It’s been another exciting year for the HR profession, so join us as we look back at 10 of our most popular articles of 2015, and look ahead to 2016!
10) What's the evidence for... neuro-linguistic programming?
HR Most Influential thinker Rob Briner, professor of organisational psychology at Bath University, continued his “What’s the evidence for…” series with a closer look at neuro-linguistic programming, a subject that still divides business. While many claim NLP is nothing more than a pseudoscience, many professionals still swear by it, and proudly list NLP achievements on their LinkedIn pages. “If there is nothing but anecdotes and testimonials, an HR practitioner should think very carefully indeed about adopting that technique,” warned Briner.
9) Nine lessons from the UK's healthiest workplaces
Is your organisation planning a focus on health and wellbeing in 2016? Take a look at our top tips from the leaders in the field. From standing desks to initiatives to beat cancer, HR magazine counts down the most innovative workplaces in the country. Could your organisation consider a ‘something for something’ policy? Find out here.
8) IVF: Dos and don’ts for employers
Anita Rai, an employment law partner at legal services company Taylor Vinters, talked HR magazine readers through the delicate issues surrounding IVF. Does your organisation have a company policy that covers IVF yet? Rai demonstrates how to be sensitive to the potential parents while minimising the disruption to your workforce. “Having such a policy is likely to attract and retain women generally as it denotes a family-friendly employer,” she added.
7) Video interviewing: The future of recruitment?
Could virtual interviewing eventually signal the death knell of the face-to-face interview? Research from job board Monster and University College London’s Business Psychology MSc programme found almost half of respondents use video interviews as part of the selection process, so like them or not, they are increasingly a part of the recruitment landscape. Check out the top tips to using video interviews effectively, and stay ahead of the curve.
6) Five things HR needs to stop doing
In another appearance on our list, professor Rob Briner listed five things HR should really stop doing. The world of HR is always keen to push the boundaries of business, but unfortunately it seems that can leave it prone to making some pretty unscientific errors. From falling in love with fads to giving weird and fancy names to ordinary things, Briner reminded us to let go of the nonsense and focus on what has been proven to make a difference.
5) Evidence-based HR: Under the microscope
Is the HR profession willing or able to become more evidence-based? Editor Katie Jacobs investigates the evidence-based approach, covering case studies and talking to top academics. According to Paul Kearns, chair of the Institute of Maturity and former head of HR for an automotive manufacturer: “The HR community is still trying to hide behind best practice, which means “there is a bigger need for EBHR than ever before”. Has anything changed during 2015?
4) Next generation employee engagement tools
Measuring engagement levels used to mean annual staff surveys and the ability of individual managers to assess how their teams were feeling about the organisation and their roles. But now employers can add a range of technology-based tools to their armoury. We look to the future of employee engagement tools, and see how you can apply it to your organisation.
3) Getting social media recruitment right
Social media can, at times, seem daunting. However, since research firm Aberdeen Group says that 73% of 18- to 34-year-olds found their last job through a social network, it’s an important skill to master. Should you be using Facebook or LinkedIn to find your ideal candidates? How can you engage your audience with your content? Michelle Adams, head of leadership, talent and resourcing at O2, recommends starting slowly and identifying who you want to reach and the best channel available. “There’s no point in presenting a false version of yourself as a company – that won’t help your new employees,” she said.
2) Cooper: Engagement programmes have had no impact on wellbeing
Cary Cooper, 50th anniversary professor of organisational psychology and health at the University of Manchester’s Business School and HR Most Influential thinker, continued to spark fierce debate about the role of HR. At the second Why Mental Health Matters conference in London, Cooper warned that most employee engagement programmes have had no impact on staff health and wellbeing. “Organisations need to select their line managers better,” he added. “Huge numbers are incompetent at soft skills. Either that, or train your line managers, because line managers are your problem.”
1) HR Most Influential 2015 rankings unveiled
2015's Most Influential, supported by Ceridian and Open University Business School, recognised the HR practitioners and thinkers pushing the field of people strategy forward. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the annual ranking.Shell chief HR and corporate officer Hugh Mitchell was named the most influential HR practitioner of the decade, with Penguin Random House’s Neil Morrison and the BBC’s Valerie Hughes D’Aeth coming second and third respectively.