Learning curve
Rolling up his sleeves and getting involved is all part of the job for former builder Kevin Seales, the University of Otago’s HR director. He talks to Mark Wright about his role in the hallowed halls.

Career cruisers
In today’s fast-paced world of work, not everyone lives for their job. Whether it’s for family or to pursue other goals, increasing numbers of people do jobs they are over-qualified for. Miriam Bell finds out why.

Pull your SOX up
A piece of US legislation that aims to increase corporate transparency and accountability has implications for many New Zealand businesses. Aloysius Teh explains the Sarbanes Oxley Act and looks at it how it applies here, and what the consequences are for HR management and systems.

Balance of power
Many so-called KPIs do not promote change, improve alignment and boost growth, says David Parmenter. He examines why the HR team should get behind the balanced scorecard—a tool, he says, which is often ignored.

Ten of the best
The array of management books lining bookshop shelves is daunting, but Angela Atkins has selected her ‘best of the best’—the top 10 quick-to-read, essential management books that will change how you manage yourself and your people.

STRATEGIC HR: People or process
Good processes alone are not enough, says David Knight. They should be clearly defined, well articulated and transparent if they are to contribute to a culture of empowerment, efficiency and productivity.

All systems go
Spending time at the start to plan what you need in detail is the key when implementing a human resources information system. David Jenkins outlines the necessary steps to consider to ensure a good return on your HRIS investment.

Flexible working—time to start thinking
Although the Flexible Working Bill has been put on the back burner, businesses should be thinking about implementing or reviewing a flexible working policy now, warn Christopher Hogg and Jane Latimer. They outline the steps to take.

WORKPLACE WELLNESS: Putting wellness in its place
Doris Cuthell advocates a holistic approach to workplace wellness and says it’s important to put wellness firmly in its place—right at the core of your company strategy.

RECRUITMENT: Top tips for finding talent
It’s not enough just to rely on traditional recruiting methods to attract staff in today’s market, says Dave Stewart. He recommends using a range of approaches to win the talent war.

Riding the recruitment roller coaster
Whether newcomers to the game or not, many people find recruiting staff to be a challenge. Anna McNicholl outlines some practical steps to ensure the process runs smoothly.

Monday-itis is alive and well in New Zealand
The people they work with and the work environment are important influences on job satisfaction for many employees, but as a recent survey discovered, others suffer Monday-itis and say the best thing about Mondays is going home.

CASE IN POINT: Out in the open
Senior management are often responsible for investigating employees. But, says Helen Gilbert, it is also important for your organisation to have a policy in place for investigating the investigators.

Just another work tool
When you take a taxi, you are paying to use it. You are not paying for the entire car. Why shouldn’t it be the same with your business vehicle? This is the question posed by veteran motoring columnist Peter Gill.

HEALTH & SAFETY: Assessing stress risks
Work-related stress is bad for organisational health and productivity. Dr Hillary Bennett discusses a risk assessment approach to the prevention of work-related stress.

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT: Creating learning
Sussan Ockwell outlines an initial four-step process that will ensure organisations provide the best learning experience for their employees.

LEGAL SOLUTIONS: By your leave
From an employee who has taken time off work without leave to another who is keen to return from stress leave, Kate Hoyle explains how best to deal with the issues.

PUBLIC SECTOR: Necessary confrontation
Although the process can be upsetting, boards are obliged to appraise staff. Paul Robertson warns not to delay addressing competency issues.

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