Advertising feature: Investors in People Leadership and Management Model
Investors in People UK launched a new Leadership and Management Model to help organizations develop effective leaders and build a culture where management thrives. Designed for organizations of all sizes and sectors, the model addresses selection, development, and performance impact while remaining flexible for those not yet using the Investors in People Standard.
Alphabet fleet finance
Alphabet is a multi-marque fleet finance company offering contract hire, fleet management, and employee benefits solutions. Part of the BMW Group, they provide bespoke fleet products including Employee Car Ownership Plans and comprehensive operating lease services for UK organizations.
Softworld HR and Payroll 2003 – review
Softworld HR and Payroll 2003 drew approximately 1,315 HR and payroll professionals to its 70-stand event at Excel Centre. The show featured product announcements from major vendors including Intellect, ICS Computing, and Topaz, alongside educational seminars covering HR system implementation and broader workplace issues. Next year’s event will relocate to Earls Court, with plans for a virtual year-round component.
Softworld feature – getting buy-in for implementing an e-HR system
Achieving employee buy-in is critical for successful e-HR system implementation. This involves pre-planning to understand stakeholder needs, developing a solid business case, communicating effectively throughout implementation, and maintaining engagement post-launch through feedback and continuous improvement.
Softworld news – latest update
The Softworld HR and Payroll exhibition takes place February 26-27 at ExCel, London, featuring over 75 providers and 50 seminars. Major vendors including Petrofac, Alcatel, and Pyramid HR will showcase HR systems, payroll solutions, and new time and attendance management software.
How to build a case for e-HR
Learn how to build a compelling business case for e-HR adoption by addressing board concerns, quantifying benefits, and positioning the project as part of broader HR transformation strategy.
Pension shake-ups due as companies take schemes in hand, warns Mercer
Mercer HR warns that companies are reshaping pension schemes to reduce costs, with final salary plans facing closure to new members or restructuring. The consultancy predicts 30% cost increases over five years and urges employers to consider alternative scheme designs that share risks with employees.
Research reveals big difference in minimum wage rates across Europe
A new study by the Federation of European Employers reveals stark disparities in minimum wage across Europe, ranging from $14 monthly in Russia to $1,474 in Luxembourg. While most countries set minimum wages around 50% of median pay, Russia and Spain fall significantly below this benchmark.
Pay awards ‘back on the way up’, finds research
Pay settlements have increased to 2.9%, reaching the highest average since November 2001, though increases remain moderate and below 3% overall. Public sector pay rises outpace the private sector at 3.2% versus 2.5%, with rising inflation expected to push settlements toward 3% in coming months.
Oracle HR
Oracle HR implementation is planned across six European countries with 200+ employees. This post seeks experiences and insights into HR and payroll module rollout to help avoid common implementation pitfalls.
The importance of resource management – featured article
Effective resource management systems are crucial for retaining talented employees during difficult economic times. Companies that measure and value existing staff while building a corporate talent pool can reduce costly turnover and maintain organizational performance.
What is online recruitment?
Online recruitment uses the internet to advertise vacancies and match candidates to jobs, typically on job boards or corporate websites. Beyond attracting more applications, effective online recruitment streamlines the hiring process through automation, wider geographic reach, faster hiring timelines, and lower costs compared to traditional print advertising.
Is your firm ready for Euro 4?
Euro 4 legislation takes effect April 17th, allowing 100% first-year tax allowances on new cars emitting below 120g CO2/km, versus 25% for non-qualifying vehicles. This could deliver significant tax savings for fleet managers and companies.
London congestion charging – find out what you need to know!
London implemented the world’s first major city congestion charge in February 2003, requiring most vehicles to pay £5 to enter the central zone during weekday business hours. The scheme aims to reduce traffic congestion, raise public transport funding, and minimize business losses from city center gridlock, with cameras monitoring compliance via registration plate recognition.
Retaining talented staff in the public sector
Retaining talented public sector staff requires valuing employees beyond salary, investing in workplace development, and communicating organizational goals clearly. With recruitment costs reaching thousands, developing existing staff is far more cost-effective while boosting morale and reducing turnover across government agencies.
Equal pay deadline looms as companies fail to audit pay arrangements
As of April 2003, a new questionnaire procedure allows employees to challenge pay inequality, requiring employers to respond within eight weeks. Legal experts warn that fewer than one in five companies have conducted equal pay audits, leaving most unprepared for this legislative change.
Maximising the performance and value of Interim Managers
Learn how to maximize interim manager performance by establishing clear objectives, hiring experienced professionals, preparing comprehensive induction processes, and providing ongoing support. Expert tips help companies avoid costly disappointments and get real value from interim assignments.
Softworld preview: Questions and answers with Mark Grice, IBM
Mark Grice from IBM Business Consulting Services answers key questions about selecting and implementing e-HR systems, covering budget considerations, supplier selection, ongoing support, and factors affecting system pricing and flexibility.
Softworld preview: Questions and answers with Ian Wells, PA Consulting Group
Ian Wells from PA Consulting Group discusses selecting and implementing HR and payroll systems at Softworld. He explains that integrated systems offer greater benefits than single-function solutions, emphasizes the importance of business case over technical capabilities, and warns against over-engineered processes that don’t align with organizational culture.
Featured interview: James Amner, HR Product Manager, Microsoft Business Solutions
James Amner, HR Product Manager for Microsoft Business Solutions, discusses e-HR system implementation, budget considerations, and deployment strategies. He explains how organizations can choose between ASP solutions, off-the-shelf software, and in-house systems based on size, complexity, and IT infrastructure needs.
