Hiring your first employee is an exciting time. Not only will you be handing over responsibility for part of your business to someone new, but you also need to be aware of your duties and obligations as an employer. Here are 10 things you need to know to make sure you get it right: 1. Get Employment Insurance You need employers’ liability insurance, as soon as you become an employer. 2. Set up a Pension Scheme The government requires all employers to have a pension scheme available to their employees – even if they don’t use it. There are many free schemes out there, for example NEST or Peopl ..read more

Introduction Workplaces, despite their collaborative nature, are not immune to conflict. In fact, conflict can be an inevitable part of any dynamic business. Whether it stems from differing opinions, varying work styles, or external pressures, it is important to acknowledge that conflict is likely to occur. How you address and manage conflict can significantly impact team dynamics, employee satisfaction, and overall productivity. In this blog, we will discuss the various causes of workplace conflict and some strategies to combat these. Understanding the Nature of Workplace Conflict Conflict i ..read more

In recent years, a significant shift has been occurring in workplaces around the world. Two distinct generational cohorts are making their mark: Generation Z, born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010 and Millennials, born between the early 1980s and the mid-1990s. These digital natives and purpose-driven individuals are stepping onto the professional stage with fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a unique set of expectations. As they embark on their careers and assume leadership roles, they are reshaping the future of work in profound ways. Understanding Gen Z & Millennials Gro ..read more

Neurodiversity is the idea that there are natural variations in the way that people think and process information. Today, those neurological differences are given labels such as autism spectrum conditions, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. Did you know that at least one in ten working-age adults are neurodivergent in some way? Neurodiversity has always been with us. Individuals who think differently often have pronounced strengths that can bring real value to the workplace. Unfortunately, most workplaces and working practices are not designed to be inclusive of these natural variations. Intended ..read more

Employee engagement refers to the level of emotional commitment and dedication that employees have towards their work and company. It is a measure of how invested and motivated they are in their roles, and how connected they feel to the company’s goals and values. Engaged employees are more likely to be productive, innovative, and satisfied in their jobs, leading to higher levels of performance and overall business success. Why Bother with Employee Engagement? Employee engagement is crucial for various reasons: Increased Productivity: Engaged employees are more motivated, focused, and committ ..read more

As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of work, Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA) is in its fifth year of ‘My Whole Self’ which is celebrated this year on the 12th March. My Whole Self is an anchor for creating cultures where people feel valued and empowered to bring their whole self to work. By focusing on creating psychological safety in the workplace we can change cultures for the better. At its core, psychological safety is about trust and respect. It means colleagues listen without judgement, leaders model vulnerability and policies demonstrate fairness and dignity f ..read more

In 2024, we are witnessing substantial shifts that will impact businesses across the UK. As your trusted HR consultancy and partner, Halliday’s HR is committed to keeping you informed and empowered. Let’s delve into the six crucial employment law changes you need to be aware of this year. 1. The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 The Equality Act has been amended to protect certain rights against discrimination which derive from EU Law, so they are not lost by the Retained EU Law Act 2023 (as a result of Brexit). The Regulations amend the Equality Act 2010 to achieve this purpose ..read more

National Apprenticeship Week 2024 will run from Monday 5 to Sunday 11 February. The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2024 is “Skills for Life”. We encourage everyone to consider how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and employers to develop a workforce with future ready skills. Apprenticeship Week is an important initiative that aims to raise awareness and promote the benefits of apprenticeships in the workplace. It provides a platform to showcase the value of apprenticeship programs in developing a skilled workforc ..read more

One of the greatest skills a leader can possess is the ability to provide feedback directly and respectfully to employees. Regularly and consistently giving feedback to your team can make the most immediate positive difference to employees and businesses. Though feedback is one of the main drivers of both personal and professional development, it can be a challenge to deliver good feedback. In this blog, we will explore what good feedback looks like, how you can give it, and why good feedback is so important in helping your employees to thrive. Good Feedback is Specific Ambiguity in your feed ..read more

The role of a line manager is a tricky one. They need to be able to supervise and organise workload, but they also need to act in a way which is motivating and engaging whilst also being legally compliant. To protect your business from risk. Perhaps you have some managers that have been with your business a while and could do with a refresher? Or maybe you have some newly promoted managers? Often, people get promoted to manager roles because of their technical capability, but they lack the exposure, knowledge and skills to make a successful transition to management. We spend months, and somet ..read more