Mobile working
Mobile working enables businesses to support flexible, productive workforces while reducing costs. Outsourcing mobile infrastructure and managed services eliminates expensive in-house investments and provides secure, scalable access to business applications and email from anywhere.
New dispute resolution legislation
New dispute resolution legislation comes into force on 1 October 2004, establishing minimum procedures for disciplinary, dismissal, and grievance matters. Employers must follow prescribed procedures or face automatic unfair dismissal claims, while employees must attempt internal grievance resolution before pursuing tribunal claims.
HR Tip – Return to work interviews
Return to work interviews are an effective tool for reducing absenteeism, but if you doubt an employee’s explanation for absence, you must handle any disciplinary action separately with a formal investigation and hearing, not issue warnings during the interview itself.
Employers set to ‘lose control’ over retirement
Employers shifting to defined contribution pensions risk losing control over retirement timing as survey data shows only 3% believe members understand funding requirements. With average contributions of 10% of salary falling short of expected retirement benefits, employees may need to work into their 70s or 80s to achieve adequate pensions.
Review: Cool Search
“Cool Search” examines how organizations can attract and retain Millennials (born after 1980), a generation raised on the Internet with distinct attitudes toward work and lifestyle. The book argues that companies must fundamentally redesign workplace practices, communication strategies, and flexibility to engage this digitally native demographic shaped by exposure to technology and consumer culture.
Third of managers fail to discuss disputes before tribunal
More than a third of managers failed to discuss workplace disputes with employees before taking cases to employment tribunal, according to a DTI survey. New regulations coming in October will require employers and employees to attempt resolving disputes through formal procedures before pursuing tribunal claims, aiming to reduce unnecessary litigation and costs.
Employee communication ruined by ‘confusing’ portals
Many corporate employee portals are confusing and lack personalization, making it difficult for workers to find relevant information. Companies are now upgrading portals with role-based personalization, smart search capabilities, and internal blogs to improve usability and align employees with organizational goals.
Hands on approach to staff retention
Improve staff retention by strengthening internal communications. Poor communication, stress, and feeling undervalued drive employee turnover, causing financial losses and operational disruption. A hands-on approach involving two-way dialogue and consistent messaging helps companies maintain loyalty and workplace morale.
Firms urged to prepare a game plan for Euro 2004
Employers must prepare strategies now to prevent staff absences during Euro 2004, as a 2002 World Cup survey found four in ten football fans called in sick, costing businesses £391 million. Investors in People recommends flexible working options, adjusted schedules, and team-building activities to maintain productivity while accommodating employees’ interest in the tournament.
HR Tip – Recording disciplinary meetings
Keeping accurate records of disciplinary meetings is essential for HR professionals. If you struggle to listen, take notes, and think simultaneously, consider designating a note-taker or pausing the meeting periodically to document key points before continuing.
Review: Understanding Body Language
Understanding Body Language is a collection of 20 training activities in a loose-leaf binder designed to help trainers teach body language concepts including positioning, expressions, emotions, and assertiveness. The well-organized exercises work for multiple experience levels, though many activities are previously published and the paper format lacks digital alternatives.
How are you monitoring your workforce?
Most employers monitor ethnicity, gender, and disability, but few track sexual orientation or religious belief. An IRS survey of 75 HR departments reveals significant gaps in diversity monitoring practices, with most organizations tracking recruitment and selection processes while less than one-quarter monitor pay, promotion, and appraisal decisions.
Absent staff – less of a headache?
Workplace absence has increased for the first time in five years, yet HR departments rate absence management as less of a priority ahead. A survey reveals that return-to-work interviews, improved record-keeping, targeted action, and rehabilitation programs are the most effective techniques for managing absences across organizations.
Employers failing to evaluate management development
UK organisations are underinvesting in management development and failing to evaluate its effectiveness, according to research by the Chartered Management Institute. The study found British companies spend less than half what Germany invests per capita on training, with only half having formal management development policies and 27% conducting no systematic evaluation.
HR Tip – Searching employees
Learn how to legally search employees without violating their rights. Random searches require advance warning, proper procedures including private locations and same-gender searchers, and documented records to protect both employees and your organization.
Men struggling to strike right work-life balance
A new survey reveals that seven in ten men believe their work performance suffers from poor work-life balance, yet many struggle to achieve equilibrium despite prioritizing personal relationships and health. The findings show that regular exercise significantly boosts productivity, energy levels, and workplace confidence among men.
Guidance notes on disciplinary procedures
The DTI has released guidance notes on mandatory disciplinary and grievance procedures, effective 1 October 2004. These statutory dispute resolution guidelines are available on the DTI website to help employers and employees understand the new requirements.
“Protect and promote occupational pensions”, urges union
The GMB union is calling on the government to strengthen protections for occupational pensions, particularly final salary schemes, as evidence shows workers are increasingly turning to property investment as an alternative retirement strategy.
Review: Managing Information: Core Management
Managing Information: Core Management covers information systems, finance, and statistics at an introductory level for CIPD syllabuses. This comprehensive guide suits HR and business students needing foundational knowledge across these three critical management areas.
Opinion: Bridget Biggar on performance management
Bridget Biggar argues that managers should focus on recognizing and developing employees’ strengths rather than forcing them to fix weaknesses. Building complementary teams and matching people to roles suited to their abilities drives productivity and motivation far more effectively than imposing management will.
