Lack of ‘happy bunnies’ sparks second NHS review
The NHS launches a second review in two years to address low staff morale, with Health Secretary Alan Johnson acknowledging that increased funding hasn’t improved workplace satisfaction. The initiative, led by surgeon Ara Darzi, faces skepticism from critics who question whether another review will effectively address systemic problems.
HR tip: Personality problem
You cannot dismiss an employee solely for having an unpleasant personality. Dismissal is only justified if their behavior negatively impacts work operations, such as being rude to colleagues or customers. Employers should first attempt to address the behavior through feedback and counseling before pursuing disciplinary action.
Employment numbers to swell as bosses plan recruitment drive
Nearly half of UK employers plan to hire additional staff in the third quarter of 2007, driven by economic stability. However, finding qualified candidates remains challenging, prompting employers to offer higher salaries and improved working conditions to attract and retain talent.
Life swap: Getting the most out of secondments
Secondments have evolved from quick departmental fixes into strategic career development opportunities that benefit both employees and organizations. While 67% of businesses consider them effective for building skills and cross-cultural understanding, success requires robust policies alongside goodwill and trust between employers and employees.
‘Ginger’ payout paves way for new discrimination
A red-headed waitress has won £17,618 compensation from an employment tribunal after suffering harassment and taunts about her hair color from a manager. The landmark ruling has raised concerns about “gingerism” emerging as a new form of workplace discrimination.
Software solutions right under your nose
Many organizations invest in HR software but fail to use its full capabilities, leaving powerful features untapped. By fully implementing existing systems rather than purchasing new solutions, companies could solve critical business problems like reducing absence and improving management reporting.
Legislation update: Increase of statutory holiday entitlement
The UK government proposed increasing statutory holiday entitlement from 20 to 28 days for full-time workers, phased in over two years starting October 2007. The revised regulations allow employers to require leave on bank holidays and permit temporary payment in lieu arrangements to help businesses manage the transition.
Flexible working for carers
Employees with 26 weeks’ service who care for an adult spouse, partner, relative or household member can request flexible working arrangements. Employers must consider these requests through a formal procedure but can refuse if they provide statutory reasons. Approved arrangements become permanent changes to employment terms.
Automated absence management and reporting service developed
AXA PPP healthcare and BT have developed SAM, an automated absence management system that allows employees to report sickness via phone, email, text, or web 24/7. The system logs absences, alerts managers instantly, and generates reports to help employers track absence trends and identify problem areas across their organization.
Staff Handbooks/Induction pack
Creating an effective staff handbook requires balancing comprehensive policies with readability. This guide explores best practices for structuring induction packs and handbooks separately to ensure new starters engage with essential information while maintaining access to detailed policies and procedures.
Interim management plugs the gap for women
Women are increasingly attracted to interim management roles for flexible work arrangements and better work-life balance, with 76% reporting improved balance. While challenging work and career development appeal to many, pay equality remains underaddressed despite less than 40% agreeing interim management enables equal pay with men.
Sabbatical trend costs business £7.9 billion
A quarter of UK workers plan to take sabbaticals within the next year, a trend costing businesses £7.9 billion in recruitment and productivity losses. More women than men are pursuing extended breaks, primarily for charity work and travel, while employers struggle with staff shortages and burnout.
Holiday shy executives net UK Plc £4bn
UK businesses save £4 billion annually as 63% of senior executives fail to use their full holiday allowance. Despite recognizing that breaks help them recharge, executives cite excessive workloads and poor planning as barriers to taking time off, with many continuing to work while on leave.
Knowledge management: Is it worth it?
Knowledge management programs often fail to deliver expected value because organizations underestimate their complexity and focus too narrowly on technology and data while neglecting crucial elements like leadership, people, and processes. Successful KM requires equal attention to all six components including expertise, skills, and organizational culture.
Lawyers trapped by soaring pay deals
Newly-qualified lawyers in London now earn £63,000, up significantly from £53,000 the previous year, yet nearly a quarter want to leave the profession due to stress and poor work-life balance. High salaries are trapping lawyers in jobs they’d prefer to leave.
Catch a movie and get ahead
Italian management consultants have created a handbook recommending 50 films as learning tools for business leaders. From The Terminal to Volver, these movies teach lessons about strategy, leadership, and human behavior that executives can apply to their careers.
Engaged staff at heart of HSBC’s $90 million environment mission
HSBC is investing $90 million over five years to reduce its environmental impact, with employee engagement at the center of the strategy. The initiative includes renewable energy, water and waste reduction, and a separate $100 million green taskforce program.
Lights out: Should bosses ‘hand-hold’ through smoking cold turkey?
Following the public smoking ban, employers are increasingly supporting employees to quit smoking through programs like Allen Carr Easyway, which boasts over 90 percent success rates. Major companies including Virgin, Nationwide, Xerox, and Tesco are offering discounted cessation courses alongside education and incentives to help workers overcome nicotine addiction.
Childcare vouchers: What women (and men) want
Childcare vouchers offer UK employers a cost-effective way to support working parents while improving staff retention and recruitment. Rising childcare costs make this family-friendly benefit increasingly valuable, though employers should consider whether full or partial contributions suit their budget and workforce needs.
Ask the expert: Notice periods
There is no maximum notice period for employment contracts, though six months for senior staff is common. Employees can negotiate or reject proposed changes, though employers rarely sue for breach of contract if notice periods aren’t honored, as damages are difficult to prove.
