HR news this week: Ageing workforce, recruitment scams, and divorce

In this week’s HR news round-up, older workers are feeling unappreciated, recruitment scams are hurting candidates, and companies are supporting employees handling break-ups.

Older workers not appreciated

As seen in the Human Times 30 January bulletin, the BBC highlighted how employees over the age of 50 don’t feel appreciated at work.

According to a Chartered Management Institute survey referenced by the BBC, 74 per cent of managers are “open to a large extent” to hiring staff aged between 18 and 34. This figure drops to 42 per cent when hiring someone between the ages of 50 and 64.

Michael O’Reilly, who is looking for work, said to the BBC: “What tends to happen is, over the phone the initial conversation is fine, but when you do video calls or face-to-face interviews the dynamics change … It’s horrible. You feel your usefulness has passed.”

The BBC noted that this stigma is a sign of poor leadership, and having this mindset is a waste of potential talent. Education is important to teach employees the value of older workers.

Beware of recruitment scams

ABC News published an article on 30 January that warns people of recruitment scams. Advertised via social media, email, or phone, the “get rich quick” schemes can bankrupt you.

ABC News discussed Adam’s story, who was scammed $28,000 from a fake job advertisement. “It all gave the appearance of being totally legitimate,” Adam said.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), legitimate job offers won’t come via social media.

ACCC then deputy chair Delia Rickard said: “If you are job-hunting and you are offered work that requires little effort for a big financial reward, it is most likely a scam … If a job offer sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.”

Why having a strong password is important

As seen in Harvard Business Review (HBR) on 30 January, it’s important for leaders to encourage employees to set strong passwords to avoid privacy breaches.

According to HBR, getting staff in the habit of setting solid passwords will add a layer of protection for the company as it makes any attempts to steal data that little bit harder.

HBR says that the most secure way to protect employees’ passwords is to use password manager software with two-factor authentication. The use of software can take the pressure off remembering a convoluted password, as well as help to protect against accidental leaks and allow managers to lock out employees who have left the organisation.

How to handle tiffs at work

Arguing with co-workers is not ideal, but it’s also not uncommon. As seen in The Guardian on 1 February, there are some methods to handling a clash that can help minimise the consequences of conflict.

The Guardian recommends those involved not take it personally, reflect on the issue, and develop communication skills. Leaders should do their part to calm and mediate those involved so as to not let the problem spiral out of control.

Support for those going through divorce

As reported by Management Today, some large UK organisations are beginning to offer support for staff who are going through divorce.

Companies like Tesco, Metro Bank, Vodafone, and Unilever are reportedly implementing an initiative by the Positive Parenting Alliance (PPA), which argues that divorce is just as significant as other life events.

As referenced by Management Today, the PPA conducted a survey which found that 75 per cent of respondents felt less motivated at work during a split from their partner, 40 per cent took time off during the separation, and 95 per cent suffered mentally through these periods.

PPA founder James Hayhurst said: “Currently, few employers recognise or accommodate for employees going through a divorce or separation, even though it affects a large number annually and is a huge strain on an individual’s mental health.”

He continued: “The fact that some of the country’s biggest employers have agreed to make a positive commitment to improving their HR policies is a major step in employee benefits and wellbeing.”