January can be a thoroughly dull and dismal month, and if you’re feeling a bit down in the dumps, then you’re definitely not alone. The festivities are over, the weather is miserable, and there’s pretty much a full six months to wait before your summer holidays will come round. Right about now, you’re probably considering your strategy for relighting a …
Weathering the winter storm
Every part of the year brings its challenges in terms of HR. During the summer, you may be concerned about how you’re going to manage an influx of requests for annual leave. Then there’s sporting events that can cause havoc when it comes to getting your staff through the door and engaged with their roles. Winter, of course, is no …
EqualPayDay – Women Working For Free Until 2017
History was made last month when Hillary Clinton ran as the first-ever US female presidential nominee, which if she had been successful, would have seen her become the first-ever female president. But despite her seeming popularity, she was beaten to the post by Donald Trump. Clinton commented, ‘We have still have not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling. But …
The problem with Presenteeism – What can you do?
These been a lot of talk recently about the term ‘Presenteeism’ – I’m sure you’ve heard of it. According to recent research from Canada Life Group Insurance, ‘presenteeism’ is a real issue for UK employers. In fact, 9 out 10 staff said that they have gone into work when they’ve been feeling ill. Some might say that their dedication to …
What will you be wearing this Christmas Jumper Day?
I was out shopping with my girls at the weekend and you can’t escape the fact Christmas is well and truly on the way. Music is playing, decorations are up and the new tradition of Christmas is blatantly on sale in most shops – the novelty Christmas jumper. Now I love Christmas jumpers (although I wouldn’t be caught wearing one) …
Does the work Christmas party bring you out in a cold sweat?
We’re well and truly into November now and no doubt most workplaces have booked and planned their Christmas party. But it’s fair to say the workplace Christmas party gets its fair share of bad press. From punch-ups and offensively drunk staff, to extra-marital activities and unwanted advances, we’ve all heard the horror stories. I certainly remember a few in my …
Help!! All my staff want time off over Christmas
So we’re quickly approaching the festive season, and no doubt everything’s going well in your business. You’ve got robust plans in place, so you’re in the best possible position for maximising your profits for the end of the year, and you’re feeling pretty organised and in control. All of a sudden though, you’ve got a big issue on your hands. …
Would you have a problem with a tattooed employee?
It’s fair to say that body art including tattoos and the workplace are two things that haven’t traditionally gone hand in hand. However in recent years, things have started to shift. In 2014, Starbucks famously lifted its tattoo ban for its staff in a move that was welcomed with open (and perhaps intricately adorned) arms. The coffee chain is known …
Going for Gold with staff health and wellbeing
Since the 2016 Rio Olympics there seems to have been various stories in the news about health and wellbeing. That isn’t at all surprising, as many people will have been motivated to get out of their chairs and get more active. Long may it last. Even the most dedicated of couch potatoes would have struggled not to feel inspired by …
Stop lying to your employees…
Corporate jargon is something plenty of us use every day without giving it much thought. Maybe you encourage a lot of ‘blue-sky thinking’. Perhaps you suggested to your team that you ‘take things offline’ when you’d rather have a more private conversation about an important issue. Or, a little disturbingly, you might occasionally consider yourself to be ‘punching a puppy’ when you do something that …