Celebrating International Women’s Day: reflection, progress, and the road ahead
Worcestershire business owner Liz Cullis shares her personal reflections on the support she’s received, the progress we’ve made, and what more needs to be done to ensure a fair and equitable future for women in the workplace.
Legal update: Employment Rights Bill 2024
Introduced by Parliament in October 2024, the Employment Rights Bill supports the new Government’s plan to ‘Make Work Pay’, setting out a range of proposed changes which looks set to be the biggest update in employment rights for a generation.
New law takes a preventative approach to sexual harassment
A new law has come into force placing added responsibility on employers to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act, employers must now take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment before it occurs, where previously there was no such obligation. We explore what this means for your business and how to ensure your approach to this issue remains legally compliant.
The importance of communication in small business success
Effective communication is the backbone of any successful business, but it’s particularly crucial for small businesses. In a smaller team, where resources may be limited and everyone’s contributions are vital, clear and open communication can make the difference between success and stagnation.
Key steps to handling probationary periods
Managing probation periods effectively is crucial for setting up new employees for success, yet it’s something business leaders often struggle with. But while confronting issues can be daunting, there are several steps you can take to increase the success of the onboarding process in a way that minimises stress for everyone! Here are six key strategies you can use.
Understanding recruitment marketing
In today’s competitive job market, attracting top talent requires more than just posting job openings on your website and waiting for applications to roll in. This is where a recruitment marketing strategy comes into play. But what exactly is recruitment marketing, and how can it benefit small companies?
Small business, big talent: recruitment tips for SMEs
Recruiting the right talent is crucial for any business, but it can be particularly challenging for small and medium-sized businesses with limited resources. Finding and attracting the best people without the deep pockets of larger companies requires creativity, strategy, and a keen understanding of what you can offer. Here are five top tips to help you recruit the best talent for your team.
Building strong, adaptable teams: top tips for SMEs
Building a strong, adaptable team is one key way you can ensure your business can weather any storm. Here are five key ways SMEs can build resilient teams, so you’re ready to take on whatever the future holds.
King’s Speech: a new era for UK Employment Law?
Outlining a transformative agenda for employment law in the UK, the King’s Speech set the legislative tone for the coming parliamentary session, with the proposed reforms signalling a significant shift towards strengthening workers' rights, addressing long-standing issues within the workplace, and enhancing the overall quality of employment in the UK.
Building a people-first company culture to foster growth
Factors such as a company’s environmental, social and community commitments, as well as their approach to equality, diversity and inclusion are becoming more important to today’s workforce. We explore the power of company culture and why it’s a costly factor to ignore.
Why a HR System is a ‘game-changer’ for small businesses
It’s an investment that will transform the way your organisation manages its people, making it easier for management to access employee data, processes and workflows. As your business grows (and your team with it), the adoption of HR software is a ‘game changer’ for any business looking to stay on top of its people function at the touch of a button.
A new Labour Government: what it means for HR professionals
With a Labour victory confirmed in the 2024 General Election, we’re delving deeper into the party’s plans for employment law and exploring what these changes would mean for small businesses and their HR teams. Here’s what HR professionals and small business owners need to know.
What could a change in Government mean for HR departments?
From changes in taxation and benefits to new employee rights introduced under fresh employment laws, a change in Government gives HR professionals lots to learn – and fast. At the time of writing, polls suggest that a change in Government at the 4 July General Election is indeed expected. So, what are the main political parties proposing and what do we as HR professionals need to know?
Smooth Workforce Integration: Mastering HR due diligence through mergers and acquisitions
The thought of smoothly integrating two distinct workforces can be one of the most daunting prospects when considering a merger or acquisition. But the effort is definitely worth it: by ensuring a smooth integration, you can set your newly merged business on the path to success.
Navigating Employment Law: How a HR Consultant Can Safeguard Your Small Business
As legislation changes frequently, it's essential for business owners to stay informed and compliant to avoid legal pitfalls. This is where a skilled HR consultant can be invaluable, offering expertise and guidance to ensure your business remains compliant with current laws while fostering a fair and productive work environment.
What is a fractional HR Director?
Fractional and outsourced HR Directors provide a valuable alternative to traditional in-house HR departments, allowing you to access experienced HR leadership on a flexible basis rather than having full-time, in-house HR staff.
Navigating HR strategy in times of change
How do we – as business leaders – navigate change in a way that reduces fear and uncertainty, and keeps our people feeling motivated and secure as they come with us on the journey?
Back To Basics: Why do I need a HR Strategy?
Covering everything employee-related from recruitment and retention to engagement and wellness, a HR Strategy helps make sure that every member of your team is clear about how their efforts contribute to the company’s growth and success, and feel motivated towards delivering business goals.