J-Blog: HR with attitude!

Instant gravy, instant noodles and summary dismissal!

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 09:31:32 +0100

Many line managers know that summary dismissal means ‘you’re fired’ – so all clear on the meaning of the word ‘dismissal’ then, but perhaps not so clear on the meaning of the word ‘summary’?

You could (if you are a line manageRead More...

Data detonator

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:41:11 +0100

For years I have said that the data protection laws we have are the least of every directors’ worries as a stern letter landing on your doormat after whatever breach you have committed is hardly going to set your heart racing and your team leaping all over each other in an effort to make things right.

But no longer! Someone in the Commission has found theyRead More...

Interview irritation

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 14:37:35 +0100

Just this week, Jaluch begins the search for an experienced HR advisor/consultant to add to our team. We have debated the various options for recruitment and I have even spoken to network contacts about how they are currently recruiting and whether their approach has changed over the past few years.

Interestingly, no one was doing anything parRead More...

The compensation gravy train

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 13:19:00 +0100

This week Pauline Scanlon has hit the headlines after winning her fourth tribunal case in a decade, as a result of which she has accumulated a phenomenal £500,000 of compensation – which for someone on a £25K a year salary is pretty good going by the age of 46...

Employed as an EqualRead More...

How great is your body?

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:06:41 +0100

I read an interesting article this week on how leaders need to be aware of and use their bodies to lead!

Other than where the imagination takes you on this theme - with whichever leader you know who springs to mind (!) - I thought I would take this opportunity to give you a few lighthearted reminders on ‘body leadership’:

Reminder No. 1 Be assertive by all means, but do go easy on the eye contact!

The art of miscommunication

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:17:07 +0100

I love this quote from Alice in Wonderland:

"You should say what you mean" said the March Hare.

"I do" Alice hastily replied "at least - at least I mean what I say - that's the same thing you know."

"Not the same thing a bit!" said the Hatter. "WRead More...

Kelloggs sees daylight...

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:33:44 +0100

I was interested to read this week that Kelloggs has been encouraging the take up of flexible working hours opportunities. This is so staff, during the darker winter months, can spend just a little bit more time in ‘daylight’ than would otherwise be the case.

A Kelloggs study had found that a shockingRead More...

Dead bodies, dark underground spaces, the stage… what job suits you?

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:27:03 +0100

With my ever present interest in the weird and whacky, I was interested to read today of the top 10 most feared jobs - courtesy of an email I received from Bournemouth Employment Ladder.

They read as follows:-

1. Forensic Entomologist (inRead More...

What do you mean when you say 'flexible'?

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:00:50 +0100

This week there have been calls for the Public Sector to respond flexibly when seeking to make cost savings. But what exactly is ‘flexible’ in the workplace and how many managers feel comfortable working outside normal process and procedure in order to identify ‘flexible’ opportunRead More...

The incompetence of line managers

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:16:35 +0100

Joey Goodfellow joined the company 5 years ago as a machine operator. He then progressed through the ranks as a result of his enthusiasm, work ethic and general good nature to deputyRead More...

Turning job losses into career successes

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:02:17 +0100

During a career in HR I cannot begin to count the number of staff I have helped clients make redundant. I do though recall one day way back in the early 90’s when I told over 70 individuals in just one day. That was a record, even for me.

A typical reaction is one of feeling viRead More...

Appraisal angst

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:54:06 +0100

For many its performance review time of year again. A time when managers sigh, their stomachs churn, headaches set in and brains whirr to think of any viable excuses to get them out of all that extra paperwork, time spent in meetings and embarrassment when difficult issues need to be addressed and recorded.

On the flip side, an Read More...

Flirt express?

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 10:35:33 +0100

Pizza Express is launching a new concept restaurant, and in doing so, also introducing flirting training for staff. The training is designed to ensure staff are great at communicating with customers, able to initiate conversations, able to relax customers and generally through their improved skills, enhance the restaurant environment &ndasRead More...

Leaders of the future...

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 10:21:02 +0100

In some recent interviews with teenagers prepping their interview skills for the heady heights of university, I have been asking about what has made them good leaders on team tasks at school.

Almost unanimously I have been told that good leaders always go with the group consensus, always fully explain their decision making procRead More...

Expendable extras...

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 10:15:58 +0100

Has anyone else noticed that in the past few years you can’t buy a roll for lunch that actually goes in your mouth? What is this silly fad for sticking as much filling out of the bun as you get in the bun, resulting in a whole nation that has lunch stuck around its face for much of the afternoon, endless dollops of whatever on tRead More...

Too flexible?

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 08:48:00 +0100

Ever had one of those bendy rulers that you bend so much just to test its breaking point... and then act surprised when it actually snaps in two? Well that may well be happening in the UK in the near future.

The government announced a few short months ago that it intends to extend the right to request flexible woRead More...

Sickies - a terminal illness?

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 08:20:00 +0100

How long have I been ranting about sickies? I feel it has been a lifetime and still we read article after article after article of the billions of pounds it costs the UK economy every year.

In a recent survey 21% of staff polled said that the last day they were off sick they wereRead More...

True colours revealed

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 09:02:00 +0100

I have often been asked how long I recommend for a probationary period for new starters at work.

The answer has always been simple. 3 months is far too short. 6 months is about right, and you probably need to have made your mind up by 9 months. I therefore usually recommend Read More...

Banning bonanza - burkas or hoodies?

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:35:00 +0100

This week we hear of legislation in France to ban the wearing of the Burka. Today on the train I saw a sign saying that hoodies should be banned. So what do employers do about dress codes? Follow on behind and hope that someone somewhere doesn't sue thRead More...

Whateva... its only an interview!

helen@jaluch.co.uk — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 08:45:53 +0100

Its that time of year again when I go into various secondary schools and do some mock interviews with children just turning 16 who are planning on venturing out to get their first part time job.

I love to see the huge range of talent that comes in front of me and giving them a few tips abRead More...