HR Zone Briefing #309 – CSR: PR Exercise or Employee Incentive?
HR Zone Briefing #309 examines whether corporate social responsibility programs serve as genuine employee incentives or merely act as public relations exercises, exploring how CSR policies influence employee retention and productivity.
Good induction processes key to employee motivation
Research shows that structured induction programs significantly boost employee motivation, commitment and retention. Organizations that prioritize new employee socialization with clear training schedules and integration practices see higher productivity and initiative. Poor onboarding can hinder even self-motivated workers, while solid socialisation practices create competitive advantages through engaged, satisfied employees.
Drunkenness at work on the increase
Recent research from employment law firm Peninsula shows that while the frequency of midday drinking remains stable, employees are consuming more alcohol at lunchtime. The number reporting feeling tipsy at work increased from 76 percent to 78 percent over two years, yet only 21 percent of employers have policies addressing workplace drunkenness.
Company of the Week: The Prudential. By Annie Hayes
Prudential offers a flexible benefits scheme called ‘You Choose’ featuring a 12% pension contribution, private medical insurance, share incentive plan, and up to 32 days annual leave. The company prioritizes communication and tailoring benefits to employees at different life stages.
Colborn’s Corner: We had to let him go …
David Beckham’s exclusion from England’s squad raises important questions about how organizations handle dismissals and redundancies. The post examines the difference between honest communication about performance issues versus using restructuring as a convenient exit strategy, drawing parallels between sports management and workplace practices.
Corporate social responsibility: PR exercise or employee incentive? By Sarah Fletcher
Corporate social responsibility strategies may not boost sales, but they significantly influence employee recruitment and retention, particularly among skilled workers who increasingly prefer ethical employers over competitors.
Age discrimination forcing baby boomers into retirement, say TUC
Around a million people aged 50-65 cannot find work due to age discrimination, according to TUC research. The report reveals that many are forced into inadequate early retirement despite wanting employment, as demographic shifts threaten to strain the economy without more older workers in the workforce.
Court appeals threatened
A Court of Appeal ruling in McLoughlin v Jones may restrict appeals from employment tribunals by raising the threshold for overturning decisions. The judgment establishes that appeal courts will only intervene if errors “shake the foundations” of the original judgment, rather than simply finding isolated flaws in the judge’s reasoning.
Small businesses struggle to cope with HR
Small businesses are significantly more likely to face employment tribunals than larger companies due to poor HR compliance, according to a Peninsula Business Services survey. The study found that 72% of employers failed to issue employment contracts on time, while 81% admitted non-compliance with disciplinary procedures.
Any Answers: Slips, trips and falls
Learn how to handle workplace injury compensation requests. An employee seeking reimbursement for medical expenses after a work-related fall has no statutory right to compensation beyond statutory sick pay, unless the contract specifies otherwise. Any personal injury claim must be pursued through legal channels and would require proving negligence.
Two million made ill by work
Two million UK workers reported becoming ill or experiencing worsened conditions due to work, according to HSE survey results. Musculoskeletal disorders and stress account for the majority of cases, resulting in 28 million lost working days annually.
Dealing with problem staff: Should we rule by fear? By Annie Hayes
Managing problem staff requires clear communication of performance standards and early intervention rather than fear-based tactics. HR experts emphasize that most issues stem from employers failing to spell out job requirements and manager expectations, with proper training and return-to-work procedures often preventing escalation.
HR Tip: Job share contract
A job-share contract should include each employee’s working hours, overlap periods for handover, communication protocols, absence coverage arrangements, and clarity on responsibilities. Key elements include how training will be organized and what happens if one employee leaves the arrangement.
Opinion: Remedying short-term absence
Organizations can reduce the burden of short-term absences by implementing professional absence notification systems, such as external contact centers trained in benefits optimization and incident reporting, rather than relying on managers to handle initial absence calls.
Sector research into age discrimination published
New research by the Age Partnership Group reveals sector-specific age discrimination practices across nine industries, including issues with experience-based salary setting, age-based redundancy decisions, and contractual retirement ages. The findings will inform the government’s Age Positive campaign ahead of new age discrimination regulations taking effect October 1.
Tackling the pensions gender gap
Women retiring with full state pensions lag far behind men at just 30 percent versus 85 percent. The government aims to tackle this gender gap by recognizing caring contributions and encouraging women’s private pension savings, as two-thirds lack private pensions entirely.
What’s the answer? Car used for business purposes
When an employee uses their own car for business and has an accident due to poor maintenance, liability depends on circumstances and insurance coverage. Employers should establish clear policies requiring roadworthy vehicles, proper insurance, and regular maintenance checks to protect themselves and employees.
Insider fraud on the increase
Employee and manager fraud now accounts for nearly half of fraud cases reaching court, with insider schemes costing £653 million in the first half of 2006 alone, according to KPMG Forensic’s Fraud Barometer. Management perpetrators led the way, committing £310 million in frauds, while banking sector insider fraud cases involved both senior managers and low-level employees.
Bosses told to ‘plan ahead’ for smoking ban
Employers face a legal minefield with next summer’s smoking ban, as research shows up to a quarter of businesses misunderstand the Health Bill’s requirements. Bosses must plan ahead now, displaying prominent no-smoking signs and establishing policies to prevent workplace smoking or face fines up to £2,500.
HR Zone Briefing #308 – Benefits: What’s the alternative?
Employers are increasingly offering alternative benefits beyond traditional packages, from childcare vouchers to bicycles. The CIPD reports that voluntary and flexible benefits are becoming mainstream, with innovative schemes helping companies attract and retain talent.
