The serious game of learning
Serious games—computer-based games designed for training rather than entertainment—are gaining traction in organizational learning, with research suggesting most companies will use them within five years. However, the field lacks consensus on terminology and impact, raising questions about whether this technology represents genuine innovation or another fleeting trend in corporate training.
HR reporting: It’s all about the customer
HR reporting becomes more valuable when organizations adopt a customer-centric approach, tailoring insights to specific stakeholder needs rather than providing generic reports. By understanding diverse customer segments—employees, managers, executives, and others—HR can deliver targeted data on trends, ROI, and impact rather than just transactional metrics like headcount and absence.
Stress management: Manual handling training for the mind
Workplace stress is the UK’s leading cause of occupational ill health, accounting for half of all sick days. Employers have a legal duty to manage psychological welfare through prevention, measurement, and risk reduction strategies similar to manual handling protocols.
HR tip: Distressed employee
When an employee’s personal problems affect work performance, managers should respond with empathy and care. Have a private, unhurried conversation to listen and understand their situation, then help identify solutions. Consider referring them to counseling services if professional support is needed.
Talks break down on work rights for temps
European ministers failed to reach agreement on the Agency Workers Directive, which would have granted temporary workers the same rights as permanent employees. The British government led opposition to the proposals, while most EU states supported them. Business groups praised the decision, but unions criticized it as a setback for worker protections.
Younger workers should be wary of ageism too
Ageism in the workplace affects younger workers as significantly as older employees, with a survey showing 60 percent of office workers in their 20s experienced unfair treatment due to their age. Legal experts warn that age discrimination—regardless of direction—is illegal and counterproductive for businesses.
Agency workers debate gathers pace
European employment ministers met December 5 to debate the proposed Agency Workers Directive, which would grant agency workers the same rights as permanent employees after six weeks. The long-stalled directive, proposed in 2002, faces opposition from recruitment agencies concerned about job creation impacts, while unions support stronger worker protections.
Retirement age hikes ripple across the globe
Governments worldwide are raising retirement ages in response to aging populations and rising social security costs. A Mercer study of 47 countries found that nations from Austria to Australia are gradually increasing normal retirement ages, with Western Europe facing particular pressure from generous pension systems and aging workforces.
GMB calls for minimum wage hike as directors’ pay widens earnings divide
The GMB union is calling for the minimum wage to increase to £7 per hour, citing research showing chief executives earn 714 percent of the UK average wage while minimum wage workers earn just 38 percent. The union argues the widening pay gap between top earners and low-wage workers is unsustainable and unfair.
Recruitment 2008: Trouble down the line?
The UK recruitment industry reached £26.6 billion in 2007 amid economic growth, but faces potential headwinds in 2008 as global market troubles threaten to trigger slower growth, fee pressure, and possible cost-cutting by employers seeking to reduce recruitment spending.
Season of goodwill sours as cost of party hangover soars
UK workers hungover after Christmas parties are expected to cost employers £790 million in lost productivity, according to a survey by Travelodge. The poll found that hungover employees average 2.5 hours of reduced productivity, with 30% admitting to calling in sick and 18% driving to work while potentially over the legal alcohol limit.
Spotlight: Matthew Brearley, UK HR director, Vodafone
Matthew Brearley, Vodafone’s HR director, has transformed the company’s HR function from a support service into an integrated business strategy, implementing shared service centers and self-service tools to add value while reducing costs. His approach reflects a wider shift in modern HR leadership toward operational excellence and strategic business impact.
I got the workplace ‘blues’
Explore how music genres like blues and rock reveal workplace motivation secrets. Peter Cook applies classic hits and academic theory to show why traditional HR systems fail to inspire employees—pay removes dissatisfaction, but true motivation requires responsibility, advancement, and purpose.
Ask the expert: Employee theft
An employee discovered stealing approximately £5,000 from her employer over 18 months faces potential dismissal. Legal experts advise suspending the employee pending investigation, then holding a disciplinary hearing where theft allegations can be treated as gross misconduct warranting termination if evidence is sufficient.
Holiday pay: Contract versus working time directive
Minimum holiday entitlement for UK workers increased from 20 to 24 days annually from October 2007, rising to 28 days by April 2009. Contract terms offering more generous holidays take precedence over statutory minimums, while regulatory entitlements override less favorable contract provisions.
Work experience should be compulsory, say employers
Most employers surveyed believe work experience should be mandatory for school pupils, with 86 percent supporting the requirement. They also report concerns that basic literacy and numeracy skills among school leavers have declined over the past five years.
Temp workers set to secure full work rights
The UK is set to implement an EU directive granting temporary workers equal rights to permanent employees, including pay, holidays, and maternity protections. An estimated 1.3 million agency workers would gain these protections after six weeks on assignment, despite opposition from the British government and business groups.
E-learning fails to grasp senior execs
Senior managers overwhelmingly prefer face-to-face learning over e-learning, with a new study showing 67% spend 30 minutes or less on online learning resources. Despite recognizing e-learning’s benefits, engagement, motivation, and distractions prevent adoption among executives.
‘Gut feel’ interviewing drives down business
A survey reveals 74% of HR chiefs consider interviewing techniques substandard, with poorly trained interviewers and gut-feel approaches contributing to inadequate employee performance and financial losses. Only 16% believe most staff interview consistently and fairly.
Fresh calls for HR and the line to deepen relationship
The CIPD calls for line managers to be recognized as strategic HR partners to improve employee engagement and organizational performance. Research reveals confusion about line manager responsibilities and highlights barriers including inadequate training, competing pressures, and misaligned development objectives.
