Editorial

The seeds of success

I love it when, around this time of the year, Auckland dons a brilliant crimson mantle as, seemingly overnight, the pohutukawa burst into bloom. The flowering of New Zealand’s iconic ‘Christmas tree’ is said to herald the start of summer and, if it flowers early, wisdom has it that the summer will be long and hot.

Apparently the pohutukawa that line the cliffs just across the Harbour Bridge have begun to flower already. But with only a couple of days to go till December, there’s little hint of summer yet. In fact, it’s been unseasonably cold this week.

Our weather, it seems, is no longer playing ball. Just take the last year alone, where barely a month has gone by without storms, high winds, flooding and slips making the headlines. And, by all accounts, curious things are happening in the plant and animal world too. Plants are flowering out of season and birds are nesting earlier.

Niwa scientist Jim Salinger, in a recent article in the New Zealand Herald, makes no bones about it—global warming is here and it will impact on New Zealand. The article goes on to say that climate change will threaten our biodiversity and change our landscape. It warns: “If you think climate change does not matter for New Zealand, think again.”

The message is clear: we need to do something—now. And business has a vital role to play. As the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development says in its 2006 Annual Review: “New Zealand needs to implement a package of measures to grow sustainably and deal effectively with critical climate, energy and other quality of life issues at the same time.”

Thankfully more and more businesses have embraced the challenge and implemented sustainable business practices. And, what’s more, they are reaping the benefits of their foresight. The good news, it seems, is that such practices are valued by customers, help to attract and retain good staff and, as a result, have a positive impact on the bottom line.

In ‘Going green’ on page 22, Miriam Bell finds that sustainable businesses are happy—and productive—workplaces. If you’re wondering how to get started, she also outlines some steps you can take to help you along the path to sustainability.

Have a safe and happy festive season and, if you get the chance, plant a pohutukawa—I plan to!

Lyndsey Swan
Editor

Contents

Circus act
Cirque du Soleil’s latest touring show, Varekai, opens in Auckland in January. David Maida spoke to tour services director Stéphane Jodoin about the challenges involved in managing this travelling troupe.

On da move!
Relocating an entire workforce to new premises is not just about managing the logistics of moving furniture and people from one place to another—it’s about managing the expectations, anxieties and fears of staff. Robyn Brown explains how Waitakere City Council faced the challenge when it moved 700 workers. 

Designed to work
As organisations strive to attract and retain the best staff and operate competitively in today’s market, they are increasingly looking to the environment in which they work. Tim Hooson explores the issue of innovative workplace design, what drives it, and how it affects business and the individual.

Going green
Sustainable business is a hot topic these days, but are people really doing their bit to protect the environment and act sustainably? Miriam Bell talks to some Kiwi companies who are doing their best at sustainable business, and finds out how it affects people management.

Satisfied and motivated staff—as easy as ABC
Employees are regularly rating the quality of their management lower and lower, but why? Phil Kerslake believes managers are not engaging in and practising the three key requirements for staff motivation and satisfaction—leadership’s ABCs: authenticity, balance and communication.

STRATEGIC HR: Engaged for action
Culture sustains top-performing organisations and, ultimately, shapes their reputation. Leah Fisher examines the impact of exciting company cultures and explains what it takes to be one.

Exercising industrial muscle—where does the balance of power lie?
There is more industrial action now than at any time during the last 10 to 15 years, say Susan Hornsby-Geluk and Bridget Fleming. They look at the reasons for this and examine the legal issues around strike action and what employers can do.

LEADERSHIP: Ensuring effective team leadership
Common sense and courtesy are the basis on which to build effective team leadership practices, says Barry Watson. He outlines 10 things every manager needs to know about how to motivate their team and get the best from them.
 
WORKPLACE DILEMMAS: Holiday fare
It’s that time of the year again when staff parties and summer holidays are on the agenda. Karen Boyte looks at ways to ensure that the former are safe and fun, and that everyone uses their entitlement to the latter. 

More myths and realities of psychometric testing
Selecting the psychometric tool which best suits your organisation and purposes can be a difficult task. In this second article in a two-part series, Dr Paul Englert, Sarah Burke and Teresa MacGregor uncover more myths and realities around testing.

WELLNESS: Do less and achieve more
The more relaxed we are the better we perform, says Sarah McCrum. She discusses the art of ‘doing nothing’ which, she says, is one of the most difficult things to do well.

CASE IN POINT: Take your leave
The Holidays Act 2003 came into force on 1 April 2004 and was intended to clarify the law relating to annual leave, public holidays, sick and bereavement leave. But, say Susan Hornsby-Geluk and Bridget Fleming, it appears many employers are still unclear about the requirements under the Act.

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT: Literacy at work
Industry training doesn’t always give trainees the chance to develop their literacy skills, says Carla White. She gives the lowdown on a project that highlights the literacy skills that are needed to achieve industry training unit standards.

Act protects employees
After a 2005 Employment Court decision found specified workers were not protected in ‘subsequent contracting’ situations, the Employment Relations Act was amended to ensure protection. The Department of Labour outlines the legislation.

PUBLIC SECTOR: Disregarded leave
The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) recently ruled on an important section of the primary teachers collective employment contract regarding sick leave. Paul Robertson explains.