Employers failing to communicate full value of reward packages
Most employers fail to keep staff informed about pension arrangements after hiring, with only 46% providing ongoing updates compared to 88% during recruitment. This lack of communication means employees don’t fully appreciate their total reward package or understand retirement savings importance.
Empowering the workforce to innovate
Organizations can foster employee innovation through structured processes like Six Sigma rather than informal brainstorming. By creating concrete initiatives with clear procedures and incentives, companies empower their workforce to contribute creative ideas that improve efficiency and profitability.
Line managers increasingly take on HR tasks
Line managers are taking on increasingly complex HR responsibilities as organizations adopt flatter structures, but HR professionals worry they lack adequate support and training. A new report finds that companies with well-trained first-line managers report strong effectiveness, though expectations continue to expand across recruitment, appraisals, absence management, and people development.
Recent trends in reward management
Organizations are increasingly conducting pay audits and shifting pension strategies, according to new CIPD research. Employers are restricting final salary pensions to existing staff while introducing lower-contribution money purchase schemes for new employees, and cafeteria benefits are gaining popularity to attract talent.
Case study: Starting from scratch at Panasonic
Panasonic UK overhauled its training and development process two years ago, implementing competence-based reviews and individual development plans. The changes resulted in a 40% cost reduction and a more motivated workforce by better matching training to employee needs.
February’s themes on HR Zone
HR Zone’s February coverage focuses on retention and reward, with additional emphasis on payroll and HRIS system selection and implementation. The site will feature news, case studies, and insights leading up to the Softworld HR & Payroll event.
‘Work rage’ – how can employers tackle it?
Work rage incidents in UK workplaces can expose employers to significant legal and financial risks, including constructive dismissal claims, health and safety violations, and discrimination lawsuits. Employers should implement zero-tolerance policies, clear disciplinary procedures treating violence as gross misconduct, and robust anti-harassment and whistleblowing mechanisms to protect employees and minimize liability.
New Bill to promote flexible employment for carers
New legislation aims to support working carers by requiring local authorities to inform carers about their rights and promote flexible employment opportunities. British Gas and Carers UK back the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Bill, which seeks to help the 2.3 million people who become carers annually balance work and caregiving responsibilities.
Testing staff for drug taking
Drug testing employees is only appropriate in safety-critical environments like machinery operations and must comply with human rights and data protection laws. Testing without clear workplace policies, voluntary consent, or legitimate health and safety reasons can result in unfair dismissal claims and tribunal action.
HR Tip – Behaviour outside work
Employers generally cannot dismiss employees for off-duty conduct unless it directly affects business relationships or involves representing the company. Disciplinary action is typically inappropriate for personal behavior outside work hours.
Pay gap widens
Pay growth in 2003 widened the gap between high and low earners across temporary and permanent roles. Lower-paid staff saw minimal increases of 1-2%, while top earners gained 6-8%, according to Kelly Services salary research.
Government proposes automatic entry to occupational pension schemes
The UK Government proposes automatic enrollment in occupational pension schemes, allowing employees to opt out rather than requiring active participation. The initiative aims to increase pension savings through improved employee education, online retirement planning tools, and clearer pension information from employers.
New report provides insights into employing disabled people
A Department for Work and Pensions report reveals uneven employer awareness of disability discrimination legislation, with larger organizations and public sector employers showing greater understanding. The study identifies low awareness of the Disability Discrimination Act and misconceptions about adjustment costs as key barriers to hiring disabled workers.
How Did I Get Here? Alison Lewis, Oxfam
Alison Lewis, Corporate Learning & Development Manager at Oxfam, shares her HR career journey from HM Customs & Excise through PricewaterhouseCoopers to her current role in the voluntary sector, where she balances part-time employment with freelance organizational development work.
What makes an employee stay with an organisation?
Employee retention depends on more than competitive salaries. Research shows workers prioritize self-fulfillment, accomplishment, and enjoyment over job security. Companies must strengthen the psychological contract by fostering personal development, positive culture, and meaningful work.
Toshiba demystifies pensions with online information service
Toshiba Information Systems has launched an online pension service that gives employees transparent access to their DC pension information and contribution details. The platform enables staff to view funds instantly, model future scenarios, and access all pension-related documents in one place, simplifying what previously took days to process.
Public sector most likely to use online recruitment
Almost nine in 10 public sector employers use online recruitment to find staff, compared with just over three in four manufacturing companies, according to new research. The IRS survey found that larger organizations and the public sector lead adoption of internet-based hiring methods.
Softworld feature article: Implementing an effective e-recruitment strategy
Learn how to implement an effective e-recruitment strategy across four key areas: candidate attraction, employer branding, process management, and talent pool engagement. Discover why the Internet is now essential for competitive recruitment and how organizations can achieve significant time and cost savings by managing hiring online.
Removal of retirement age will increase health costs
Over half of firms providing health insurance report that removing retirement age limits would increase their costs through higher premiums and claims, according to a Manpower survey. The research reveals 61% of employers were unprepared for age discrimination legislation set to take effect in 2006, despite 78% claiming they don’t discriminate based on age.
HR using job evaluation to deal with equal pay audits
Employers are increasingly using job evaluation to address equal pay audit requirements, with nearly half of surveyed organizations already implementing this technique. Analytical schemes are most popular as they enhance objectivity and help protect against equal pay claims.
