Power changes
When Peter Ellison began his career in HR, it was seat of the pants stuff, he tells Miriam Bell. His role today is very different, but there is still nothing ordinary or routine about being head of people culture at Vector.

Understanding Y
Street-smart, fast-learning global citizens or materialistic slackers? Which is the real Generation Y? Miriam Bell talks to Peter Sheahan, author and self-appointed spokeman for today’s young adults, about what makes them tick.

Telling tales
Shawn Callahan explains when and how to use narrative techniques to supplement traditional interviews and surveys. Focusing on a technique called ‘anecdote circles’, he illustrates how these circles can be set up and conducted in a manner that ensures the collection of rich stories.

Working space
Investing in good design is essential in today’s business world, says Jane Eyles-Bennett. She looks at the link between good design and personal effectiveness in the workplace.

More than a building
Flexibility is the key at v.nue, Vodafone’s new glass-clad head office that’s designed to allow people to work in the way best suited to their role.

Headaches ahead for health sector
New Zealand’s rapidly ageing population will affect employers across all industries and sectors, but the health sector will be particularly hard hit. Gill Greer explores the issue and explains why employers of all types need to develop strategies to cope with the challenges ahead.

HEALTH & SAFETY: Sitting pretty
Flickering screens, poorly designed chairs and desks that are too small can turn the workplace into a health hazard. Andrew Wilson identifies the essentials for a safe and efficient office environment.

LEADERSHIP: Taking the challenge
For leaders to be truly effective, they need to be able to demonstrate self-leadership too. Only then, says Malcolm Sutherland, do we get the effect of ‘two hands clapping’.

STRATEGIC HR: HR by numbers
In today’s workplace, team leaders and managers must deliver many of an organisation’s people management services. But how can HR ensure this is done effectively? Sam Audeau has the answers.

Career parents
Flexibility is the key requirement for parents juggling work commitments with bringing up a family. Philippa Reed discusses the findings of a recent EEO Trust survey and explains how employers can help parents do their best at home and at work.

Pandemic preparations
As the world braces for a bird flu pandemic, businesses in New Zealand are being urged to prepare for the day when half their workforce is away sick. Terri Witters discusses the responsibilities of employers under the Health and Safety in Employment Act.

Out of sight
Remote workers may spend much of their working lives away from the office, but being out of sight should not mean being out of mind. There’s plenty their managers can do to ensure they’re part of the team, reports Lyndsey Swan.

Lonely days and lonely nights
The number of workers who spend their working days—or nights—alone, is increasing. And with their solitary work often comes an elevated health and safety risk. Miriam Bell reports on how to minimise the risks.

Why mediate?
A well-run mediation process can help resolve a wide range of employment problems, say Karen Spackman and Charles Chauvel. They discuss the role of mediation as the primary problem-solving mechanism in the workplace.

Stress at work
Workplace stress claims have been one of the most high profile areas of employment law in recent years. But, as Victoria Donaghy explains, there are limits on employer liability for ‘stressed out’ employees.

LEGAL SOLUTIONS: Within our rights
Fingerprinting technology, compensation packages and resignation issues all come under the microscope this month as Alison Clements provides the answers to some difficult questions.

RECRUITMENT: Interpreting NCEA results
As the school year ends, employers can look forward to an influx of eager young job candidates knocking at their doors. But how should they interpret the NCEA results they bring with them? Paul Jackman explains.

CASE IN POINT: Reinstated, but not to work
A recent case brings a new dimension to the way interim reinstatement may be awarded. Rachel Steele warns that the usual arguments may no long be enough and this remedy could be more commonly sought.

PUBLIC SECTOR: Does fixed term mean forever
Problems caused by fixed term contracts have been the glamour personal grievance issue over 2005. Will they still bedevil boards of trustees in 2006, asks Paul Robertson.

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