Virtual meetings: A way of life?
Virtual meetings offer clear cost and time savings for businesses, while reducing unnecessary travel. Research shows UK workers attend many unproductive face-to-face meetings; switching to web conferencing could boost productivity and employee wellbeing.
Illegal working and unfair dismissal
Employers face legal risks when dismissing overseas workers with expired permits. Recent UK cases show dismissals can be unfair if employees are actively renewing their work authorization, even though employing someone without valid permits also violates immigration law.
Colborn’s Corner: Jobs for the boys?
An MP’s employment of his sons sparked controversy, raising questions about nepotism in hiring. This article examines whether favoritism in recruitment decisions is widespread across organizations and how to manage referral schemes and family employment ethically.
International executive coaching: Trends for 2008 and beyond
Leading international executive coaches discuss six key trends shaping the profession in 2008 and beyond, including the push for professional standards, growing corporate coaching cultures, and the development of differentiated methodologies to address industry challenges and confusion.
HR tip: Lawful discrimination
While employers can encourage underrepresented groups to apply for training and advancement, restricting opportunities to specific ethnic groups is unlawful. Use transparent selection criteria applied equally to all candidates, with reasonable accommodations for language differences.
Acas receives extra funding to aid workplace disputes
The UK government is investing up to £37 million in Acas over three years to strengthen workplace dispute resolution and reduce unnecessary employment tribunal claims. The funding will enhance Acas’s helpline and advisory services, while pilot programs will test early conciliation to prevent disputes from escalating.
Hello, is it me you’re looking for?
CVs are powerful sales tools, but many contain embellishments or lies. Recruiters should verify candidate claims through thorough questioning and reference checks rather than automatically rejecting applications with minor errors.
Make ’em laugh: Using humour in training
Humour in training can enhance learning and information retention when used effectively. Research shows that laughter creates a conducive learning environment, reduces stress, and helps messages stick—but trainers need proper skills to integrate humour naturally rather than rely solely on videos.
Why your top HR executive should be on the board
A dedicated HR executive on the board ensures people remain a top organizational priority. Companies often neglect people-related issues despite claiming employees are their greatest asset, creating a gap between leadership’s words and daily reality that drives talent away.
Ask the expert: Enforcement of holiday cancellation
Employers seeking to enforce mandatory holiday work during Easter face legal complexities. Experts advise that while reasonable management instructions may apply if business needs justify it, employees can refuse based on pre-arranged plans or childcare obligations. Providing advance notice and obtaining contractual flexibility are essential to enforcing such policies.
HR scared top talent will take flight
Employee retention is HR’s top priority, with 30% of senior managers citing it as their biggest challenge in 2008, followed by hiring talent at 23%. The survey reveals HR teams are increasingly investing in performance management systems and technology solutions to attract and retain top talent.
Interview success pinned on stress management
Job candidates most frequently face interview questions about stress management and handling high workloads, according to workplace experts. Planning, organizing, and flexibility are other key competencies employers seek, while written communication and numerical analysis are rarely evaluated during interviews.
Coaching flagged as a business essential
Coaching is now recognized as a business essential, with companies integrating it into training and talent management programs to achieve real commercial benefits. Research shows the global coaching industry generates approximately $1.5 billion annually, as organizations view coaching as a valued professional service for developing future leaders.
Speakers galore at HRD conference and exhibition
The 2008 HRD conference and exhibition runs April 15-17 at London’s ExCeL, featuring over 100 speakers covering learning and development, leadership, and talent management. The event includes the World HR Congress on April 14, addressing global people management challenges.
Businesses set to age gracefully with ‘older’ hire recruitment drive
Companies are planning to hire more workers aged 50 and over in 2008 as Europe’s demographic shifts toward an aging population. A new survey finds that while businesses increasingly recognize demographic challenges, most fall short on readiness measures including career management, learning, and health support.
Prison threat to bosses over illegal workers
UK employers face up to two years in prison and £10,000 fines per illegal worker under new laws effective 29 February. Businesses must regularly verify work entitlement and implement systems to track visa expiry dates to avoid criminal penalties and civil liability.
Sickies ‘soar’ on first Monday in February
The first Monday in February sees the highest absenteeism rates of the year, with hundreds of thousands of UK workers expected to call in sick. Post-Christmas blues, poor weather, and winter illness combine to create what experts dub “National Sickie Day,” costing British industry an estimated £27 million annually.
24 million workers guilty of employee theft
A new study reveals that 82% of UK employees have stolen company property or exaggerated expense claims, affecting 24 million workers. The research found that many took laptops or inflated overtime claims, with some doing so out of spite or believing items were rightfully theirs.
UK amongst countries with ‘shortest’ notice periods
The UK is among six countries with the shortest statutory notice periods for employee resignations, requiring just one week’s notice after one year of service. In contrast, Switzerland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic require at least two months’ notice, according to Mercer’s Global HR Factbook covering 43 countries.
Licence checks for all drivers may save bosses from the dock
Employers face potential corporate manslaughter charges under new laws taking effect in April if they fail to verify employees’ driving licences and implement safety policies for work-related journeys. Regular licence checks and risk management procedures are essential to protect companies from prosecution.
