Online training for HR staff
Senior human resources (HR) professionals now have the chance to learn from the combined expertise of a top HR firm and a first-class university.
Mercer has initiated an online training and certification programme for HR staff, which will be delivered by academics from the University of Oxford and Mercer consultants from 16 countries.
The programme will cover topics such as global growth and performance drivers, and employee benefits, compensation trends and best practices in different regions. Training priorities will be given to senior HR executives. There is an optional certification if users pass an online test for each training module.
While the programme won't be fully launched until April, HR professionals can have a taste of three complimentary sample training sessions that are available on http://www.hr-training. mercer.com. Further information can also be obtained from the website.
Asian bosses still cautious
The spectre of the recent downturn may be fading but chief executives in Asia remain prudent about their spending, a report has found.
In a PricewaterhouseCoopers survey of 289 CEOs in the Asia-Pacific, 84 per cent of respondents say realising cost efficiencies will be their priority investment decision in the next three years.
Next in line will be leadership and talent development, an area where 75 per cent of those surveyed will direct their investment.
Despite a focus on cost saving, almost 50 per cent of CEOs expect to hire more staff this year, while 16 per cent say they will reduce headcount. The headcount in nearly a third of the companies that responded will remain the same.
Workshop held on volunteering
A workshop will be held early next month to help companies build their employee volunteering programmes as a means to attract, retain and develop staff.
The event, organised by non-profit Community Business, will take place on March 9.
"Supporting employees to give their time and skills to the community ... offers immense benefits," says Shaun Bernier, managing director of Community Business. "It provides opportunities for employee engagement, team-building, personal development and skills training." Participants will learn how to engage staff in volunteering.
Executives responsible for the development of their firms' staff volunteering programme are encouraged to attend the workshop. Find out more on http://www.communitybusiness.org.
