An irrational fear of terrorism is behind an increase in workplace discrimination and stress as well as an over sensitivity around security issues
An irrational fear of terrorism is behind an increase in workplace discrimination and stress as well as an over sensitivity around security issues. Speaking at a recent Queensland University of Technology conference, researcher Luke Howie said that many Australians perceive a threat that significantly affects their lives especially when at work. The effects of this include significant discrimination at work, increasing occupational stress and changing organisational culture, he said. Since September 11 and the Bali bombings in 2002, Howie found an increase in discrimination towards Arabs and Muslims at work, with other employees sometimes unwilling to work in the vicinity of individuals who fit perceived Muslim or Arab stereotypes.
UK: HR professionals unhappy career campers
Almost a quarter of HR professionals are seeking to move jobs in the UK, while 13 per cent have changed job within the last twelve months. The offer of an interesting, challenging and responsible role was the main attraction to their new role, according to recent research from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in association with Croner Reward. The survey, based on almost 8,000 HR professionals in over 1,400 organisations, also found 28 per cent said the main reason for seeking to move jobs is lack of promotion prospects and personnel directors in larger organisations earning 50 per cent more than their counterparts in organisations with fewer than 100 employees.
Businesses cautioned over IP protection
Businesses that rely on trade secrets as their most valuable asset should ensure their employment contracts are watertight so those secrets don’t depart when a high-flying employee does or risk having to take costly legal action, according to Wayne Condon, a senior intellectual property partner at law firm Clayton Utz. Businesses operating in high-tech industries were particularly vulnerable as the market for senior executive talent becomes more competitive, he said. “From time to time these types of cases are litigated in Australia but with the increasing mobility of CEOs, it is possible Australia will see a more aggressive approach on the part of tech-based businesses to protecting their IP rights via action against former executives.”
Executives put forward learning experiences
Learning is becoming an increasingly important function for companies to develop and maintain the individual and organisational skills needed to sustain a competitive advantage, increase efficiencies, and improve business results, according to US research. Conducted by the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) and IBM, the study found CEOs recognise that employee development is critical to meeting business goals, and chief learning officers (CLOs) are called upon to play a more strategic role in organisations. It also found there are significant opportunities for CLOs to align more closely with C-level expectations and aspirations, and for learning to become more strategic and central to the ongoing success of the enterprise.
mycareer.com.au re-brands
Job board mycareer.com.au recently re-branded in an effort to keep up with market trends, demands and technology. The re-brand has seen the introduction of a new logo, which was created to demonstrate the idea of simplicity. Accompanying the logo is the line, ‘Simply Jobs’, along with a new look designed to reinforce its position as a serious competitor in the market. MyCareer general manager Lisa Watts said research showed that job hunters and employers want the whole recruiting and job search process to be simpler. “Given the maturing online recruitment advertising market in Australia, we need to do more than just deliver what is expected. We need to initiate ideas, be innovative and evolve as rapidly as the HR/recruitment industry and online environments are,” she said.
Capital Monitor launches IR Monitor
Capital Monitor recently launched IR Monitor, a weekly email newsletter highlighting developments in the IR area. IR Monitor allows customers to subscribe to a small component of the Capital Monitor service that suits their specific needs for a more affordable price. Capital Monitor launched IR Monitor as the first specialist service in response to the federal government’s controversial new industrial relations reform legislation. IR Monitor will round up the previous week’s developments in the IR area including public policy debate by stakeholders, state and federal legislative developments, regulations and relevant court decisions. www.capmon.com.au/newsletters.
