HR news this week: Holidays, self-serve, and reorganisation

In this week’s HR news round-up, we unpack how to unwind correctly to ensure maximum satisfaction, how self-serve checkouts are causing privacy issues, digital nomads, and tips for those going through role redesign.

How to holiday right

The ideal holiday length to ensure you’re feeling fresh and ready to get back into work was discussed by ABC News on 20 February.

Dr Divna Haslam, clinical psychologist and senior researcher at the Queensland University of Technology, said: “Some studies have found that wellbeing peaks on day eight, whereas others have found more frequent shorter holidays are better.”

Dr Haslam recommends people take a combination of shorter and longer holidays throughout the year.

“Any full breaks from work are beneficial. Even short breaks … are associated with temporary increases in wellbeing and can have beneficial outcomes.”

Self-serve checkout privacy concerns

Woolworths’ expansion of self-serve checkouts is receiving backlash, as reported by The Guardian on 19 February.

The main dispute to this expansion is the surveillance aspect of the self-serve machines, which many people are saying is a privacy issue.

“This kind of normalisation of surveillance makes space for the growing use of invasive technologies in everyday life to access everyday essential services,” said Samantha Floreani, program lead for Digital Rights Watch.

“These technologies are framed as an improvement for customers, but in reality, it is punitive use of automation technology to cut costs on staffing for large corporations while treating every customer as a suspect.”

Self-serve checkouts have been the cause of debate for years now, with many upset that they’re removing the need for checkout workers, reducing jobs. ABC News said at the start of 2020 that 150,000 jobs could be wiped out.

The digital nomad

Sydney Morning Herald explained on 22 February how best to push for overseas work with your employer.

The concept of the “digital nomad” refers to someone who works online and isn’t fixed to a specific location. With remote working booming through the pandemic, it may now be easier to float this idea with your boss than it was pre-COVID-19.

Kirstin Ferguson, author of the article, said: “You are definitely going to need a well-thought-out argument and detailed plan for how to make this work.

“I would reaffirm your commitment to the business and explain how you would like to be able work from anywhere, not just from home. Be prepared to explain what your work schedule will look like on the road and how you will track and report your progress.”

There are a few issues that can arise. Time zones for one can impact meeting schedules, and this will need to be sorted out prior to leaving.

TOPdesk began allowing employees to work abroad last year, as covered by HR Leader. However, there are tax implications that may need to be addressed before commencing overseas work, as countries have varying legislation.

Role redesign worries

Harvard Business Review (HBR) discussed on 21 February the uncertainty of a redesigned position.

There’s usually a good reason for the reorganisation, but it can still be a stressful time for employees.

“While a successful redesign can help a company boost performance, they’re often a miserable experience for everyone involved. Most reorganisations take 10 months from plan to implementation, and the extended uncertainty leads to significant stress and anxiety, regardless of whether job losses accompany the change,” said HBR.

“It’s no wonder approximately 60 per cent of organisations experience plummeting productivity during this limbo state.”

HBR recommends the best ways to deal with redesign:

• Speak with your manager
• Contribute to the process by offering ideas
• Be empathetic, as most others will be stressed too
• Nurture your network
• Plan for possible outcomes
• Spend time on career maintenance
• Manage your emotions

Jack Campbell

Jack is the editor at HR Leader.