Discrimination awareness – use of Videos
A Class Divided video demonstrates how easily discrimination develops through a teacher’s 1960s experiment separating children by eye color. The post explores whether educators use this discrimination awareness tool and what feedback they receive from training sessions.
CBI rejects TUC claim over EU redundancy protection
The CBI has rejected the TUC’s claims that a proposed EU directive would improve redundancy consultation, arguing it would unnecessarily strengthen union influence over management decisions and duplicate existing UK protections. CBI leaders say imposing uniform EU standards across different countries with distinct workplace traditions is inappropriate and impractical.
Charles Handy: Humane Management
Charles Handy, Europe’s preeminent business thinker, distinguishes between “human management” and “human resource management,” arguing the latter belongs to an obsolete corporate model. He explains how modern business divides into “elephants” (large, bureaucratic corporations) and “fleas” (agile, creative contractors), requiring organizations to prioritize flexibility and effectiveness over traditional efficiency.
Please help me find new “exciting” icebreakers/energisers
Looking for engaging icebreakers and energizers for training programs? This post seeks recommendations for activities to start or refresh courses, plus suggestions for websites offering ready-made ideas for facilitators.
50,000 in workplace training revolution
Trade union learning reps have encouraged almost 50,000 workers to pursue workplace training, with government plans potentially expanding this to reach half a million employees by the decade’s end through statutory legal protections for learning representatives roles.
Government advisory and online services index
A comprehensive index of UK government advisory services and online resources covering employment, pensions, benefits, taxation, and workplace support for employers and individuals.
Specialist Zones
Specialist Zones are dedicated site areas covering essential topics including e-learning, IT, recruitment resources, and taxation. Find focused guidance on training, software updates, recruiter tools, and tax matters across these organized resource centers.
Dilbert: Excuse Me While I Wag
Scott Adams’ latest Dilbert collection, “Excuse Me While I Wag,” offers satirical business advice on inept management, absurd mission statements, and avoiding meetings. Priced at £5.99, this humorous guide reveals why common sense fails in corporate environments and why incompetent bosses survive in consultant-run companies.
E-mail your way to the top!
E-mail communication reveals much about career prospects, according to management research. Top executives often use poor grammar and spelling, while carefully crafted messages signal middle-management status. Learning to use e-mail effectively is essential for climbing the corporate ladder.
Transferrable and Mature skills are being overlooked by employers
Many workers avoid career changes due to employer reluctance to recognize transferable skills, with mature talent often overlooked unless applicants have nearly identical previous roles.
CBI Manifesto: Make Lifelong Learning a Priority
The CBI’s Manifesto for Business urges the next government to prioritize lifelong learning and strengthen business-education links to boost UK workforce skills. The organization argues that improving literacy and numeracy is essential to raising worker productivity and competitiveness against international counterparts.
Menopausal? Are you positive?
Dr. Christiane Northrup explores menopause as a transformative life stage for baby-boom women, describing it as a period of physical rebirth and intellectual awakening that can bring renewed social advocacy and creative energy. Her book, The Wisdom of Menopause, addresses the experiences of millions of women entering this significant transition.
Who says that the government doesn’t listen?
Government ministers appear to be listening to HR Zone’s advocacy, with recent announcements on financial rewards for basic skills training and plans for a new Working Age Ministry that would consolidate employment-related departments to reduce bureaucratic complexity.
Mind your language!
US companies are increasingly implementing workplace policies banning swearing and inappropriate language, citing sexual harassment concerns and legal risks. This trend is expected to spread to the UK, though disability rights experts anticipate legal challenges from employees with Tourette’s syndrome.
Survey shows top executives are unhappy with pensions earning cap
A survey of major employers reveals that 62% of senior executives raise pension earnings caps during recruitment interviews, with concern rising to 83% among board directors. Most employers have adopted compensation strategies, with funded unapproved retirement benefits schemes remaining the most popular solution at 34% of respondents.
Negotiations on pay and industrial relations in higher education
After marathon negotiations concluding in May, higher education unions and employers have reached a significant agreement on pay through July 2002 and proposals for a new National Joint Committee, with member consultations underway before further talks in June.
New guide for pension scheme trustees from OPRA
OPRA has published an updated guide for pension scheme trustees covering key responsibilities including contributions, investment, member information, and regulatory reporting. The new edition incorporates feedback from the first 1997 version and OPRA’s four years of regulatory experience, with printed copies available free from June.
TUC welcomes justice for asbestos victims
The TUC welcomes the government and insurance industry’s agreement to provide full compensation for asbestos victims following the collapse of Chester Street Holdings Ltd. The deal ensures affected workers and families receive rightful payouts after months of uncertainty about their claims.
Government and insurers agree asbestos compensations
Government and insurance industry have reached an agreement to ensure asbestos victims receive compensation following Chester Street’s insolvency in January 2001. The arrangement covers former private and public sector employees affected by the collapse, with payments funded through the Policyholder Protection Board and a new Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
Intercultural Services – a word from the author
Intercultural Services is a comprehensive buyer’s guide for HR managers seeking to prepare employees for cross-cultural challenges in today’s global business environment. The book provides concepts, resources, and contact information for over 300 intercultural service providers, helping organizations select and evaluate training programs and diversity services.
