Editor's Note

Do employees really enjoy the fun-filled activities companies sponsor? Maybe yes or maybe no, here is a different take. While many consider happiness a synonym for employee engagement, author Carol Anderson thinks commitment is a much better synonym, and certainly more productive for business outcomes. According to her, activities like writing personal, handwritten notes to employees who went above and beyond is a much beautiful practice and morale booster than partying. Or better yet, sitting with the employee and asking them how their work is going, and what would make their job easier is a more productive approach. What do you think?Read Carol’s article Party On, HR!to know her take.

Party On, HR!: Commitment is more productive for business outcomes

Does it strike you as odd that the July/August HR Magazine features a seven-page article titled “25 Fun & Easy Ways to Boost Morale?” On first glance, this looks pretty neat. The writer crowd-sourced ideas on social media and shared them in the article. The ideas range from movie tickets to time off to an ugly sweater contest. Each story exclaimed how excited the employees were with the activity.

HR Strategyand Planning September 2015 Advertisers

Advice For HR From HR: Change!: A call to arms for HR

It is not often that I’m rendered speechless, ask anyone who knows me, but this comment did the trick.
“You’re too smart to be in H.R.”
Fortunately, speechlessness was better than my mouth pouring forth what was streaming through my mind which would have been even more inappropriate than that comment.

Human Capital Management: How HR Technology is changing HCM

Through our daily professional and personal experiences, we can appreciate that we are living in a time of unprecedented change and connectivity. Our work is being defined by the rise of a digital economy,the shifting demographics of the workplace and the continued pressure to innovate.

People Analytics: It’s a mug's game. Isn’t it?

Once the Professional Gambler has shaped an informed opinion, available betting bank funds are considered, and these are invested proportionately against a combination of success probability and potential profit; there is awareness that a value bet doesn’t always equate to a winning bet, and therefore all eggs are not placed in a single basket, however there is an unshakable confidence that a succession of value bets will provide a return in the long run

HR- Health & Safety First: Get inspired, HR teams!

During my morning run I saw two near-accidents of children on their way to school on their bicycle while using their smartphone. Using your telephone while cycling (or driving) is very dangerous. When I look back at the period I worked at Arcadis (2006-2014) my behaviour was most probably changed by the emphasis that was put on the importance of health and safety. Not only at work, but in other parts of your life as well.

Strategic Workforce Planning: The easy button

I’ve noticed recently that the number of enquiries about Strategic Workforce Planning (SWP) has gone up. In my experience, these enquiries rise as the economy and company financials fall. When times are good, extra revenue does a great job of hiding your workforce challenges and inefficiencies.

How To Get Answers From Human Resources: Knowing who handles what in HR

As a human resources professional, I’ve seen employees struggling to get answers to their questions. Not because HR pros are trying to keep information from employees, but because employees don’t know who handles what in HR.

Millennial Prosperity: HR departments are the driving force behind that

Millennial engagement is a hot topic these days. HR departments can become the driving force behind a prosperous work place environment that speaks directly to millennials with focus on three important areas.