HR in 2008: Predictions, forecasts and crystal ball gazing

Hindsight no longer has to be a wonderful thing - not with HR Zone's round-up of predictions and forecasts from some top HR directors and commentators on what to look out for in the year ahead. By Annie Hayes.

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* Go full throttle with EAPs
Liz Booth, HR director, NSPCC:
2008 holds the promise of better protection for children and vulnerable adults; with the Independent Safeguarding Authority taking control of vetting and for warning employers if one of their employees is banned from working with children. I hope that the new authority can phase implementation in a way that maintains public confidence and deals with fears about the 'nanny state' - this really is a major step towards keeping children safe.

Economically, fears about mounting debt should alert larger employers to make sure their employee assistance programmes highlight debt counselling and encourage colleagues to seek help if they need it.