Flexible working is a growing priority for employees, finds research

Nearly a third of jobseekers prioritize flexible working hours over higher salaries, with 46% citing flexibility as their most desired employment benefit, according to research from reed.co.uk and the Department of Trade and Industry.
Softworld HR and Payroll 2003 – get an exclusive preview here!

Softworld HR and Payroll 2003, now in its 11th year, brings together over 75 providers and consultants showcasing e-HR solutions and advice. Register free to explore the latest software and connect with industry experts at this February event.
Human Capital Management: A pragmatic approach to delivering strategic value

Effective Human Capital Management requires balancing business strategy with technology infrastructure to deliver measurable value. A practical guide explores how organizations can achieve tangible HCM benefits cost-effectively through process improvements and analytics tools.
Get easy reference on common HR topics with HR Zone’s expert guides

HR Zone offers concise expert guides on essential HR topics including recruitment, payroll, employment law, and more. Access all guides from the HR Zone Expert Guides page or request coverage on topics not yet available.
Coming soon on HR Zone – help to get your department business efficient!

HR Zone is refocusing on four key areas to help HR professionals drive business efficiency: e-HR, compensation and benefits, payroll, and e-learning. The site will feature weekly news, expert Q&As, and resources on these topics, with emphasis on technology’s role in modern HR departments.
Bosses disappointed by young employees, finds survey

A survey of UK small business bosses reveals widespread dissatisfaction with young employees, with 56% saying they don’t work hard enough and 52% believing their wage expectations are too high. Nearly two-thirds of businesses prefer hiring older workers, citing greater reliability and work ethic.
Advertising feature: Interactive Risk Assessment Trainer and Norton Waugh Accident Recording software from Croner

Croner offers Interactive Risk Assessment Trainer software with eight comprehensive training sessions, interactive exercises, and progress testing, plus Norton Waugh Accident Recording software to track incidents and generate HSE reports. Both tools help organizations improve workplace health and safety compliance efficiently.
Telling the rhetoric from the reality on corporate social responsibility

A survey of company directors reveals a significant gap between corporate social responsibility rhetoric and actual practice. While most directors support equal opportunities and environmental protection policies, far fewer actively monitor or implement them—only half track female employees and under 40% monitor minority ethnic hiring. The research highlights that government action is needed to encourage genuine responsible business behavior beyond public statements.
Ageism the most common form of discrimination – research

Research shows age discrimination is the most common form of workplace discrimination, affecting one in five employees. Nearly two in five victims of workplace discrimination cite age as the reason, with older workers facing stereotypes about resistance to change and tech skills, while younger workers are perceived as inexperienced and unreliable.
More Christmas parties planned to raise employee morale, finds survey

Organizations are increasingly using Christmas parties to boost employee morale, with 15% hosting more celebrations than a year ago despite economic challenges. Research shows staff value these events more than gym memberships, though successful parties focus on building relationships rather than large budgets.
Does winter affect performance?

Winter affects workplace performance, with 80% of office workers reporting that reduced natural light causes seasonal blues and impacts productivity. Research shows 48% feel sluggish and unmotivated, though increased face-to-face teamwork helps offset these effects during colder months.
Snowdrop Systems

Snowdrop Systems provides human resource software designed to empower HR professionals. The company sponsors the HR Zone technology survey and offers solutions to streamline HR operations.
A third of employees are not committed, finds survey

A Taylor Nelson Sofres survey found that 35% of employees worldwide lack commitment to their jobs and employers, while 57% are committed to their work and 51% to their companies. Commitment levels vary significantly by region, with Japan, Korea, and Bulgaria showing the lowest engagement, and Israel and Norway the highest.
Implementing your HR or payroll system – presenting a business case

Learn how to build a compelling business case for implementing HR and payroll systems by identifying cost savings in employee turnover, manager efficiency, and absence management. Discover how to align system benefits with organizational goals and demonstrate return on investment to finance departments.
Are fathers the answer to childcare shortages?

Three organisations urge the Government to address Britain’s childcare crisis by offering fathers greater work flexibility. The report argues that enabling fathers to take on more caring responsibilities at home would help women return to work and advance their careers while expanding opportunities for active fatherhood.
Accountants are slightly less boring than the rest of us!, finds new study

A new study reveals accountants are the most active profession, socializing mid-week, playing more sport, and watching less TV than other professions. The research found most Britons live repetitive routines with limited social engagement and high evening TV consumption.
Employees ‘happier at the weekend’ shock!

British workers report significantly higher job satisfaction and lower mental stress when surveyed on Fridays or Saturdays compared to other weekdays, according to research from the University of Essex. The study found that overwork is the primary factor reducing job satisfaction, while unemployment and financial difficulties substantially increase psychological stress.
Higher fines for health and safety failures

Health and Safety Executive data shows average fines for health and safety violations rose 39 percent to £12,194 in 2001/02, with the largest increases in construction, manufacturing, and mining sectors due to stricter penalties from higher courts.
Employees feel barred from basic benefits, finds survey

A survey reveals that over half of UK employees feel restricted from basic workplace courtesies, including casual conversations with colleagues and personal phone or internet use. The research highlights how modest employee benefits like staff discounts and free refreshments significantly boost morale and motivation.
10 top tips for retaining talent

Discover 10 essential strategies for retaining top talent, including clear goal-setting, effective communication, performance recognition, ongoing training, and competitive compensation packages. These expert tips help reduce turnover costs while boosting employee satisfaction and commitment.