Emotional Intelligence ten years on
Ten years after emerging, emotional intelligence remains crucial to organizational success, with research showing emotionally intelligent managers experience less stress, higher morale, and significantly better performance ratings. EI—the ability to understand and manage emotions alongside cognitive thinking—is increasingly vital for leadership effectiveness and building strong workplace relationships.
Should you provide maternity coaching? By Lucie Benson
Maternity coaching helps organizations retain talented female employees by supporting them through pregnancy, leave, and return to work. With extended statutory maternity pay, many mothers struggle with stress, anxiety, and confidence when returning, making structured coaching—offered through one-to-one or group sessions—increasingly valuable for workplace transition management.
Union sets first age test
Union secures reinstatement of workers dismissed just before age discrimination regulations took effect. Unison won the first case connected to the new age discrimination laws after 67-year-old clerical worker Ann Southcott was fired from Treliske Hospital one day before the rules came into force.
The carrot and sick approach
European employers are using financial incentives and health initiatives to reduce employee sick days, though some worry these approaches may encourage genuinely ill workers to come to work. While 27% offer bonuses and vouchers, nearly half instead focus on health screening and wellness programs to prevent absences.
Employee engagement: Making it work. By Paul Avis
Employee engagement means creating a workplace where employees are enthusiastic, committed, and motivated to contribute their best work. Organizations that prioritize engagement see higher productivity, better retention, and improved morale, making it essential for modern HR strategy.
Ability or disability: What do you see in a job candidate? By Louise Druce
Disability employment consultant Nick Goss discusses how employers can effectively recruit disabled candidates by focusing on abilities rather than disabilities, implementing supportive workplace environments, and moving beyond misconceptions through practical strategies and open communication.
HR Tip: Custom and practice on employees leaving early
When employees follow an unofficial practice for an extended period, it can become custom and practice—legally binding as part of their employment contracts. If your staff have been leaving early on Fridays for two years, you likely cannot unilaterally change this without renegotiating their contracts.
Mind the perception gap
Employers significantly underestimate what attracts top talent. Research reveals a major perception gap: while 65% of employers cite company reputation as the key draw, only 22% of employees agree. Employees prioritize location, flexible working, and holiday entitlement instead.
Who’s the boss? By Louise Druce
Most managers lack inspirational leadership qualities because they’re overwhelmed by daily tasks and haven’t invested in their own development. According to the Chartered Management Institute, fewer than four in ten employees see examples of inspirational leadership at work, affecting engagement and performance.
Discrimination an increasingly burning issue
Discrimination and equal opportunities concerns jumped to fourth place among UK employers’ burning issues, up from tenth in 2006, according to the EEF’s barometer of support calls. The rise coincided with new age discrimination legislation, with requests for advice more than doubling during the period.
The cost of sick leave
Sick leave costs the UK economy £13.4 billion annually, with 175 million working days lost each year. Research shows the average worker takes seven days off sick, though employers estimate 12 percent of absences are faked, costing £1.6 billion to the economy.
New law expected in 2007. By Charles Price
England’s smoking ban takes effect July 1, 2007, making virtually all enclosed workplaces and public places smoke-free, with fines for non-compliance. The Equality Act 2006 prohibits discrimination based on religion or belief, while new regulations grant employees in larger firms consultation rights on business decisions affecting their employment.
Gender Equality Duty now in force
The Gender Equality Duty, the largest change to sex discrimination law in 30 years, came into force requiring public authorities to promote sex equality and end discrimination by implementing effective plans this month. The duty addresses how neutral policies can have different impacts on men and women across services including transport, pensions, education, and employment practices.
Age discrimination regulations have little impact
Six months after age discrimination regulations came into force, research shows they’ve had little impact, with 20% of Brits citing age as a barrier to employment. Young people face the biggest challenges, with 27% of 16-24 year-olds experiencing age discrimination, and 63% surveyed believe the new laws have made no difference to recruitment practices.
Jobs at the touch of a button
Digital TV viewers can now search 400,000 job vacancies through a partnership between Jobcentre Plus and Looking Local’s digital portal. The service allows jobseekers to filter positions by postcode, employment type, hours, and other criteria, providing access to job listings for those without internet access.
Ask the expert: Employee unwilling to work notice period
An employee who resigns but refuses to work their notice period cannot simply be terminated early for breach of contract. Employment law experts explain safer alternatives, including reassigning the employee to non-customer-facing work while maintaining pay through the notice period.
Are you passionate enough for HR?
Passion for the business you work in is fundamental to success as an HR professional. HR leaders who understand their company’s products, markets, and strategy—rather than viewing HR as a generic function—make stronger contributions and drive meaningful business outcomes.
Spelling mistakes on application forms
Spelling mistakes on job applications can disadvantage candidates, but the Simplified Spelling Society argues the issue reflects systemic problems rather than individual incompetence. The organization advocates for spelling reform to help the estimated 1 in 5 UK adults with functional illiteracy access better employment opportunities.
Colborn’s corner: Smoking ban – Just hot air?
Wales implements new smoking ban in public places, with similar legislation coming to Northern Ireland and England later this year. HR professionals should understand the law’s impact on employment contracts and workplace policies, including implications for company vehicles and designated smoking areas.
HR Tip: Disclosing employees’ birthdays
Sharing employees’ birth dates without permission, even partially, violates the Data Protection Act. Personal data should only be disclosed with strict business need, legal authority, or explicit employee consent. Employers must protect employee information confidentiality.
