HRM’s top stories of 2014

From raunchy photographs to Christmas hams, the world of HR has seen its fair share of news in 2014, be it highly relevant or downright bizarre. HRM revisits the top ten stories that had you clicking this year.
 

1. Who is New Zealand's most attractive employer?

 
The number one story of 2014 was a report on New Zealand’s national broadcaster, TVNZ – who was named the country’s Most Attractive Employer at an award ceremony which recognises the organisations that Kiwis see as the best employers.
 

2. The new bullying guidelines – what you need to know

HRM outlined the anti-bullying guidelines which were introduced in New Zealand this year. A manager at WorkSafe NZ gave clarification on why it is important for employers to recognise and stand up to bullying in the workplace.
 

3. Fonterra appoints new HR chief

Our third most-read story detailed the appointment of Maury Leyland as the managing director of people, culture and strategy at Fonterra. This followed the resignation of Chris Caldwell, Fonterra’s former managing director of people culture and services.
 

4.  Company pays $37k after dismissing woman on maternity leave

HRM detailed an ERA case which awarded a woman $37,000 after she had been made redundant while on maternity leave. Employment law specialists from Minter Ellison Rudd Watts outlined the key lessons for employers and HR from this case.

 

5. Employment Relations Amendment Bill becomes law

The legislation known as the ‘tea break’ law caused a stir when it was passed. It was received with controversy and led to activism. The effects of the bill and the response to it being passed were outlined by HRM in this story.
 

6. Blonde HR professionals: The chosen ones?

Do CEOs hire “young blondes” for HR roles because they think that they won’t be challenged by them? That was the opinion voiced in a blog that sparked debate within New Zealand’s HR community.
 

7. Finalists for NZ’s best places to work announced

 
HRM detailed the finalists for 2014’s IBM Kenexa Best Workplace Survey and Awards.
 

8. "Hugs, jokes” and “honey and sweetie”: Is CERA chief guilty of sexual harassment?

 
Following Roger Sutton’s resignation, HRM spoke to a legal expert, who outlined ways that employers can avoid similar scandals and differentiate between innocent and inappropriate behaviour.
 

9. ERA ruling raises concerns over 90 day trial

Employers were warned to exercise caution when dismissing an employee under the 90 trial period law, after the ERA condemned the actions of an employer who terminated an worker’s employment on the 89^th day of his trial.
 

10. Oops – I overpaid an employee, what now?

This year’s tenth most-read story detailed the best practice in cases of accidental overpayment.