Bad news day – feature
Learn how managers can effectively prevent, manage and communicate bad news through open-door policies, early problem detection and strategic team communication. Expert tips on handling workplace challenges and creating a culture where employees feel safe reporting issues.
Unequal pay spreads discontent
A survey of women in accountancy, insurance, and business reveals that nearly half cite unequal pay as a major workplace issue, with over 60% reporting disadvantages in promotions compared to men. Despite equal pay legislation, women continue to face significant wage discrimination across sectors.
SAP Introduces E-Recruiting Capability for Human Capital Management
SAP launched e-recruiting capabilities within its mySAP Human Resources solution, enabling companies like Shell to streamline recruitment and talent management processes. The new functionality includes talent warehouse, requisition management, and job posting features to help HR professionals identify qualified candidates and strengthen relationships with potential employees.
It’s National Stress Awareness Day!
National Stress Awareness Day highlights that over half of UK workers experience workplace stress, with excessive workload, tight deadlines, and poor work-life balance as leading causes. The awareness campaign emphasizes how stress damages health, job satisfaction, and productivity while costing businesses millions in lost working days annually.
Employers fail to act on workplace harassment
A national study finds many employers fail to address workplace harassment effectively, showing reluctance to learn from complaints and prioritizing confidentiality over preventing future incidents. Researchers examined 41 organizations involved in sexual or racial harassment cases, discovering that victims often leave and workplace morale suffers lasting damage.
Incentives called for to boost pensions
The Association of British Insurers is calling for new government incentives to boost workplace pension savings, citing research showing 16 million people lack confidence in their retirement income and 15 million know little about pensions. The ABI proposes two employer-based schemes: an Advice Credit offering tax refunds for workplace financial guidance, and a Pension Contribution Tax Credit to encourage employer contributions.
Work gets in the way of breakfast
Busy work schedules are driving more people to skip breakfast or eat it at the office rather than at home, according to a new report. Office canteens and on-the-go premium options are growing as traditional sit-down breakfasts decline in favor of convenient snacking at work.
Dissatisfaction grows among older workers
A new “Working in Britain” survey shows declining job satisfaction among older workers and women, who were traditionally content with their work. Satisfaction among workers aged 50-60 fell from 61% to 49%, with particular discontent over working hours and declining access to occupational pensions.
Employees and board members are ignorant of each other – research
Research by Office Angels reveals a significant disconnect between UK office workers and their company leadership: only 20% can name board members, while 65% have never spoken with a board director. Physical barriers like poor office planning and lack of visibility from senior staff contribute to this communication gap.
Letters considered more private than emails
A UK survey reveals that people perceive traditional posted letters as significantly more private than emails, with 83% believing emails are fair game to read. Despite concerns about email security, 79% still prefer posting confidential documents, though 93% would switch to email if it offered comprehensive encryption.
Employers feel social pressure on disability
UK employers increasingly adopt disability policies due to social pressure and corporate responsibility rather than legal requirements, according to new research. Nearly 90% of organizations now have formal disability employment policies, with 95% employing people with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
Consultation sought on new discrimination legislation
The Department of Trade and Industry is seeking consultation on proposed legislation to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation and religion, with age discrimination protections planned for later implementation.
Accountancy’s difficulty, HR’s opportunity? – CIPD feature
Recent accounting scandals have dented finance departments’ authority, creating an opportunity for HR to gain influence and credibility. HR can leverage this shift by presenting evidence-based data linking employee engagement to profitability, moving beyond traditional financial metrics to demonstrate human capital’s true business value.
Young employees unrealistic about retirement age – CIPD survey
A CIPD survey reveals that young employees have unrealistic retirement expectations, with over half of those under 30 hoping to retire by age 50, while older workers hold more realistic views and show greater job satisfaction and pension confidence.
Pensions revolution to come – CIPD preview
Major changes to occupational pension schemes are underway, with pensions expert Geof Pearson predicting a revolution centered on flexible retirement options, including compulsory contributions and the ability to withdraw from company pensions while working. The shift aims to let employees combine part-time work with retirement rather than choosing between full employment or full retirement.
Single annual date planned for employment legislation
The UK Department of Trade and Industry has endorsed plans for a single annual commencement date for employment law changes, following recommendations from the Better Regulation Task Force. This common date would help employers plan better and reduce regulatory uncertainty across different government departments.
Equal pay ‘a long way off’
New earnings statistics reveal Britain’s gender pay gap remains persistent, with full-time women earning 81.2% of male wages and part-time women earning just 58.9% of the male full-time rate. Part-time jobs predominantly held by women, such as cleaning and catering, are particularly undervalued despite offering necessary workplace flexibility.
82% of employers fear legal action on stress, finds survey
A survey of 5,000 UK employers found that 82% fear legal action over workplace stress, yet only 29% are aware that offering confidential counselling helplines can protect them from lawsuits. Despite the widespread concern, less than a third of employers have implemented this legal safeguard.
Do you manage diversity? Win an award…
Enter the 8th annual British Diversity Awards by November 2002 to showcase your organization’s successful diversity programmes. The awards recognize initiatives that eliminate discrimination while driving creativity, innovation, and business productivity across your workforce.
New pension proposed
The National Association of Pension Funds proposes replacing the current complex state pension system with a single Citizen’s Pension worth £100 weekly, rising with earnings. The reform aims to reduce complexity, boost income for poorer pensioners, and encourage greater workplace and personal pension savings.
