Anxiety occurs in response to one of three triggering thoughts, says Neville Aitchison. But understanding these triggering thoughts means we don’t invite anxiety to undermine our performance—unless, of course, our pants are on fire.

Too many employers see workplace conflict as inherently negative and miss out on potential benefits, says Terry Williams. Too many people prefer social conformity over going ugly early and dealing with conflict pimples before they become volcanoes.

Sally Wenley talks to two members of the small HR team which provides a holistic support service for staff at New Zealand’s largest casino.

As long as there are people in the workplace there will be conflict. But, says Chris Rowe, you can avoid the collateral damage by developing your awareness of what is happening around you.

With one in twenty New Zealand women assaulted by an intimate partner in the past year, domestic violence is in the workplace and it’s bad for business, says Holly Carrington. In order to help employees suffering from domestic abuse, retain them, and maximise productivity, employers need the right policy and supports in place.

We know that good managers matter, but is good merely the absence of bad? Dave Winsborough takes a look at just what it is that makes the difference.

Dennis O’Callaghan and John McGill outline the findings of recent research into the key reasons employees leave an organisation, the differing levels of employee engagement, and how pay and reward can be a factor.

Recognition and rewards should be personalised and appropriate to the individual to be effective, so why do so many organisations fail to embrace this simple concept? Susan Doughty looks at leveraging total rewards for true employee engagement.

Collective bargaining is in the news with the dispute at the Ports of Auckland. Despite this particular case, Bill Hodge says the statistics show how such bargaining has become confined mostly to the public sector. Peter Bateman reports.

It’s important to get employment agreements and trial periods right from the start. Bridget Smith explains why spending time will ensure you avoid regrets.

Genesis Energy recently launched an important new strategic initiative which marries its employee benefits programme with an innovative wellness programme for staff and their families. Peter Harland outlines the company’s approach to talking about wellness.

When workplace tensions are recognised and addressed, a climate emerges where positive energy can thrive and performance can be enhanced, says Jenni Broom.

Employees across Asia Pacific are demanding greater transparency and accountability from their leaders. Deb Loveridge explains the importance of creating a high-trust climate in the workplace and how it’s critical for attracting and retaining talent in the years ahead.

Community contributions improve employer brand, and CSR programmes are increasingly expected of organisations, says Simon Robinson. He explains why this means community investment must be reflective of an organisation’s values and answer to business objectives.

A teacher who resigned after being found to have falsified his daughter’s results for an assessment claimed his resignation was obtained through duress and undue influence. Paul Robertson looks at why his grievance was dismissed.