"When the going gets tough......"
Posted: Tuesday 8 November 2011
The HReSource annual Survey supported by Morton Fraser findings now released.
The survey has identified very clear indicators as to why businesses and public sector organisations are finding life tough but coping in very challenging economic times.
Over 130 HR decision makers across the UK responded to the survey providing very useful data to confirm the main issues facing them, their teams and their respective organisations.
The annual research carried out by HReSource and Morton Fraser has again found HR professionals managing greater workloads with fewer resources. 80% of the HR decision makers surveyed reported an increased workload, 40% stated as “increased significantly”.
The pressure on HR is doubled as they have typically “downsized” to reduce costs yet are having to cope with the fall out from exactly the same issue in all other departments. Managers in all functions are facing greater workloads, fewer staff and directives to “get greater returns from fewer resources”.
The recent proposed changes in employment tribunal costs and unfair dismissal qualification don't appear to have satisfied the survey respondents many of whom fear staff will simply become more creative in ways to bring claims. The economic climate being a significant factor in the increase in litigious behaviour of staff.
It’s no surprise that the respondents to the survey quoted the onset of “stress” as one of the main reason for grievances by employees. With reduced resources poorly trained or ill equipped managers are facing tough decisions and often a resistant workforce. Little surprise also that claims of bullying and stress feature strongly in the day to day dealings of the HR Manager.
The survey supports a recent CIPD report which highlighted stress as being the most common reason for workplace absence.
The overriding response from the HR profession is that they want a period of stability with employment legislation, a simpler less employee biased system for handling claims and professional advisers who are experienced, accessible and able to offer value.
If you wish to obtain a copy of the report, or discuss its findings in more detail please contact our employment law expert Innes Clark.
