HRzone highlights: this week in HR (14/05/10)

This week we have seen unprecedented talk of compromise as - 'who'd've thunk it' this time last year - the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats get together. In fact it's almost sickening to watch, but the important thing is that they work together in whatever way they work out best to fix the economy and act in the national interest to dig us out of the economic crisis.

I hope we'll have a 'best of both worlds' situation with the coalition and hope a collaborative approach is here to stay. However they also need to make sure they do the right thing and not bend to populist decisions. Out of our hand, we have to wait and see. However the CIPD is lobbying to challenge the migration cap, which is likely to prove an obstacle in the war for talent.

Moving on to our theme this month of reward and benefit, we looked at reward and benefit systems today in the light of the past two tough years. There's also been good news when it comes to benefits - it's not just packages employees want but wellbeing with an ethical company. We also had some bitesize legal updates to keep you up to speed.

SuccessFactors has provided another challenging story for us: last time they wanted us to consider banning internal email, and this week CEO Lars Dalgaard claimed HR needs to move with the times or lose their position.

And if this has proved just too depressing and serious for a Friday afternoon, why don't you have a look at our Alan Sugar leadership test. He returned with the Junior Apprentice this week, and after you've scored some self-development points with the test, you should read Verity Gough's Junior Apprentice blog here: it's hilarious.

Plus, you must consider your fantasy office combination: who they asked we don't know, but members of the public decided Simon Cowell would be a good HR director. Do you agree?

Yesterday I went to see The Art of Enagagement with Best Companies. It was a fascinating visit - and must be seen to be believed. I'll be writing about it next week, so check back to find out what I found there - including the big head.