The Way I See It… In Praise of Praise
Meaningful praise is a powerful motivator that demonstrates you notice and care, but it must be given thoughtfully and selectively to be effective. When offered genuinely and at unexpected moments, praise can boost morale and encourage growth, while careless or frequent praise risks seeming insincere and breeds resentment.
Softworld announces speakers
Softworld announces speakers for its HR & Payroll event at NEC Birmingham on 20-21 October, featuring over 40 exhibitors and case studies from major companies including Game Station and Siemens. The programme covers software selection, payroll legislation, change management, and employment law updates.
SMEs can halt decline by adopting a longer-term view
Small and medium-sized enterprises can prevent decline by adopting a longer-term business perspective rather than relying on short-term gains. A sustainable model requires strong internal teams, clear communication with customers and employees, and regular assessment of organizational goals and success metrics.
HR Tip: Homosexual discrimination
Employment law protects workers from discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation, regardless of their identity. Employers must stop discriminatory jokes and comments about sexual orientation, treating such behavior as gross misconduct to comply with discrimination law.
The New HR Charter: Part 8 – Politically correct yes – but is HR more effective?
Modern HR has become increasingly cautious about gathering applicant information like dates of birth to prevent age discrimination, but this approach may actually undermine recruitment effectiveness. A hiring manager’s recent experience revealed gaps in candidate assessment when key biographical details were removed from application forms, raising questions about whether political correctness has compromised professional hiring practices.
Domestic violence costs employers
Domestic violence costs employers £2.7 billion annually in lost time due to work absences from injuries, according to government-commissioned research. The total societal cost reaches £17 billion when accounting for human and social suffering, with half of absence costs borne by employers and half by individuals in lost wages.
SMEs say ‘no’ to more bank holidays
A survey of 895 small businesses shows 92% oppose adding more bank holidays, citing concerns about productivity losses and operational costs. However, 97% of employees surveyed support the proposal, believing additional holidays would boost workplace morale.
Top work whinges revealed
A UK survey of 1,600 managers reveals top workplace complaints: lack of recognition, excessive bureaucracy, outdated management styles, work-life imbalance, and unclear company vision. The research highlights that employee motivation and organizational performance suffer when managers fail to appreciate staff contributions and understand their personal needs.
Prison staff join the striking queue
Prison service staff including electricians, cooks and maintenance workers are threatening strike action over a 1% pay offer, joining recent industrial action by BA and fire service workers who secured significantly higher pay increases.
Banker claims £7.5 million for sex discrimination
A former Merrill Lynch banker is claiming £7.5 million in damages for sex discrimination, unfair dismissal, and unequal pay, alleging the bank is “institutionally sexist” and forcing her to act as a stewardess on corporate jets.
Heads will roll at BA
British Airways chief executive Rod Eddington has launched an investigation into last week’s chaos at Heathrow, where nearly 100 flights were cancelled and 10,000 passengers disrupted. The airline blames staff shortages, while unions dispute this claim, as several senior managers face potential dismissal over the incident.
Businesses exposed to fraud
A new survey reveals that 38% of owner-managed businesses rank fraud as their top security threat, yet most fail to implement basic preventive measures like background checks, dual authorization, and account reconciliation controls.
Workers dread holiday return
Nearly 60% of employees dread returning to work after a holiday break, with research showing that simple gestures like a “welcome back” and demonstrating managerial care significantly boost motivation and productivity.
Top marks for GCSE pupils
GCSE top grades increased to their highest level since 1999, with A* to A passes rising from 16.7% to 17.4%. Girls significantly outperformed boys, while more students chose maths and science subjects despite declining language entries.
Fire strike averted
A planned strike by 52,000 Fire Brigades Union members has been averted following a deal that includes a 3.5% pay increase backdated to November and agreement on bank holiday working conditions.
Editor’s Comment: Are more bank holidays the answer?
The TUC is calling for additional bank holidays to match the EU average of 11 days annually, arguing extra time off would reduce work-related stress costs and boost productivity. Currently, the UK offers eight bank holidays compared to other European countries, though many businesses now operate during these days despite their historical purpose.
SMEs in the dark about new dispute regulations
Small and medium-sized businesses face increased Employment Tribunal risks under new October regulations requiring formal procedures for disciplinary, dismissal, and grievance matters. A survey reveals 97% of businesses are unaware of the requirements, potentially exposing firms to costly claims if procedures aren’t followed correctly.
Retail pay increase below average
Retail workers will receive an average salary increase of 2.8% next year, falling short of current inflation rates and trailing the 3% rises offered across other sectors. The Mercer HR survey shows retail pay growth remains stagnant compared to previous years, potentially putting companies at risk of losing staff to competitors.
Flexi-working is top perk
Flexible working hours is the top workplace benefit, chosen by 61% of respondents in a recent survey. Holiday allowance and health insurance ranked second and third, while remote working and company perks like car policies scored lowest among job seekers.
BA cuts cause havoc
British Airways cancelled flights for the second consecutive day Tuesday, disrupting an estimated 3,000 passengers due to staff shortages and high resignation rates. The airline acknowledged responsibility and apologized, while attributing ongoing operational difficulties to unfilled vacancies from previous cost-cutting measures.
