Book Review: Organisational behaviour for dummies
This comprehensive guide by Cary Cooper, Lynn Holdsworth, and Sheena Johnson explores individual and group behavior in organizations across six key sections: foundational OB concepts, employee dynamics, leadership and motivation, organizational culture and change, recruitment and development, and practical top-10 tips for workplace success.
In a Nutshell: Five tips for rolling out a global HR system successfully
Discover five essential tips for successfully rolling out a global HR system based on Aviva’s experience implementing Workday across multiple regions. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls through phased deployment, clear communication, and managing expectations honestly.
Five social media platforms to help boost your career
Discover five social media platforms—LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, BranchOut, and Facebook—that can significantly boost your career prospects and help you connect with potential employers and industry professionals.
News: Half of HR departments will be restructured in next few years
Nearly half of organizations plan to restructure their HR departments in the coming years, with many adopting shared services models or outsourcing more activities. The shift reflects companies’ need to adapt HR functions to changing business requirements and invest in technology to improve service delivery and efficiency.
Blog: Organisational values – Actions speak louder than words
Organizational values must be lived and demonstrated through actions, not just stated in mission statements. When leaders like Tim Cook prioritize values over profits and genuinely embed them throughout operations, they attract talent, loyal customers, and community support—creating a competitive advantage that goes beyond any single product or patent.
In a Nutshell: Four ways to ensure that HR serves the business better
HR departments serve businesses better when they stay closely aligned with organizational goals. Karl Jolly recommends four strategies: keep your HR purpose simple and connected to business objectives, focus on three or four key initiatives, measure your progress through benchmarking, and encourage incremental improvements across your team.
Making a difference by mentoring
Andy Coxall shares his year-long mentoring experience with an eight-year-old boy facing behavioral and emotional challenges through Chance UK. He explains how early intervention and providing a positive male role model can create lasting impact on vulnerable children’s lives.
In a Nutshell: Five tips for creating a positive company culture
Creating a positive company culture starts with understanding employee values, communicating clearly with staff, and ensuring workers understand organizational goals. Additional key steps include reworking policies to support change and delivering on company promises to build trust and retain talent.
How to get ahead in HR
HR professionals can advance their careers by developing strong business partnership skills, building relationships with senior leaders, and demonstrating strategic value to the organization. Key competencies include leadership, communication, self-motivation, and the ability to work under pressure while serving as a trusted advisor to management.
In a Nutshell: Five ways to run a successful apprenticeship programme
Learn five essential strategies for running a successful apprenticeship programme, from investing time in trainees and building strong training provider relationships to managing expectations, boosting confidence, and protecting study time.
Do you get commercial?
HR professionals must demonstrate commercial acumen by focusing on measurable business outcomes rather than best practices alone. Being commercial means understanding business strategy and delivering targeted interventions that directly impact company performance and productivity.
In a Nutshell: Five ways to make the most of your older workers
Employers can maximize the potential of older workers by treating them as individuals, building trust, keeping their roles engaging, and leveraging their experience. Five practical strategies help address ageism while ensuring both productivity and job satisfaction across all ages.
Case Study: LV= focuses on staff enagement to negotiate change
LV= prioritizes staff engagement to manage rapid growth and organizational change. The car insurer uses comprehensive recruitment, reward systems, recognition programs, and leadership development to maintain employee morale and navigate expansion from 2,000 to 5,600 staff members.
In a Nutshell: Five ways to nurture your own career
HR professionals can enhance their career value by developing business acumen, building technical expertise through formal qualifications, gaining diverse sector experience, networking with peers and mentors, and maintaining disciplined skill development. These five strategies help HR leaders become indispensable strategic partners in their organizations.
Is it worth bothering with a CIPD qualification?
A CIPD qualification is well-respected and can open doors in HR roles, particularly when transitioning from other business functions. While not always required, employers value it alongside practical experience and demonstrated soft skills like communication and leadership.
In a Nutshell: Five ways to ensure a positive relationship with the unions
Building positive union relationships requires respect, clear communication, and professionalism. Philippe Ferrie, an employee relations coordinator, shares five key strategies: listen carefully, follow through on commitments, focus on individual concerns, master your subject matter, and maintain authentic transparency to establish trust and productive partnerships.
News: Govt launches 3-step mental health plan to save employers £10bn
The government launched a three-step mental health initiative to help employers reduce workplace mental health costs, which exceed £1,000 per employee annually. The plan recommends joining the Time to Change campaign, appointing mental health advocates, and using occupational health support services to boost worker wellbeing and productivity.
In a Nutshell: Four tips for creating a positive company culture
Hilti’s head of people and culture development shares four essential tips for building positive company culture: engaging employees’ emotions and values, keeping practices simple and pragmatic, welcoming critical feedback as a gift, and developing self-awareness among leaders and staff.
Academic Insight: Charles Handy on leadership, work and well-being
Charles Handy, a renowned organizational behavior philosopher, discusses how capitalism must evolve to serve society while balancing self-interest with altruism. He argues that modern corporations prioritize shareholders over community, and advocates for a new capitalism driven by entrepreneurs creating genuine value and jobs.
Blog: How often should I change my job?
Career progression today requires taking control of your own development, as lifelong employment is no longer the norm. While frequent job changes were once viewed negatively, strategic moves that demonstrate career growth and increased responsibilities are now increasingly seen as ambitious career development rather than job-hopping.
