I went ‘out out’ to the opticians …. a very interesting experience under the current circumstances! We discussed my awesome skills in fixing glasses with Superglue but also, more importantly, signs of digital eye strain. As a result of the switch to home-working for many people, there has been a big increase in consultations about […]
When’s a redundancy not a redundancy? When it’s an obvious attempt to just sack someone. A real redundancy is when a company decides it no longer needs a particular role. Maybe because the work is no longer needed, or the company needs to downsize to reduce its staffing costs, or it’s part of a restructuring […]
It sounds like a simple idea: don’t fire people and the Government will provide up to 80% of their pay each month instead. Inevitably it’s becoming a little more complicated. The next key date is 10th June and after that new entrants cannot join, because the scheme closes for new applications on 30th June and any […]
What’s the difference between a Minimum Wage and a Living Wage? Well, it depends who you ask. There’s a compulsory Living Wage all employers have to pay, although critics say that just changed the name of the Minimum Wage – and it’s lower than the “real but voluntary” Living Wage. Currently, employers have to pay […]
With so many people now working from home, how are you getting on? As a massive experiment, it’s blown up all the previous obstacles and concerns about home-working: the worries that people won’t work or things will fall apart. If work can be done remotely, any glitches are just a matter of making adjustments: equipment, […]
So now you’re juggling home-schooling and working remotely. Good luck and enjoy the experience! As a working parent, there are a number of ways to shake things up so that you can maintain some kind of your work-life balance, as well as your patience and sanity. Here are a number of options available to you […]
Government support is available if you put people on unpaid leave (otherwise called furloughs or temporary layoffs) but don’t terminate their employment. Employers can apply for up to 80% of pay, up to £2,500 per month (annual equivalent is £30,000). So they will still be employed, the Government will help with their pay BUT they […]
Wow. Okay, everyone’s talking about working from home, worrying about Coronavirus and stockpiling toilet rolls. We’re living in interesting times. Don’t panic. But before you get overtaken by events – and the worst case scenarios could mean lots of missing people from your workplace – stop now and come up with a plan, so you […]
What happens if firms cannot hire enough people to make goods, look after people and wait on customers? We might find out soon. The Government has outlined plans for a points-based immigration system after the UK leaves the EU. The immediate reactions involve the difficulties ahead with getting “low-skilled” workers to qualify, which might affect […]
Friction in working relationships can be a part of your working life at times, although hopefully not in a bad way. People have different priorities and viewpoints. But sometimes you can find yourself in a situation where the dispute goes on and you cannot see a way out. It might be an issue about a […]
Can you manage your friend and say when she or he is causing problems? Can you do this to your partner and then share a bed later? We work with many firms where friends either got together to launch the endeavours or partners came in to work there very early on. Others have hired their […]
Working with all kinds of people, we spot issues and trends as they rise and fall. One thing we’ve seen increase is conversations about people using cocaine. The clichéd views are that it’s everywhere, it’s becoming more and more acceptable and it’s just another option for people who want to have fun. In reality, it’s […]
If you see or hear the words “developing people” – you probably don’t react well. If you’re a manager, it probably feels like a duty or, at worst, a pointless exercise. Ticking a box in an appraisal process. But here’s where you’re wrong. Because I’ve worked with all kinds of people who, at some […]
Hands up who loves appraisals! Come on, don’t all rush to raise your arms enthusiastically. If you’re sighing and feeling it’s something you have to do, because your boss and HR are hassling you about it, then here’s some quick advice: 1 You have to do it – so make an effort If you […]
On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me: 12 drunken staff, 11 promised pay rises, 10 crates of beer bought, 9 passed out workers, 8 leering managers, 7 punches thrown, 6 cupboard lovers, 5 bullied workers, 4 broken bones, 3 drunk drivers, 2 sexist jokers and a Christmas party headache! The […]
Ho ho ho! ‘Tis the season of goodwill, when people smile more and sing along to festive favourite tunes while hanging tinsel and baubles over anything they can. So here are 7 things to consider as you eat your own weight in mince pies and chocolates: 1 Say thanks Come on, just say it. Even […]
Apart from her HR talents, Melissa carves amazing Halloween pumpkins. This year’s model is Pacman!
Once upon a time, businesses communicated by posting letters, making phone calls and meetings. Now people are sending and receiving work messages through emails, messaging apps and texts. While considering the obvious pros and cons – from speed and ease of communication to the risks of being overwhelmed by pinging notifications on your phone from Slack, […]
Lockdown and vision changesJuly 2, 2020 - 1:38 pm
Redundancy – not a magic wand to fire someoneJune 18, 2020 - 9:11 am
A quick guide to furloughsMay 19, 2020 - 9:39 am
Living or Minimum wages: what do you have to pay?April 24, 2020 - 10:07 am
Working in different places and how to adjustMarch 26, 2020 - 3:05 pm