Analysis: Govt’s response to Frost sickness absence review “disappointing”
Experts criticize the government’s response to the Frost review of workplace sickness absence, saying it falls short of recommendations. The government’s new Independent Assessment Service will provide health assessments for employees absent four weeks or more, but critics warn funding proposals are inadequate and don’t extend coverage to treatments like physiotherapy and private medical care.
Blog: Driver licensing changes – Pushing eyecare up the HR agenda
New driver licensing rules requiring regular medical certification for lorry and bus drivers highlight the importance of employee eyecare. Many organizations underestimate their duty of care regarding employee eye health, despite work-related driving causing 30-40% more accidents and vision being a key health indicator.
Blog: What’s your communication style?
Discover your natural communication style and learn how to adapt it for different situations. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses in communication is key to building confidence and avoiding misperceptions that could undermine your message.
News: What to do when it snows?
When snow disrupts UK travel, employers must check employment contracts to determine if staff are entitled to pay for missing work. Employers can choose to pay anyway for morale benefits, but should apply policies consistently across all employees to avoid discrimination claims. Planning ahead with flexible working options and clear weather policies helps manage future disruptions.
Information security: The role of HR
HR plays a critical role in information security across the employment lifecycle. From pre-employment screening to post-employment activities, HR implements security policies and controls that protect organizational information assets. Clear policy communication and proper implementation, as highlighted by the Royal Bank of Scotland case, are essential to avoid costly legal disputes and maintain security effectiveness.
Blog: Why are annual performance appraisals so stressful?
Annual performance appraisals create significant stress because managers avoid them, employees dread them, and once-yearly feedback fails to improve performance. Social recognition and crowdsourced feedback can replace traditional reviews with continuous, constructive input that reduces anxiety and drives better results.
Blog: How to live long and prosper
A 60-year Harvard study reveals seven controllable factors that significantly influence longevity and happiness: avoiding smoking and excess alcohol, exercising regularly, continuous learning, nurturing relationships, altruism, and stress management. Starting these habits before age 50 is crucial for long-term health and well-being.
Four easy steps to plan for career change
Planning a career change requires self-reflection before jumping into job hunting. This four-step guide helps you clarify your values, strengths, and passions through written exercises, then narrow down to three realistic career options that align with your goals.
News: Low income NHS staff “not paid properly” since transfer to outsourcer
Low-income NHS staff at Brighton’s Royal Sussex County Hospital have experienced payment problems since being transferred to contractor Sodexo, with some workers missing wages and overtime payments. The GMB union reports employees have had to collect emergency cash at company offices, though Sodexo says it remains committed to resolving the issues.
Blog: What to do when 2012 anxieties becomes 2013 stress
Managing workplace stress after the holidays is crucial for employee wellbeing and productivity. A study found 65% of workers experienced stress at year-end, with 30% reporting work impacts. Creating supportive environments, recognizing early warning signs like tiredness and irritability, and building employee resilience through coaching and recognition can help reduce stress and prevent mental health issues.
Ask the Expert: Should we allow a sick employee to return to work?
A doctor has certified your employee as unfit to work following ankle surgery. Allowing them to return despite this certification could breach your duty of care, invalidate insurance coverage, and create liability if further injury occurs. Seek GP clearance or an occupational health assessment before permitting return.
Blog: Boosting employee energy for 2013
Employee fatigue and poor sleep are the greatest hidden productivity costs affecting organizations, yet most workplace wellness programs ignore energy management. Research shows fatigue causes significant loss of work hours, reduced engagement, and health issues, making targeted energy-boosting initiatives essential for business performance.
Talent Spot: Community blogger, Will Mitchell
Will Mitchell, director of consulting at talent management firm A&DC, is a passionate advocate for experiential learning and leadership development. After a transformative gap year with the Outward Bound Trust, he built a career helping organizations and individuals develop learning agility and adaptive leadership skills in today’s volatile business environment.
Legal Insight: When the (Christmas) party’s over…
Employers can discipline employees for misconduct at Christmas parties, even when held off-site, if behavior damages business interests. Alcohol-related incidents are most common, but employers who provide free drinks may face criticism in tribunal cases. Parties should be inclusive, offering non-alcoholic options and accommodating employees’ religious beliefs.
News: Christmas party hangovers to cost employers £740m this year
Christmas party hangovers could cost UK employers £740 million in lost productivity this year, as survey data shows 75% of companies plan office celebrations and 70% of workers expect to party for multiple nights over the festive season.
Blog: Four tips to help stressed out HR pros relax
HR professionals can reduce workplace stress through four practical strategies: deep breathing and meditation, adding plants and improving office decor, scheduling meetings to minimize interruptions, and decluttering your desk. These evidence-based techniques help create a calmer, more focused work environment.
Blog: How to avoid a Christmas bust-up
Avoid Christmas conflicts by resolving workplace tensions before the holidays. Learn how to embrace disagreements constructively and use communication techniques like the Communication Square exercise to foster understanding with colleagues and family members.
Blog: The rising challenge of presenteeism
A Chartered Management Institute survey reveals rising presenteeism in UK workplaces, with 43% of managers reporting employees working while ill—up 11% since 2007. Extended work hours, organizational changes, and job security fears drive this concerning trend that reduces productivity and employee wellbeing.
Blog: Workers to burn out unless something gives soon…
Employee burnout is a growing crisis as workers face prolonged job insecurity and excessive workloads. A Global Workforce Study reveals over one-third of UK employees experience excessive pressure, with more than half working extended hours for three years. HR professionals must help staff manage stress and prevent productivity decline before burnout becomes unavoidable.
News: Starbucks’ move to cut staff benefits sparks fresh concern
Starbucks has cut paid lunch breaks, sick leave and maternity benefits for approximately 7,000 UK staff, sparking concerns that employees are subsidizing the company’s potential tax bill increase. The changes coincide with parliamentary criticism of the chain’s tax avoidance practices, with workers claiming the reductions feel designed to offset planned tax payments.
