“Avoid hot-cold management cycles—address issues early, fairly, and consistently for better results.”

Are you a talent hoarder? Explore the pros and cons of keeping overqualified employees, building flexible talent pipelines, and planning for future capability needs. Learn how HR can balance cost management with innovation, and when holding on to green or yellow bananas—emerging or ready talent—creates value or waste for your organisation.

Handling long-term employee medical absences is one of the toughest challenges for HR and managers. In New Zealand law, there’s a point where an employer can fairly decide whether a role can be kept open. This article explores the psychology behind medical exits, common mistakes to avoid, and practical steps to manage the process well while keeping dignity and fairness front of mind.

Swearing at work: bad habit or just another form of punctuation? From social bonding to shock value, swear words carry meaning beyond the obvious. But when do they cross the line in the workplace?

Employees in disciplinary meetings may adopt a "fight" strategy—denying allegations, challenging fairness, or deflecting blame—often driven by stress, inexperience, or belief they’re right. Does this work?