HR trends for Spring
Nearly two in five employers plan to hire staff this spring, though most expect wage costs to remain stable or rise minimally, according to a CIPD survey of almost 2,000 employees. The survey reveals the strongest recruitment intentions in finance and public administration, while absence management and retention emerge as top HR challenges.
Review: HR Strategy: Business Focused, Individually Centred
Paul Kearns challenges conventional HR wisdom in this business-focused guide, arguing that HR strategy must align directly with organizational goals through value creation and systemic design. The book critiques popular HR practices like competency frameworks and leadership programs, offering a practical route map grounded in real-world examples such as Toyota’s manufacturing approach.
Information and consultation
The UK’s Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations require companies with 50+ employees to establish information and consultation procedures through negotiation with employee representatives or by voluntary agreement. The phased implementation begins in 2005, with procedures triggered by a valid request from 10% of employees or established proactively by employers.
2020: future of work predictions
A 2020 future of work report predicts major workplace changes including tripled stress-related absenteeism, younger and more diverse leadership, increased HR outsourcing, virtual work expansion, and a shift toward knowledge-based jobs creating a two-tier workforce of creators and implementers.
Eldercare is fast becoming key work-life balance issue
Eldercare is emerging as a critical work-life balance issue, expected to surpass childcare by 2020 as demographic shifts create an aging population. A new report warns that employees caring for elderly parents face significant productivity costs, with businesses losing billions annually to caregiving-related absences and stress-related illness.
Study finds e-learners ‘get what they need’
A new study found that 92% of IT e-learners achieved their learning goals, even if they didn’t complete entire courses. Most employees preferred short 30-minute study sessions and applied new skills immediately on the job.
Learning Solutions 2004 – 25 & 26 May 2004
Learning Solutions 2004 is a national event taking place 25-26 May at London’s Business Design Centre, featuring over 50 leading companies, exhibitions, workshops, and a conference programme on implementing integrated learning solutions. Attendees can explore instructor-led training, e-learning innovations, and network with industry professionals while hearing from high-profile speakers including keynote addresses on informal learning and learner experience.
Flexible working at Asda
Asda offers a comprehensive flexible working package including seasonal jobs, childcare leave, shift swaps, job sharing, and career breaks up to two years. The retailer was named Britain’s best company for flexibility in 2003 and topped The Sunday Times Top Company to Work for Survey in 2002.
Firms ‘breaking the law’ over bank holiday rights
A survey reveals that 21% of British employers may be breaking the law by denying part-time workers equal bank holiday rights compared to full-time staff. Under UK employment regulations, part-timers must receive fair treatment regarding holidays, pay, and benefits. Employers are advised to review policies to ensure compliance or risk compensation claims.
Review: Management Teams
Management Teams by R. Meredith Belbin is an essential guide for anyone building effective collaborative teams. Belbin’s research-backed framework explains how to select team members, understand group dynamics, and optimize performance through nine distinct team roles, making it indispensable for HR professionals and organizational leaders.
How Did I Get Here? Adrian Glynn, Wilkins Kennedy
Adrian Glynn, HR Director at Wilkins Kennedy, shares his career journey from management accounting to human resources, including roles in engineering, aerospace, and the space industry. He credits a early mentor and experiential learning with shaping his leadership approach focused on helping colleagues reach their potential.
Flexible working – one year on
One year after flexible working legislation came into force, nearly three-quarters of employers have received requests for flexible arrangements, yet most believe the law has had minimal business impact. Employers anticipate increased demand for flexible working over the next three years, with enhanced maternity provisions proving effective for staff retention.
Report calls for extension of right to request to work flexibly
A new report finds many employers misunderstand or ignore flexible working rights legislation. Researchers recommend removing age restrictions, converting requests to a guaranteed right, and increasing penalties for non-compliance. Enhanced employer training and childcare cost solutions are also needed.
Workers oppose moves to end UK working time opt-out
A CIPD survey of long-hours workers finds that seven in ten work extended hours by choice rather than employer pressure, with only 35% supporting removal of the UK working time opt-out clause that allows exceeding the 48-hour weekly limit.
Office workers’ worst habits revealed!
A new UK survey reveals the most annoying office worker habits, with fake laughter at boss’s jokes and loud desk lunching topping the list of workplace pet peeves.
Landmark stress case highlights employers’ responsibilities
The House of Lords landmark decision in Barber v Somerset County Council establishes that employers have a duty to take proactive steps when employees report occupational stress, including making sympathetic inquiries and implementing reasonable precautions based on current knowledge of workplace stress.
Learning at Work Day
Learning at Work Day takes place on 20 May, encouraging organisations of all sizes to offer employees opportunities to develop new skills and explore different learning approaches. The Campaign for Learning initiative aims to reach more workers than the one million who participated in 2002.
Firms still in the dark over employing Reservists
Many UK employers don’t know if they employ military Reservists or understand their legal obligations regarding mobilisation. A new MOD “Employer Notification” scheme launching April 1, 2004, will automatically inform employers when staff are Reserve Force members, helping clarify rights and responsibilities.
How Did I Get Here? Stevan Rolls, Ernst & Young
Stevan Rolls describes his career path to becoming National Director of Resourcing at Ernst & Young, including his education in applied psychology, roles at major firms like Arthur Andersen and Ford, and how the firm’s collapse led to his opportunity at EY.
BAA rolls out new LMS
BAA has implemented a new learning management system across seven major UK airports to maintain safety standards and meet Civil Aviation Authority regulations. The Saba Enterprise Learning Suite enables BAA employees, including firefighters, to access training records and manage competency assessments required for rescue and firefighting personnel.
