Transformation of HR priorities
HR functions are shifting priorities from internal operations to driving business performance, with human capital strategy expected to grow from 40% to 64% as a key function within two to three years. Global research shows HR leaders face top challenges in talent acquisition, cultural change, and leadership development, while skills gaps and line manager capability remain significant obstacles to transformation.
Workflow tools – the new buzz for HR software
Workflow tools are becoming the latest trend in HR software, automating business processes like holiday approvals and new employee onboarding. These systems replace manual paper-based procedures with electronic forms and automated routing, giving HR managers greater control over policies and procedures while improving process visibility and efficiency.
HR reporting: The key to unlocking value. By Bettina Pickering
Effective HR reporting tools help organizations understand employee costs and demonstrate HR’s business value by consolidating data from multiple systems. Senior managers rely on robust analytics to make informed decisions, spot workforce trends, and prove HR’s contribution to productivity and retention.
The HR Zone guide to human resources software (2007)
This 2007 guide helps HR professionals identify and select suitable human resources software for their organizations. It covers key considerations including HR systems, payroll integration, talent management, and specialized software categories, while advising users to document procedures and match functionality to actual business needs.
Case Study: Human capital management at Royal Bank of Scotland. By John Stokdyk
Royal Bank of Scotland developed a global human capital management strategy linking HR measures directly to business performance across 150,000 employees in 30 countries. The bank uses comprehensive metrics including turnover, engagement, and succession planning to demonstrate how people strategy drives customer service effectiveness and financial results.
HR tip: Dependents’ leave
Employees are entitled to reasonable unpaid time off for genuine emergencies involving dependents, such as caring for an ill parent. However, frequent absences for ongoing care issues aren’t emergencies and require permanent arrangements to avoid disciplinary action.
Training to tackle bullies. By Dawn Smith
Workplace bullying affects employee wellbeing and organizational performance significantly. Employers face costly tribunals and legal liability if they fail to address the problem, making training a crucial tool for prevention and management.
Colborn’s Corner: Holidays… time to pack our bags again?
The UK offers among Europe’s lowest holiday entitlements, though statutory minimums are increasing. This article examines whether holidays remain valuable employment benefits and questions whether British workers genuinely need more time off compared to previous generations.
Blending into a new class of training. By Louise Druce
Modern blended learning combines in-person and digital training methods to create engaging, effective employee development. This approach addresses a critical skills gap, with over 75% of HR managers reporting their companies inadequately equip employees for today’s business needs.
Legislation update: Discrimination and philosophical belief
The Employment Equality Regulations were amended in 2007 to remove the word “similar” from the definition of philosophical belief, significantly widening protection against discrimination. Employers must now be cautious when dealing with employees holding fundamental political, religious, or life stance beliefs to avoid discrimination claims.
Women unlikely to benefit from pension changes
Research commissioned by the Equal Opportunities Commission warns that women and other vulnerable groups are unlikely to benefit from new personal pension accounts, as low savings could reduce eligibility for means-tested benefits. The study found that middle-income earners would benefit most, while those with broken work records or low incomes face poor returns.
Legislation to close holiday loophole introduced
The government has introduced regulations increasing statutory holiday entitlement to 28 days from 20, closing a loophole that allowed employers to count public holidays as part of workers’ holiday allowance. Up to six million workers will benefit from the changes, though the UK will remain below most EU standards.
Single equality law considered
The government has published a green paper proposing a single equality bill to simplify existing legislation, but faces criticism from the TUC and Disability Rights Commission for excluding employment law and relying on statutory instruments rather than parliamentary scrutiny.
Smoking ban – a recipe for legal confusion?
England’s upcoming workplace smoking ban creates legal confusion due to differing regulations across UK nations, particularly regarding company vehicles and signage requirements. Lawyers advise businesses operating across all four countries to adopt the strictest standards to ensure compliance.
CRE ‘appalled’ at widespread workplace racism
The Commission for Racial Equality reports that workplace racism remains widespread in the UK, with 43% of complaints involving racial discrimination, bullying, and career progression barriers. Ethnic minorities face unemployment rates twice the national average and receive lower pay than white colleagues with equivalent qualifications.
Government launches Employ Ability scheme
The government has launched the Employ Ability scheme to help fill 600,000 job vacancies by encouraging employers to hire disabled people. The initiative challenges misconceptions about disabled workers’ abilities and costs, while providing practical support and best practice guidance. It will be piloted in northern cities before a nationwide rollout next year.
UK bottom of the EU holiday league
The UK ranks among the lowest in the EU for holiday entitlements, offering just 28 days combined annual leave and public holidays. Research by Mercer Consulting found that holiday allowances vary significantly across EU member states, ranging from 28 to 44 days, with Finland leading at 44 days and France offering 30 days of statutory leave.
Venus and Mars in the interview room
Women’s cautious approaches in interviews may be misinterpreted as lack of confidence by hiring managers, while men’s risk-taking attitudes are often viewed more favorably, potentially disadvantaging female candidates in career advancement.
Ask the expert: Maternity returner
When an employee on maternity leave requests extended leave beyond their statutory entitlement due to a sick child, employers are not obligated to keep the position open indefinitely. The employee must return at the end of their maternity leave or take other approved statutory leave; failure to return can result in termination of employment.
Home Working: A recipe for sloth and suspicion? By Annie Hayes
Over 3.4 million UK workers regularly work from home, with major employers like BT and Microsoft embracing the practice for significant cost savings and productivity gains. However, managers must overcome trust concerns and ensure remote workers remain focused and motivated without constant supervision.
