From Granny Ina’s favourite, Engelbert Humperdinck, to wee Davey’s hero, Big Miz, songwriters have been teaching us about life for generations.
Aside from the rather unsettling line about a man and a gun, there’s a lot to be learned from the late Freddie Mercury’s lyrics in Bohemian Rhapsody.
But don’t worry: no-one’s suggesting we do the Fandango – that sounds way too dangerous!
Show all HR & Recruitment jobs across Scotland
Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality
Sometimes it’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the workplace, especially if you’ve just started a new job.
That’s why HR is there to open up a safe space, to take a breather, and to talk.
By taking time out to sit down in an informal setting and listen to an employee’s concerns, frustrations or stifled aspirations, an HR assistant can boost personal confidence and offer daily support.
I’m just a poor boy, I need no sympathy
Well, you say that now, but yesterday and the week before that, you asked for a wage rise and an urgent meeting with the HR manager.
It’s not always easy, especially in the current economic climate, but financial rewards are an important source of motivation – and a salary raise is often the simplest, most effective way to ensure staff retention and the long-term security of skills for the company.
Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?
Hmmm, have all of this employee’s previous managers been branded idiots? Are all of their colleagues out to get them and awful at their jobs?
If a staff member emails you more often than Josie from payroll, the issue might not be the company, it might be them.
Yes, it’s time for a sit down and an in-depth catch-up.
If I’m not back again this time tomorrow
Oh dear, you’re going to be late in again? Bad timekeeping, missed targets and a lack of focus could all be signs an employee is lazy or troubled by work or personal concerns.
Getting to the root of the problem involves listening and showing empathy. It also means being 100% clear about what the company expects: long before they became the bane of Brexit, red lines have been invaluable in keeping order in the workplace.
(Let me go) Will not let you go
Very often an employee can be as confused as you are about whether they wish to secure their current position or move on. A defined plan of action – one that includes targets and evaluations – may be the thing to get them on track.
Organise regular meetings to monitor progress and suggest ways to continually move things forward.
Just gotta get out, just gotta get right outta here!
Well, sadly not everyone proves to be a star player, a team worker, or in tune with the company ethos.
As an HR pro you’ll have methodically followed all due procedures and met responsibilities for your restless colleague, but sometimes you need to find a way to part ways that is best and beneficial for both parties.
Thank goodness then that you have s1jobs for all your new HR & Recruitment needs . . . yes, it’s a kind of magic!