We're experts on all things Management & HR
The Importance of Employee Commitment
Written by John Berry on 4th May 2017. Revised 25th March 2020.
1 min read
Managers often crave staff engagement. But commitment is a lot more straight forward and potential much easier to use.
This video contrasts employee engagement and commitment, arguing that commitment is fundamental to management. It goes on to suggest that commitment can be achieved though managers giving development opportunities to staff.
Up-skilling the firm to match change in customer needs
Written by John Berry on 20th November 2017. Revised 25th March 2020.
5 min read
The firm had been offering modelling of telecommunications systems. It had the necessary software tools. and a well-trained, experienced workforce. But the market was changing. New questions needed huge additional skills – skills in building massively more complex methods. Here's how those skills were achieved.
So, what jobs to recruit to next?
Written by John Berry on 10th January 2018. Revised 25th March 2020.
6 min read
So what jobs to recruit to next? Increasing staff numbers is a scary prospect. No manager wants to get it wrong. You can't guess. You've no precedent. You can't ask a friend because all firms are different. You must model the company and evaluate each option for its effect on the company and it's KPIs. And it becomes all the more difficult when considering indirect roles like sales people, marketers and other support staff. They could drive the firm to light speed. It's always a tough call.
Skills shortages amid full employment
Written by John Berry on 28th January 2019. Revised 25th March 2020.
6 min read
It’s bizarre. We’ve a record 32.54 million people in work in the UK. But the number of job vacancies jumped to a record high of 853,000. Despite record employment today, companies are suffering skills shortages. Managers have three options - accept the lack of skills and invest in technology to sustain capability - or invest in the people they do have to improve productivity. Here's the rationale.
Inaction is costly! Return to Work Plans Are Free
Written by Sue Berry on 9th May 2017. Revised 25th March 2020.
8 min read
It’s not always easy to know what to do when someone goes off sick. How long do you wait until you speak to them? Can you make decisions when they are off sick? Can you contact them? So many questions!
One thing that is certain – the longer you wait to deal with sickness absence , the harder it becomes. Find out what you should do, and when.
The manager's role in managing employee mental health
Written by John Berry on 13th June 2019. Revised 25th March 2020.
8 min read
There’s been a plethora of articles in the management press and in management-oriented social media recently declaring that mental health is a big issue in firms. Here we temper this alarmism and give a practical three point plan comprising knowledge, awareness and sensing and intervention.
