Training
Line manager training reduces absence rates
Employers that targeted line managers for absence management training saw improved absence rates at two-thirds (64%) of organisations, according to new research from XpertHR.
The research reveals that training line managers gave them more confidence to tackle non-attendance proactively.
Among those employers that saw improved absence rates as a result of manager training, 20% witnessed a significant reduction and 68% saw “some reduction” in their absence levels.
Only one organisation in 10 of the 178 that conducted absence management training thought that it was unsuccessful.
Charlotte Wolff, XpertHR training editor and author of the report, said: “This research echoes findings of a similar study carried out by XpertHR in 2007. It appears that giving line managers the skills they need to deal with the sometimes complex issues surrounding sickness and absence frequently pays off.
“Line managers are not always equipped to have sensitive conversations with team members and can be nervous of falling foul of employment law. Training that involves discussion, real-life examples and an opportunity to learn in a safe environment will provide them with the confidence they need.”
Wolff added that it is beneficial for line managers to develop an understanding of the organisation’s absence policies and procedures, learn how to seek help and guidance from HR and occupational health, and understand why absence matters to the organisation.
The report found that the topics most covered by employers in absence management training included: organisational policy (99%); return-to-work interviews (99%); recording absence (97%); and communicating with employees (92%).
Fewer employers included the promotion of good health (51%) and Health and Safety Executive management standards (25%) (a tool that helps managers be proactive about minimising workplace stress), areas that were more widely covered by the organisations that saw significant reductions in their absence rates as a result of line manager training.
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News
Shortlist for dispute resolution award announced
(Source: Personnel Today)
The shortlist for the 2011 Personnel Today Awards has been announced. After a huge number of entries and a rigorous judging process, a panel of industry experts has whittled down the entrants to make up the shortlist for the awards evening, taking place on 23 November at the Hilton, Park Lane, London.
The shortlisted organisations are
- East Sussex County Council
- Foreign & Commonwealth Office
- Metropolitan Police Service
- NHS East Lancashire Primary Care Trust
- Surrey County Council
- Topshop/Topman
Edward Davey, minister for employment relations, will present the new dispute resolution award to the HR team that most clearly demonstrates innovation in this area. Judges will be looking for examples of innovative practices such as establishing internal mediation schemes, training HR teams to act as mediators and peacemakers, training and supporting line managers to resolve disputes, and encouraging early dispute resolution within and across teams.
Speaking to Personnel Today earlier this yearl, Davey explained how mediation sits at the heart of the Government’s proposed strategy to reform the way in which workplace disputes are handled. By encouraging employers to enter into mediation where possible, the Government hopes to reduce the number of tribunals that take place, thus making the process less of a burden for employers.
Statistics
| Average age discrimination award three times higher than last year |
(Source: Xpert HR)
The Ministry of Justice has published its report on employment tribunal and EAT statistics for the period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011, including details of compensation awards for successful unfair dismissal and discrimination claims.
The average award for a successful age discrimination claim is £30,289 – triple last year’s average, and more than twice the next highest average discrimination award (for disability discrimination).
The highest award in a discrimination claim was £289,167 (sex discrimination), followed by £181,083 for disability discrimination. The average award for religion or belief discrimination claims – which always attract the media spotlight – nearly doubled, to £8,515.
The report confirms a 32% rise in accepted claims for age discrimination, but an 8% fall in overall claims received by tribunals, figures that were previously reported in the annual tribunals statistics for 2010/11.
Out of the 10,300 unfair dismissal cases that proceeded to a hearing, only eight resulted in orders for reinstatement or re-engagement – two more than last year. Fewer claimants were represented by lawyers or trade union representatives than in 2009/10, but more had other types of representatives to assist them.
The Ministry of Justice website has the full report from HM Courts & Tribunals Service.