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HR outsourcing: the basics

Using external providers to do the job of a personnel or HR department might save money, but the process is not without its pitfalls. GrowthBusiness weighs up the benefits and the risks.

Managing remote workers

With more of us wanting to run our own race rather than the rat race, remote working is now used as a tool to attract and retain good staff.

Why HR makes you sick

Human resources (HR) professionals are most likely to become ill as a result of work, according to research.

Running a motivation programme

Many philosophers agree that it’s impossible to change the nature of human beings. But if you can understand people’s motivational turn-ons, at least it's a start.

Creating a great workplace

The Structure Group, a management consultancy specialising in energy and finance, was recently named the second best place to work in the UK by the Great Places to Work Institute. Senior director Jim Hayward explains why the company won the accolade.

Ian McCaig on workplace giving

Lastminute.com is one of many organisations engaged in the workplace giving scheme. The company's CEO Ian McCaig explains why he’s making it easier for his employees to give money to charity.

In the firing line

Dismissing an employee is never easy, and inflexible employment legislation has been blamed for making it even harder. GrowthBusiness asks business owners and employment experts about the rules of engagement when showing someone the door.

Virtual PAs: the lowdown

An engaged tone doesn’t create the best first impression. Mike Smithson, founder of web development company The Property Jungle, uses a virtual PA service to field incoming calls.

Charity in the workplace

Giving money to charity can foster a sense of well-being in the workplace as well as building team spirit among staff. GrowthBusiness investigates.

Foreign workers to cost more

The introduction of a points-based system for foreigners coming to work in the UK means added costs and responsibilities for employers. Jonathan Goldsworthy, an associate at international law firm Bird & Bird, reveals how the changes will affect companies which employ foreign nationals.

Team building with a difference

Few business leaders will have considered circus training for their staff, or installed a “think-u-bator”, in which employees can ponder and have moments of greatness. Yet there are companies out there that are doing exactly these things.

Managing staff time

The dividing line between work and personal time is becoming increasingly blurred. A flexible, self-regulating approach to time management will benefit both employee and employer, argues Simon Norris of software supplier Temperus.

Outsourced staff training

Keeping your employees' skills and knowledge up to speed with the latest developments in your industry can take up a lot of time that you don't really have. Outsourcing may be the answer, but don't expect instant results.

A fit and healthy workforce

Obesity is a killer, according to the latest furore in the press. So how can you bring health and happiness to your employees, encouraging them to visit the gym or take up a sport to help make them a fitter and more active person?

Interviewers turn off job candidates

The majority (56 per cent) of UK jobseekers who left an interview with a bad impression of the hiring company blame the interviewer, according to research from T-Mobile. Reasons given included rudeness, lateness, sexism and even drunkenness.

Punch above your weight

Jos White, who sold his company MessageLabs for $695 million, on why it's so important to act like a bigger business than you really are.

Meeting menaces: The Waffler

More tips from John Cleese, who reveals how to stop a waffler in full flow.

Reducing energy usage

Ian Cheshire, chairman of B&Q, explains how the store has saved 10,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.