Editorial
Caught in a time warp
It’s not just me—everyone seems to be commenting on how quickly the year has flown by. And it’s not that I only hang out with older people these days, which I guess is hardly surprising. Even the young things in the office have noted the unseemly speed with which 2009 has whizzed past.
Time flies when you’re having fun, they say. But 2009 hasn’t exactly been what you’d call a fun year. In common with countries throughout the world, New Zealand has felt the impact of the global recession.
We’ve seen businesses closing down, shedding staff, cutting work hours or freezing wages. And while the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research said this week that the economy is out of recession, it predicts a bumpy ride over the next few quarters.
Statistics New Zealand’s LEED series figures for the September 2008 quarter showed the smallest number of jobs created during a quarter since March 2003 and the lowest job and worker turnover rates since the series began in 1999. The series is published with a lag of four quarters so next year’s figures are set to be worse still.
But back to the passage of time. I couldn’t resist a wee nostalgia trip recently and settled in to watch the Rocky Horror Picture Show on TV. Who hasn’t done the Time Warp? Now there’s a way to stop the years flying by.
I was reminded of it again this week when Don Brash released the first report of the 2025 Taskforce. Not surprisingly, it’s a step to the right. Among its 35 recommendations, the taskforce suggests changing employment laws to make it easier to sack workers, extending the 90-day probationary period to a full year for all workers, raising the age of superannuation eligibility, lowering the minimum youth wage, scrapping interest-free student loans, and reducing the minimum wage to what it was 10 years ago.
Of course, Brash is not the only former National Party leader to do the Time Warp. Rob Muldoon starred as the narrator in The Rocky Horror Show at His Majesty’s Theatre in the mid-1980s.
But jumping back to the present, if there’s one message to take from the past year it’s that we must learn from our mistakes—only it seems no one has told the taskforce. Instead, they’re singing their own anthem:
“Time meant nothing, never would again
Let’s do the Time Warp again!”
May your Christmas stocking have no holes in it. Best wishes for a happy and relaxing festive season, and a rewarding 2010.
—Lyndsey Swan
Feature articles
Embracing diversity
Inclusion is one of IHC’s core values, and with 56 nationalities among the staff at its West/Central Auckland subsidiary IDEA Services, it’s clear the organisation takes it seriously. Area manager Leopoldo Aguirre tells Jackie Brown-Haysom that it’s something to be celebrated.
HR: a cornerstone of sustainable business
Embracing sustainable business practices makes good sense, but gaining staff buy-in and acceptance of responsibility can sometimes be a problem. So what role does HR have to play? Rachel Brown says HR is a cornerstone of sustainable business.
Talent magnetism
Talent magnetism is the unique power source generated from within that ensures an organisation will attract and hold the talented people it needs to make its vision a reality and to deliver on its objectives, says Kate Billing. She explains how to get yours firing on all cylinders in 2010.
Out of office
At IBM, staff can work virtually anywhere. Providing flexibility and mobility has several benefits, says Paul Hellyer, but the right tools and a clear policy are needed for effective remote work.
Designed for work
Design is the opportunity to physically create the environment that will best support your desired organisational culture, business processes and work practices, says Andrew Tu’inukuafe. He examines the impact it has on workers in an organisation.
A case of entitlement
Many businesses remain unaware of their obligations to take on new workers under a unique employment law provision protecting ‘vulnerable’ workers. Mike Gould explores the implications of an amendment to the Employment Relations Act made in 2006 which has created some difficulties—and even some vulnerable employers.
Relocation in the bag
It might seem a good idea to organise your own relocation if you’re posted overseas, but a lot can go wrong, say June Rapson and Susan Barker. They outline the pitfalls of the DIY approach and explain how specialist help can ensure a happy outcome.
Critical feedback
There are times when it is imperative we can give or take critical feedback. It’s important we learn how to do both, says John Gill.
Reinstatement raises questions
Although a psychiatric nurse’s actions breached policies and procedures, the Employment Relations Authority saw fit to order his reinstatement. Susan Hornsby-Geluk and Chloe Luscombe examine the case.
Departments
Just the job: Working for less to make a difference
While many people will work for less in order to feel they can make a difference in a world that needs them, Kaye Avery warns managers must understand their needs.
The DoL Report: Bargaining on success
The collective bargaining process can be tough at times, but along with the hard work it can be particularly satisfying. Mike Feely outlines the steps involved and explains the key role a mediator can play in getting a good outcome.
Workplace Dilemmas: Time off and away
Karen Boyte looks at equitable ways to deal with staff who work outside normal hours, and discusses how to keep those on maternity leave ‘in the loop’ while they’re away from the office.
HRINZ news: Not rocket science
Why is it that certain companies manage to develop a strong employer brand while others don’t? Jane Bornholdt examines what it takes to build a strong brand. It won’t happen overnight, she says, but with the right support it’s not rocket science.
Learning & Development: Online or offline?
When it comes to the question of online versus offline training, is there really any competition? A blended approach is the best way to achieve your learning objectives, says Michael Solomon. And today’s technology means there are no limits to how learning is delivered.
Recruitment: Downsizing—do what’s right
Good separation practices can help preserve and strengthen the relationship between an organisation and its various constituents, according to a recent study. Jude Manuel examines the findings and looks at how to ‘do what’s right’.
Wellness at Work: Sun safe at work
Staying out of the sun isn’t an option for outdoor workers. The Cancer Society advocates creating a workplace culture where sun safety behaviour is standard practice.
Public sector: Looking forward to 2010
Fixed-term contracts and the 90-day limitation period for lodging claims have been in the spotlight for the education sector over the past year. Will it be more of the same in 2010? Paul Robertson looks ahead at what the New Year will bring. |
