From the Editor

If you’re anything like me, this year has been extremely busy. But, as time pushes forward and culture progresses, there are occasionally moments when it’s worth having a good old sort out of what policies in our organisations need to stay and what need to go.

That is the theme of this issue, and we hope to provide you with practical insights into what’s not working in organisations today and what we can do about it. Equally, we want to showcase what’s valuable and fit for purpose.

In a recent HRNZ Member poll, we sought to get a first-hand perspective of what policies you would like to throw out. Top of the list were performance management policies, leave policies, outdated flexible working policies and dress code policies.

A good level of appetite exists among Members to make the existing policies more succinct, logical and cohesive. As one Member said, “Sometimes it’s easy to get stuck by prescriptive policy and forget about the reason for the policy – balancing business and personal needs in an equitable way.”

We delve deeper into how policies could look different, including an article by Janice Burns at Decreed, who asks if the performance review is dead. Alongside our regular contributors, we also have articles about boosting our energy using positive psychology, the practice of using pronouns when referencing people, and a look at addressing the gender confidence gap.

We wish all our Members a restful and restorative holiday break, and look forward to connecting with you throughout 2022.

Kathy Catton Managing Editor

Kathy.Catton@hrnz.org.nz