Forty winks are a waste of time say bosses
Most bosses dismiss workplace siestas as unproductive, with 78% viewing them negatively, despite 90% of employees believing an afternoon nap would boost their performance. Employers argue that healthy diets and hydration offer better solutions for combating afternoon productivity slumps.
Tax proposal puts future of legal help lines in doubt
A tax proposal to backdate charges on employee assistance programmes (EAPs) by up to seven years threatens to eliminate these counselling services. HR experts warn that taxing EAPs could force employers, especially smaller firms, to discontinue the valuable employee support benefits.
Top talent at full throttle. By Anthony Landale
Most employees feel they could improve performance by 30 percent or more, yet only 19 percent feel truly engaged at work. Leaders must help employees find meaning and purpose in their roles to unlock this hidden potential and drive better business results.
Can other people affect our stress levels?
While management behavior influences workplace conditions, individuals ultimately control how they respond to stress. By recognizing personal triggers and taking responsibility for reactions, employees can regain control while managers create supportive environments that foster motivation and productivity.
University launches Masters in talent management
Kingston University launched a UK-first Masters in career and talent management starting January 2008, designed for HR and L&D professionals seeking practical skills in retaining talented employees. The work-based postgraduate course combines career coaching training with workplace projects relevant to students’ employers.
E-Learning to drive human rights campaign
The National School of Government and Ministry of Justice are launching an e-learning campaign to improve human rights understanding across the civil service, following a review highlighting gaps in knowledge of the Human Rights Act among government staff.
Ask the expert: Contract staff
Experts advise on drafting temporary-to-permanent employment contracts for maternity cover positions. Key considerations include clearly stating the fixed-term nature, ensuring equal benefits and holiday entitlements to permanent staff, and maintaining confidentiality clauses beyond the contract end date.
Loyalty slips into the HR history books
HR directors report that workforce loyalty is declining, with 88% expecting future generations to be less committed to employers. However, only 20% feel they have adequate initiatives to address retention challenges, and employer brand strategies often fail to align with actual business values.
Workplace Relationship Policy
A new Equality & Diversity Manager seeks guidance on developing a workplace relationship policy to address consensual relationships between team members, looking for examples from other organizations.
Multi-million boost to health service training
The English health service will receive an additional £100 million annually over three years to improve workforce training and skills development. The investment targets healthcare staff in lower pay bands and funds apprenticeships, qualifications, and skills programs to address staffing shortages.
Government unveils ambitious plan for skills
The government has unveiled a three-year plan to help over four million adults gain new skills, aiming to make Britain’s workforce among the world’s most skilled by 2020. The initiative introduces free training in literacy and numeracy, skills accounts for benefit claimants, and a new careers service for low-skilled workers.
NHS graduate scheme scoops ‘blue ribbon’
The NHS graduate management training scheme has won the ‘Best of the Best’ award from the Association of Graduate Recruiters, plus recognition for recruitment and assessment. Judges praised the scheme for linking cultural values to recruitment competencies and its rigorous verification process involving senior managers and alumni.
Managing staff productivity during summer
Summer is a popular time for employee vacations, but it can disrupt business operations and customer service. Employers can manage this by encouraging staff to spread holidays throughout the year, hiring temporary workers, implementing flexible policies like duvet days or Summer Fridays, and maintaining adequate office resources.
Employees unclear on benefits package
Three-quarters of UK employees don’t understand their benefits package, with dental coverage, income protection, and critical illness insurance among the least understood. Poor employer communication is blamed for the gap between offered benefits and employee understanding.
HR tip: Drunk employee
When an employee arrives at work appearing drunk, document observations like slurred speech or inability to walk straight through assessments by at least two managers. Written records from multiple assessors provide sufficient evidence for disciplinary action without requiring breathalyzer tests or medical exams.
How to select high performers
Use psychometric principles and structured selection methods to identify high performers at interview. This evidence-based approach combines ability and personality assessments to overcome bias and improve hiring accuracy compared to traditional unstructured interviews.
Holy grail of management development. By Matt Henkes
Effective management development requires blended learning strategies and investment, particularly for line and middle managers who shape organizational culture. UK companies face underinvestment in manager training despite research showing young managers seek development opportunities and staff retention improves when employers demonstrate commitment to their growth.
Engaging contractors: Clearing the muddy waters
Companies hesitant about hiring contractors may be overestimating employment law risks. Establishing proper business-to-business relationships, using service contracts rather than employment contracts, and maintaining distinct working practices effectively protects hirers from contractor employment claims, even beyond 12 months.
Rosy employment figures mask disappointing pay deals
Employment rose by 93,000 to reach 29 million, while unemployment fell by 35,000, but wage growth remains weak at 3.5% annually—failing to keep pace with inflation and raising concerns about consumer spending and job market sustainability.
Education not key to success, say entrepreneurs
A Barclays poll reveals that just 46% of small business owners hold degrees, and only 11% believe formal education is essential for entrepreneurial success. The research suggests entrepreneurship is an innate quality rather than one requiring academic credentials, with 20% of business leaders educated to GCSE level or below.
