Many software firms now use the Agile approach. But, arguably, it’s use is inappropriate when working with suppliers. In principle, there’s no actual reason why suppliers should not be engaged to do the work of employees under Agile, but care is needed to properly manage the work packaging and the supplier contract.

The argument in favour of granting employees 'benefits' over and above salary is sound. But employee attitudes to benefits change with age - with life stages. As a result what's really needed is flexibility in granting those benefits. But traditionally, management overheads have determined that flexible benefits has been the preserve of the large firm. In fact, designing a flexible benefits systems is simply done by all.

Broadly, most UK SME managers grant employees the bare minimum of additional benefits over and above salary. In many cases, they’ll award staff the statutory minimum. Yet a few SMEs do give their employees generous high-value benefits. So why the difference, and does it make any sense to offer more than you must? Here we discuss the origins of this minimalist thinking and explore what other options there are for beneficial benefits.

Employees from EU countries, now working in the UK, are letting their managers know that they intend to return home. Somehow, the UK’s not such a nice place today. And the problem nation they left all those years ago looks quite attractive now with significant economic growth and jobs. So, when your employees say “We intend moving back to our home”, here are your options.

The gig economy describes the present state where workers need not necessarily be employed by a firm. They can be engaged for the duration of a ‘gig’, after which they stand down until needed again some time later. There can be advantages for managers to employ workers or the self-employed instead of employees. Read how.

Management is a science. Few managers – accidental or otherwise - would dispute that claim as they struggle to motivate their staff. Management is non-obvious and must be learned. Here's a discussion about approaches.