Department Heads find it hard to discuss appraisal matters with junior, seasonal and casual staff. Many are starting to gloss over the staff appraisal process with these staff who are not committed in the long term. Some managers feel that these appraisal discussions were a waste of time a view echoed by some staff on the receiving end. The senior management team want evidence that the HRM approach is working to support 'business goals and targets' and that training meets objectives and offers value for money. They want to see the culture of excellence, quality and performance in individual and team results across the company.
Senior managers recognise that systems, whilst in place, are only partial in their success.
Departmental managers were beginning to feel the strain of too many courses, the constant talk of training, training and training and pressure to evaluate performance by form filling and writing reports. Full employment along the coast means that there are staff shortages at junior and middle levels. It is more and more difficult to get and keep good seasonal and casual staff. The Group Human Resources Manager feels that an improved approach to flexible working, flexible rewards and contracts of employment is needed. Several department manager vacancies are outstanding.