Appraisals laughable as bosses dodge the truth
Nearly half of employees don’t believe their boss is honest during appraisals, with almost a third calling them a waste of time. Research reveals significant gaps between small and large organizations, with only 54% of staff at smaller firms receiving regular annual reviews compared to 81% at larger companies.
Big guns fail to get in the festive spirit
Small businesses are outpacing large corporations in festive generosity, with 80 percent throwing Christmas parties compared to just 50 percent of firms with 5,000+ employees, according to the CIPD’s Annual Reward Management survey. Smaller organizations also lead in providing seasonal gifts like hampers and vouchers to staff.
CIPD tells trainers to move away from traditional evaluation
The CIPD study recommends trainers shift from traditional return on investment evaluation methods to “return on expectation” models that better align with organizational stakeholder needs and business objectives, moving away from trainer-centered measurement approaches.
The perks of the UK’s top employers
The UK’s top employers, ranked by The Times, distinguish themselves through superior staff engagement, competitive benefits, and innovative workplace cultures. WL Gore and Associates has held first place for four years by maintaining a non-hierarchical structure, flexible holidays, and high employee satisfaction scores. Other top-ranked companies offer unique perks including onsite nurseries, paid sabbaticals, and creative team-building events that boost staff morale and retention.
Talent Management: It’s all about lifestyle employment choice
Lifestyle Choice Employment is a new talent management approach that shifts focus from company needs to employee preferences. Rather than using one-size-fits-all strategies, organizations should align recruitment and development with individual employee motivations and brand values from the start.
The concise way to structure your CV
Learn how to structure your CV effectively with this step-by-step guide covering essential sections: header, career objectives, employment history, education, personal interests, and references. A concise, well-organized CV helps you impress employers and stand out in your job search.
Job cuts spell gloom in the City
City firms are set to cut around 6,500 jobs in 2008 as the American housing crisis triggers a credit crunch, with acquisition companies and hedge funds most affected. However, layoffs are expected to be gradual rather than sudden, and the market is likely to recover by 2009, though graduate positions may be hardest hit.
Interview tips
Ace your interview with these essential tips: prepare thoroughly by researching the company and tailoring your answers to the specific role, arrive on time in appropriate business attire, and maintain a positive attitude while avoiding criticism of previous employers. Proper preparation and professional presentation significantly improve your chances of success.
CV dos and don’ts
Learn five essential CV dos and don’ts to create a professional, compelling first impression with employers. Avoid quirky formatting and lies, keep it concise at two pages maximum, use clear formatting with bullet points, and carefully proofread for errors.
Implementing a cost-effective talent management solution
Discover cost-effective talent management strategies to attract, develop, and retain high-potential employees. Learn how technology and HR initiatives create competitive advantage by focusing on employee motivations, career planning, and succession strategies beyond traditional financial rewards.
The flex capacitor: Back to the future of benefits
Flexible benefits are emerging as an effective recruitment and retention tool that supports work-life balance at minimal cost to employers. However, success requires understanding your workforce’s needs and carefully selecting relevant benefits, from childcare vouchers to gym memberships and company bicycles.
Legislation update: Dismissal for one-off offence of smoking upheld
A Scottish employment tribunal upheld the summary dismissal of an employee for smoking in an unauthorized area despite 12 years’ service, finding the employer’s strict no-smoking policy was reasonably enforced to protect workplace safety and property.
Bad hires result in lost productivity
Poor hiring practices cost employers approximately £2,400 per worker annually in lost productivity, according to new research. A survey found that 44 percent of employees weren’t selected using personality assessments and 24 percent lacked aptitude testing, with organizations relying on subjective decisions rather than proven assessment methods.
Colborn’s Corner: Happy Christmas
HR professionals face familiar Christmas challenges including managing office party conduct, addressing health and safety concerns with holiday decorations, and navigating festive season terminology within the workplace.
HR tip: Changing terms and conditions of employment
When changing an employee’s terms and conditions, you don’t need to issue a new contract but must confirm changes in writing within one month. For minor changes, a dated note filed with the original contract suffices; for significant changes, issuing a new contract may be more practical.
Human asset management: 12 tips for getting it right
Discover 12 essential strategies for effective human asset management, from workforce planning and policy development to recruitment and talent management. Learn how to maximize employee engagement and unlock your organization’s full potential through structured HR practices.
Soaring working hours is “disturbing”
Working hours in the UK have exceeded safe limits, with over 13% of workers now regularly working more than 48 hours weekly, according to the TUC. The union warns enforcement of working time regulations is inadequate and employers routinely abuse opt-out clauses.
Christmas Eve holiday bonus for workers
Many employers are expected to give workers Christmas Eve off in 2007 as a goodwill gesture, though it’s not a legally required bank holiday. The decision typically depends on individual managers’ discretion, with more bosses granting the day off when it falls on a Monday.
Sex taunts claimant scoops £100,000 discrimination award
A female police officer won a £100,000 discrimination award after an employment tribunal upheld her complaint of sex discrimination against Sussex Police. PC Barbara Lynford, the only woman in her 19-person Gatwick airport team, endured repeated sexual taunts and harassment from male colleagues who created a hostile work environment.
Corporate manslaughter: Still against the law
The Corporate Manslaughter Act, coming into force in April 2008, makes it easier to prosecute larger companies for employee deaths by focusing on management failures rather than requiring proof of a specific “controlling mind.” However, legal experts question whether the new law will significantly increase convictions or create real accountability for corporate negligence.
