In a landmark tribunal ruling, Gary Rooney, a former director at X’s European headquarters, was awarded a record-breaking €550,000 (roughly £470,000) for unfair dismissal. The case, rooted in the drastic cultural shift following Elon Musk's takeover, underscores the complexities and risks businesses face when implementing abrupt changes in workplace culture. With the rise of Musk’s “hardcore” work ethic, Rooney’s dismissal has sparked significant legal and ethical debates, highlighting the importance of fair employment practices during times of change. The facts The case revolves around an…
The rapid rise of AI has permeated nearly every industry, and payroll is no exception. We’ve all seen AI move from the realm of science fiction to an integral part of our daily reality – what was once futuristic is now firmly in the present and ready to take on the world of payroll. But as AI continues to evolve at an alarmingly rapid rate, it raises a fundamental question: will it revolutionise payroll for the better, or are the risks and ethical concerns too…
It's a common misconception that once your employees leave work for the day, what they do outside of work is nothing to do with you as their employer. Actually, if an employee's actions outside the workplace impact your organisation, their colleagues, or affects the way they do their job, employers can intervene. It may even be necessary to take disciplinary action to protect your staff, uphold your company values and minimise reputational damage. Below are some typical scenarios of where you may be required to…
Following the world’s biggest four-day working week trial which took place in 2022, we examine the results from the 61 companies taking part over the past 12 months. So, did it work? The report entitled Making it Stick, revisited the companies to track its effectiveness going forward. The report found that all of the managers and CEOs who were consulted felt that the trial had a ‘very positive’ or ‘positive’ impact on their organisation. It also found that 54 of the 61 companies that took…
HR industry analyst, Josh Bersin states that “companies that embrace diversity and inclusion in all aspects of their business statistically outperform their peers.” Clearly, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives are not just a feel-good, box-checking exercise for HR departments; but they have a marked impact on financial and business success. Research by McKinsey reveals that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 15% more likely to experience above-average profitability, while those with ethnic diversity at the top levels are 35% more likely…
Payroll is the bread and butter of any successful business, but how confident are you in its security? The latest global Occupational Fraud Report from the ACFE (Association of Certified Fraud Examiners) has revealed some rather startling figures around the current state of fraud in the workplace. With payroll fraud accounting for 12% of all reported fraud cases in Western Europe alone, the question isn’t if you could be a target, but when. Imagine a silent thief siphoning funds from your company for 18 months…
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) aren’t just industry buzzwords – they’re the pillars of any successful, forward-thinking workplace. And as a hiring manager, you'll increasingly find that candidates are just as curious about your company's DE&I practices as they are about the role itself. These questions aren't just a test of your company's values; they're an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. But how do you answer these types of questions with authenticity and confidence? Before you…
Choosing your HR software opens the door to fresh opportunities and improved efficiencies for your business. It’s an exciting time, but it can also bring a fair amount of uncertainty. From logistics to implementation, there’s a lot to think about. And one question that inevitably comes up is: how much will it cost? And the truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer – but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Modern HR software is incredibly customisable and can be tailored to your exact likings. As a…
Choosing the right payroll software can be a game-changer for streamlining your operations and ensuring compliance. With so many features and capabilities available, it’s easy to see the potential benefits. But as you explore the options, one question inevitably looms large: what about the cost? The bad news? The answer isn't all that straightforward. The good news? Payroll software is heavily customisable, and many software providers offer a plethora of options to suit your business needs. As a result, the price tag can vary depending…
As a payroll professional you may at times be required to manually calculate Statutory Sick Pay, or SSP. Here's how to do the maths. How is SSP Calculated? To make sense of SSP (Statutory Sick Pay) the calculation is simple. Take the weekly rate and divide it by the number of qualifying days in a week. Then multiply this by the number of days for which an employee is entitled to. Remember, the first three days the worker is ill are known as ‘waiting days’,…
