamline funding for colleges, training providers, and adult learners while improving responsiveness to employer and learner needs.
Rising stars: Looking for the ‘x-factor’
Talent management is the top HR challenge facing organizations globally, with executives spending significant time identifying and retaining high-potential employees who drive organizational performance. Success requires tailored definitions of talent aligned with business needs and deliberate strategies for attraction, development, and retention.
