Change management: In theory and in practice
Change management theory can inform organizational transformation, but practical application differs significantly from academic models. A seasoned change management advisor explores how real-world organizational dynamics, leadership commitment, and human factors like the “grief of change” matter more than traditional frameworks when implementing change initiatives.
Corporate manslaughter: The death of employee freedom? By Sarah Fletcher
A court ruling fining a British company after an employee’s death from excessive work shifts raises questions about employer duty of care. The case highlights potential tensions between corporate responsibility for worker safety and employee personal freedom, with experts debating where liability should end.
Defined contribution schemes good for employers
Defined contribution pension schemes work well for employers, with 78% of HR managers saying DC can meet employer needs, but only 42% believe they adequately serve individual employees without difficulty.
Long hours culture harmful to women
Research shows that long working hours affect men and women differently, with women more likely to adopt unhealthy behaviors like increased snacking, smoking, and caffeine consumption. Mental stress from work hassles triggers poor eating habits in both sexes, particularly among “emotional eaters” who turn to food to cope with anxiety.
Change: Planned or haphazard?
UK organizations often approach change management reactively rather than following established theory, responding to acquisitions, efficiency drives, and regulatory requirements. This feature explores how HR practitioners in different sectors handle organizational change and the real-world triggers that drive transformation.
Corporate manslaughter bill published
The Government published the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill to make it easier to prosecute organizations for deaths caused by gross management failures, rather than requiring conviction of a single senior individual. The bill applies across England, Wales, and Scotland, and lifts Crown immunity to subject public sector bodies to the same standards as private companies, with penalties including unlimited fines and remedial orders.
Grievance procedures not working says CBI
CBI research shows workplace grievance procedures introduced in 2004 have failed to reduce tribunal cases, which surged by a third last year. Employers cite high costs, lengthy processes, and low confidence in the system’s effectiveness, with many preferring out-of-court settlements.
HR Tip: Delay in accepting an offer
When a job candidate delays accepting an offer for over a month, employers have three options: terminate the contract with appropriate notice pay, argue the offer has expired, or negotiate a goodwill settlement. Setting a clear acceptance deadline in offer letters helps prevent such disputes.
July news in brief: How do you recruit?
July 2005 HR news roundup covering recruitment trends, immigration policy concerns, dress code discrimination risks, and employment law rulings. Newspapers regain share of recruitment advertising while employers face new compliance challenges and workplace policy issues.
Any Answers: Which benefits are the most attractive?
Discover which employee benefits matter most to your workforce through benchmarking and direct employee feedback. HR experts share strategies for comparing your benefits package to other companies and identifying what truly attracts and retains talent at your organization.
Company of the Week: Snowdrop
Snowdrop, a software services company with 135 employees, restructured its benefits package to better reward staff while managing costs. The company offers pension contributions, BUPA healthcare and dental care, flexible working hours, childcare vouchers, sabbaticals, and free training courses, with employee input driving the benefits strategy.
What’s the answer? Maternity entitlement for a stillbirth
Employees who experience a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy retain full maternity entitlements, including both ordinary and additional maternity leave and statutory maternity pay. Employers should meet with affected employees to discuss their circumstances and understand their intentions regarding return to work.
Nurse wins landmark employment ruling
A Nottingham nurse won a landmark employment tribunal ruling that agency workers should be classified as employees for transfer of undertakings purposes, entitling them to holiday pay and other employee benefits. The decision has far-reaching implications for agency workers across multiple sectors, including supply teachers and admin staff.
HR says no to internal communications
A survey of communications professionals finds 87% believe internal communications should operate as a separate discipline rather than under HR. While most respondents advocate for communications to function independently or align with marketing, a minority supports the HR placement for its strategic advantages in project coordination and information access.
Creative industries’ apprenticeship developed
A new apprenticeship program designed for the creative and cultural industries is being developed by Creative & Cultural Skills, with major employers like EMI, Universal Music Group, and the Royal Opera House piloting schemes this autumn before a UK-wide rollout in 2008.
HR Zone Briefing #305 – Childcare Vouchers: Are They Worth It?
Childcare vouchers offer tax and National Insurance savings of up to £1,195 annually for parents and £370 for employers, making them the UK’s most popular employer-assisted childcare benefit. However, this feature examines whether hidden costs and implementation challenges make them worthwhile for all organizations.
Childcare vouchers: Are they worth it? By Sarah Fletcher
Childcare vouchers offer tax-exempt savings for parents returning to work and can significantly improve employee retention, but employers must weigh the long-term financial commitment and potential discrimination concerns when implementing the scheme.
Colborn’s Corner: Who wants a job?
UK unemployment rose to 5.4%, its highest level in six years, though the country maintains one of the lowest jobless rates among developed economies. Despite rising unemployment figures, employment levels are also growing, driven partly by workers from new EU accession states, while around 600,000 job vacancies remain available.
Pensions accounts consultation launched
The government has launched a consultation on personal pension accounts, following research with 22 focus groups and in-depth interviews. The proposals include automatic enrollment, employer contributions, and a National Pension Savings Scheme, aimed at encouraging up to 10 million people to save for retirement and generating an additional £4-5 billion in savings.
Off the record: What will the smoking ban mean for our office?
The UK government proposed a comprehensive smoking ban in the workplace and enclosed public spaces, set to take effect in Summer 2007. Employers must prepare non-smoking policies and display proper signage, with failure to enforce the ban constituting a criminal offense.
