📜 EU Clamps Down on Non-Poaching Agreements

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📜 HR Trend Spotlight: EU Clamps Down on Non-Poaching Agreements

European authorities are tightening their stance on non-poaching agreements between companies. These arrangements—where employers informally agree not to recruit or hire each other’s staff—are now under legal scrutiny across the EU. Regulators are treating such agreements as a breach of competition law, with investigations underway in several countries. Read more.

🎧 HR Insights

Spotify’s global HR head, Anna Lundström, shared her views on what HR leaders must do to stay relevant in the C-suite. One key message: HR’s role is no longer confined to policies and processes. It’s now about steering the company culture, managing workforce wellness, and enabling performance in an increasingly remote-first world. Lundström’s vision is clear: HR must be proactive, strategic, and data-aware. The department is no longer a support function—it’s a partner in business decisions.

💡 HR Tips & Tricks

Tip of the Day: Ask every new hire to write down three things they found confusing on their first day—nothing more. Do this after their first 24 hours. This quick snapshot helps HR improve onboarding immediately while the impressions are still fresh. It’s faster than surveys and more actionable than waiting for exit interviews.

Trick of the Day: For offices with physical bulletin boards, posters, or HR policy printouts, adding QR codes that link to digital updates or HR forms can save time. It allows staff to take instant action—whether it’s submitting a form, reading a policy update, or booking a wellness session—without needing to log into a portal.

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🧾 HR Case Files - HR Failures in Gauteng Health Department Spark Outrage

The Gauteng Department of Health in South Africa is facing intense criticism for widespread HR failures. A recent oversight report exposed how poor record-keeping, mismanaged sick leave, and weak supervision created a system where staff abuse went unchecked. Employees were found to have taken long stretches of paid sick leave without documentation, while HR failed to monitor or flag irregularities. Some staff even returned to work without proper clearance. Supervisors were unaware of how many people were on leave, which left teams short-staffed and patients at risk.

Key Takeaways

• Weak sick leave tracking systems lead to loss of control and accountability.

• Supervisors need basic HR training to manage attendance and compliance.

• Public institutions face reputational and legal risks from HR mismanagement.

• Recovery requires both process reform and stronger oversight.

🧰 HR Toolbox

Stay equipped with the latest HR events and resources.

Resource of the Day

Wellness must become a core part of how work is designed and measured. That includes linking well-being metrics to leadership accountability and integrating psychological safety into team performance reviews. This piece recommends that well-being not be treated as an event or policy. Instead, it should be reflected in job design, manager expectations, and team communication norms. Companies that take this route are more likely to retain top talent and reduce burnout.

Event of the Day

The National Human Capital Conference & Exhibition (NHCCE), hosted by Malaysia’s HRD Corp from 6-8 October, is set to take place with a strong focus on innovation, skill development, and future-ready HR strategies. The event brings together HR leaders from across Asia to explore practical solutions to workforce transformation.

For event details and registration, visit the website. 

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