Put on your creativity head
Discover how switching between your “business head” and “creativity head” unlocks innovation essential for long-term success. Learn the fundamental mental principles that drive logical thinking versus creative problem-solving, and why actively seeking change matters for business survival.
Colborn’s Corner: Happy in HR?
Many HR professionals report dissatisfaction with their roles and believe they’re underpaid compared to industry standards, according to recent research. The sector struggles with recognition issues and HR’s perceived contribution to organizational success, raising questions about whether careers in HR can truly be fulfilling.
CIPD qualification is not the Holy Grail
HR professionals need more than just CIPD qualifications to advance to senior leadership roles. While credentials are important for entry-level positions, business experience, sector knowledge, and the ability to demonstrate measurable achievements are what truly matter at board level, according to industry experts speaking at the CIPD annual conference.
Big-smoke top for work-life balance
Londoners report the best work-life balance in the UK despite high costs and crowded commutes, according to a Working Families survey. Northern Ireland ranked lowest at 33%, while most regions scored around 60%.
UK managers ‘thirst for change’
UK managers show strong appetite for professional development and management qualifications, with 95% valuing practical portability over prestige. However, confusion over course options and time constraints remain barriers to upskilling, despite employers recognizing qualifications’ growing importance.
Brisk HR sees Dyke tune in
At the CIPD conference, former BBC director-general Greg Dyke told delegates that HR should be brisker and braver in breaking rules when necessary. Dyke and fellow panelist Gerry Robinson discussed how effective HR requires strong management relationships and the courage to prioritize outcomes over process compliance.
Room for improvement – ‘talent management’ fails to score top marks
A year-long CIPD study finds talent management efforts are only moderately effective, with 65% of organizations reporting success. Just over half undertake formal talent management activities, though progress is possible through better strategy alignment, top management support, and clear definitions tailored to each organization.
Are temps feeling the benefits? By Louise Druce
Temporary workers deserve fair benefits management, but firms must understand the distinction between agency staff and direct employees. With proposed EU directives threatening to impose equal rights requirements, employers need clear strategies to manage temp benefits effectively while maintaining workplace flexibility.
Could do ‘more’ – bosses ignore alcohol and drug problems
A CIPD survey reveals employers are failing to address employee substance abuse, with just 38% providing adequate rehabilitation support. Despite recognizing alcohol and drug misuse as significant workplace problems, most employers lack effective policies and manager training, leading to preventable dismissals and billions in lost productivity.
Move to boost young people taking up IT
e-skills UK launches the ‘Revitalise IT’ initiative to encourage young people into IT careers and education, addressing a sharp decline in IT degree uptake since 2001. The program brings together major employers, universities, and schools to prepare the UK’s future IT workforce while improving gender balance in the sector.
Voice from the workplace: Why do we mismanage people?
Explore why organizations struggle with people management through the eyes of an experienced employee. This article examines common pitfalls in handling workplace change and reorganization, and identifies how HR and management can prevent unnecessary employee frustration and disengagement.
HR struggling to become business partner
HR professionals struggle to transition from traditional roles to strategic business partners, despite having the necessary skills. The challenge lies in building business credibility and applying expertise while managing daily HR duties, according to CIPD experts.
Relocation, Relocation, Relocation
Office relocation requires careful planning to maintain employee motivation and productivity. Companies must decide whether to manage the move in-house or hire specialist consultants, while clear communication with staff is essential to reduce anxiety and retain key talent.
Hundreds call learning advice line
Unionlearn’s new advice line received 700 enquiries in its first month, helping union members across England and Wales explore further education options, available courses, and career changes. Psychology and law courses generated the most interest among callers.
HR ‘lacks strategic skills’
A CIPD survey reveals that 53% of organizations restructured their HR function to make it more strategic, but lack of skills poses the biggest challenge. The research found that 42% struggled with defining roles, 40% faced insufficient resources, and 38% dealt with skills gaps in their restructuring efforts.
Negotiating exit packages
Employers can negotiate exit packages with employees through compromise agreements to avoid lengthy disciplinary processes. However, settlement discussions must be carefully handled to avoid claims of constructive dismissal or breach of the ‘without prejudice’ rule.
Ask the expert: Casual labour
Employers using short-term contracts must carefully manage gaps between employment periods. Even with three-month breaks, continuity of service may still apply if employees have promises of re-employment or established custom and practice, potentially entitling them to unfair dismissal protection and redundancy pay.
Podcasts focus on training trends and best practice
Learn.com launches a new podcast series for HR and training executives, hosted by Don Cook and Michael Sabbag. The series explores industry trends, successful strategies, best practices, and innovative technologies in employee learning and development.
Employees keep schtum about co-workers’ annoying habits
Office workers experience significant stress from colleagues’ annoying habits but rarely report it to managers or HR. A survey of over 1,000 employees found that 58% wouldn’t complain to their manager, while two-thirds avoid contacting HR despite the impact on workplace wellbeing.
KFC puts Colonel at the heart of employee engagement
KFC leverages the Colonel as a central figure in its employee engagement strategy, using visual icons and five key pillars—Taste, People, Service, Restaurants, and Success—to communicate company values across its diverse workforce.
