My boss is (still) bad
In a follow up to his article examining how our workplaces have been unwittingly designed to mass produce dictator-bosses, Chetan Dhruve provides some answers to the many questions that this idea throws up. Using the ‘systems thinking’ theory, my previous article showed why we shouldn’t blame individual bosses for bad behaviour – the boss-subordinate relationship […]
How to win the war for talent
Matthew Parker, group managing director of StepStone Solutions, examines how HR can win the war for talent and enhance employer brand, through making the most of new technology to attract candidates cost-effectively, and by bringing them on-board quickly and smoothly. Traditional recruitment methods – print advertisements in newspapers and trade press, printed CVs and paper-based […]
Using motivational interviewing for absent workers
Jean Brading, employment services director at HCML, suggests using motivational interviewing to help people back to work after significant absence. Managing absence, rehabilitation, and retention – these are all terms that are much on the mind of HR professionals and managers generally. The costs involved in neglecting this are huge. We know that time is […]
New guide to retail qualifications launched
Skillsmart Retail has launched a ‘Guide to Retail Qualifications and Job Roles’ aimed at employers and learning providers, as well as individuals seeking a career in retail.The new guide maps out the various qualifications available within retail and their corresponding job roles for each of the four nations. It also serves to demonstrate how new […]
HR tip: Recording disciplinary proceedings
These questions are being answered by Learn HR, a market leader in the provision of HR and payroll training and nationally-recognised professional qualifications. Question:"An employee we disciplined recently insisted on tape-recording everything. We refused. Were we in the right? Can the recording be used in an employment tribunal hearing?" HR Tip: As you cannot prevent an employee […]
Employees urged to take action on bullying
An anti-bullying organisation is urging employees who witness others being bullied at work to take action against it before it escalates.As part of the ‘Ban Bullying at Work’ day campaign on Wednesday 7 November, Dignity at Work is advising people to step forward because, by maintaining a silence, an environment is created where it is […]
Many employers considered ‘unfair’
One in three UK workers believe they have unfair employers, a new survey has shown.Over 1,000 employees from a range of industries were asked questions about how their employers treat staff, customers, suppliers and so on. The GfK ‘Fairness Index’ survey revealed that over 40 per cent of employees are unconvinced that their employer treats […]
Government pushes flexible working extension
The government has signalled that it aims to push for a better work-life balance for more parents, as heard in the Queen’s speech on Tuesday.It is believed that the proposals will extend the right to request flexible working to those with children in their early teens. Those with children under six-years-old or with disabled children […]
Don’t blame it on the moonlight
Bosses are still in the dark over the extent to which employees are moonlighting to make a little extra money on the side. But is it a case of what you don’t know can’t hurt you? Louise Druce investigates. With Christmas looming around the corner, many people will be tempted into taking on extra jobs […]
Deliver the perfect presentation
Whether giving presentations is your biggest fear, or just another day at the office, it's a skill that can always be improved. Dawn Smith gathers tips and advice from public speaking gurus on how to overcome stage-fright, engage the audience and make your presentations shine. The New York Times famously reported in 1984 that speaking […]
Ask the expert: Leaving before notice period expires
An employee has been offered a new position on the basis that he starts the new role before his formal notice period ends. His employer has now threatened to sue him for breach of contract. Esther Smith, partner at Thomas Eggar, and Martin Brewer, partner and employment law specialist at Mills & Reeve, advise on […]
Can an employer force an employee to retire at 65?
Barrister Charles Price discusses the laws surrounding enforced retirement at age 65 or over, and the implications for employers. The overall effect of the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006, in respect of retirement, is that from 1 October 2006, enforced retirement below age 65 is generally considered as unfair dismissal. There is a specific exemption […]
Combating the stress of employee relocations
As if climbing the career ladder wasn’t stressful enough, the pressures of relocating, not to mention the responsibilities of a new job, can send stress levels soaring. Yet a supportive and well-prepared manager can help smooth the move and de-stress the employee, says Philippa Robinsons. Having the right people with the right skills in the […]
Sacked park worker awarded record £550,000 damages
A London park worker has been awarded a record £550,000 in damages for disability discrimination, in what is reported to be the largest payout in a disability discrimination case.An employment tribunal in Croydon found that the man, who suffers learning difficulties, was unfairly sacked from his job by Lambeth Serviceteam Limited, now Veolia Environment Services […]
Travel giant signs US$400 million outsourcing deal with Accenture
A deal, that includes HR administration and payroll, has been struck between travel powerhouse Thomas Cook Group and outsourcing specialists Accenture.The contract supersedes the 2002 agreement and enables Thomas Cook to integrate a range of MyTravel Plc functions into the new operation, following the merger of the two companies in June. The new company has […]
Search for Britain’s best boss is on
The Working Families ‘Best Boss’ competition 2007 is looking for Britain’s most outstanding boss.Working Families and American Express are looking for nominations for bosses who make a difference to people’s working lives. According to the competition organisers, judges are looking for bosses who: Celebrate and share successes with their team. Empower and inspire people to […]
UK Plc leads the world in battle against the bullies
British business is being applauded for doing more than almost any other country in the world to beat bullying. According to the Andrea Adams Trust, a global workplace bullying charity, UK Plc has saved £3.42 billion in the last 12 months by taking a stand to combat bullying at work. The number of UK plc […]
MPs battle to secure huge pay rise
MPs are battling for an above-inflation pay increase, to as much as £100,000.Reported by The Times newspaper, ministers have already received a report from the senior salaries review body, which helps to set MP’s pay and allowances every three years. It recommends that MPs receive an increase to the basic salary of £60,277 to more […]
Female-run start-ups on the rise
The number of women ditching their jobs in favour of running their own business is growing, while the proportion of men doing the same is falling, new research reveals.The percentage of females moving into self-employment has increased by 10 per cent since 1990, said enterprise support body Prowess, in contrast to the proportion of men […]
Take a break every three hours and beat stress
Legal & General is advising workers to take a short break, at least every three hours, ahead of this Wednesday’s ‘National Stress Awareness’ day.According to research by the financial services company, almost a quarter of full-time workers say they are generally stressed at work. A further 20 per cent say they work too many extra […]
