Having difficult conversations with employees is a key part of leadership but certainly not an enjoyable one. In this blog, we walk you through everything you need to know about having these difficult conversations and how best to approach them.

Exam season is over, and schools, colleges and universities have closed their doors for the summer! You may have had a sudden influx of interest from students and young people looking for summer jobs and the race is on as many businesses hire young workers to fill seasonal positions. Whilst seasonal work presents valuable opportunities for students and young people, as an employer, it is important to understand and adhere to HR considerations and legal obligations.

In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition on the importance of employee wellbeing in the workplace. Many companies have realised that taking care of their employees' mental and physical health not only creates a positive workplace culture, but also leads to improved productivity and employee retention which ultimately helps achieve the company’s goals. 

With the start of June comes Pride Month, a time for celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Cities around the world will be filled with colour and there will be a stream of events to honour the LGBTQ+ community.  But Pride Month is about much more than the parades and rainbow flags. It serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for equality and inclusion extends to all areas of life, including the workplace.  

Having close friendships in the workplace can be beneficial for employee well-being and productivity. A recent study by Gallup found that employees who report having a best friend at work are seven times more likely to be engaged in their job. However, it's important to strike a balance between personal connections and professional boundaries to avoid potential conflicts and distractions. 

In today's global and interconnected world, diversity has become increasingly important. A diverse workplace brings a range of benefits which have been well cited, including improved creativity and innovation, better decision-making, and increased employee engagement and retention. However, a 2022 report by McKinsey highlights that only 45% of companies are confident that their workforce reflects the demographics of today’s marketplace. A worrying statistic when you consider that Deloitte found that inclusive companies are almost twice as likely to be considered innovation leaders in their market. 

Stress in the workplace is a complex area. When managed, it can be a dynamic force that propels some people through daunting meetings or to complete projects. But if not managed well, it can inevitably lead to overwhelm, mental fatigue and burnout.  

As a business owner or manager, you know that workplace health and safety is a top priority. Creating the optimal work environment not only protects your employees from harm, but also helps to improve productivity and reduce costs associated with injuries and illnesses.

The living wage is an important policy designed to ensure that workers are paid a fair wage that covers the basic cost of living. It increased in the UK in April 2023, to £10.42 per hour for workers aged 23 and over. As an employer, it's important to take the necessary steps to remain compliant with the new living wage and ensure that your employees are being paid fairly. 

Pregnancy can be an anxious time for expectant mothers.  Scans and appointments sometimes cause worry even before announcements have been made, and coming to terms with physical symptoms and hormonal changes is not always plain sailing either. 

By now, most people are already aware and putting plans in place for May, when the UK will enjoy an additional bank holiday to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. The bank holiday will fall on Monday 8th May, following his coronation two days before, and will give workers across the country the potential of an extended weekend to enjoy this historic event. 

As the workforce continues to age, it's becoming increasingly important for employers to find ways of accommodating the needs of older workers. Supporting an aging workforce not only benefits the employees themselves but can also lead to improved productivity, knowledge transfer, and reduced turnover.  

With more businesses embracing remote and flexible work arrangements, the idea of pets in the workplace continues to gain in popularity. They are no longer just the preserve of small, rural businesses either.  In this article, I’m shining a light on some of the reasons why taking animals to work… works! 

Christmas is on the horizon and organisations up and down the country are planning their annual get-togethers. Whatever size team you have, the workplace Christmas party conjures up a variety of connotations and interpretations. Some people love them, others attend out of a sense of obligation. Whether you view them as a way of acknowledging your employee achievements, a celebratory team building activity or maybe your people simply expect a work-social to feature in their festive calendar, we’ve put together some important considerations when planning your workplace Christmas party.

In a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, it has been decided that employees who are on permanent contracts, but who only work for part of the year, such as term-time workers or people on zero-hours contracts, are entitled to the same holiday pay as their colleagues who work all year.

We spend most of our waking time in the workplace and many of us develop close bonds and friendships with our co-workers. When things get tough, we’re often the first people to notice changes in their mood and habits. A once cheerful and chatty person may become snappy or dismissive if they’re experiencing stress.

Workplace related stress can affect an individual’s behaviour, performance, and relationships with their co-workers. It’s one of the most common reasons for long term absence and can affect both their physical and mental health.

As we embark on Employer Brand Awareness Week, it’s inspiring to see how far we have come over recent years when looking at how organisations are evolving to attract and retain their best talent. Employer brand relates to how your people and potential hires view your business. It goes beyond a physical brand (or placing a beanbag in the boardroom) and it’s gaining pace.