As an HR consultancy, we’re always on the look out for ideas we can bring to businesses we work with to help them to support their employees in a sustainable way. One of the key areas we can make an impact on businesses and therefore their employees, is with benefits. Whilst some benefits are expensive, such as private medical cover or income protection, there are others which are both low cost and can have a significant impact on employee wellbeing, attendance and retention, and therefore productivity. Our favourite of these is the healthcare cash plan! A cash plan is a health insurance polic ..read more

In the dynamic landscape of today’s workplaces, fostering employee wellbeing has emerged as a key priority for companies aiming to create a positive and productive environment. With a diverse workforce comes diverse needs so a holistic approach to wellbeing is recommended to contribute to a healthier, more fulfilling work experience for all. Physical Health Promoting physical health within the workplace might seem simple, but it’s best to make sure this is also inclusive. A reduced gym membership rate with the branch next door the office might seem like a great perk, but likely won’t suit all ..read more

In 2010, the UK introduced the Equality Act 2010. The purpose of this was to consolidated and strengthened the country’s anti-discrimination laws, bringing together several earlier statutes into a single, comprehensive piece of legislation. The Equality Act 2010 is a pivotal framework that promotes equal opportunities and combats discrimination on various grounds. In this blog, we’ll delve into the key aspects and implications of this significant legislation related to employment. The Nine Protected Characteristics One of the fundamental principles of the Equality Act 2010 is its protection of ..read more

The act of recognising and valuing your employees goes beyond a simple pat on the back – it’s a powerful tool that supports organisational success by improving morale, engagement, loyalty and performance and helps to build a strong and positive company culture. It’s also not just down to pay – even in a cost of living crisis. While financial rewards and bonuses are of course important, employee appreciation goes deeper than this. Regularly recognising your employees’ efforts, achievements, and contribution to the business is essential for building a positive work environment. Ways to show appr ..read more

In the UK, it is estimated that there are around 250,000 miscarriages each year and 1 in every 4 pregnancies will end in loss.  When you consider that most people looking to start or grow their family will be of working age, it’s safe to assume that many of these losses will be suffered within the workplace.  However, despite the prevalence of miscarriage and baby loss within the workplace, few organisations have specific policies or support in place for those going through this, often highly traumatic, experience.  Next week marks Baby Loss Awareness Week 2023 and according to ..read more

We get it, HR policies are quite dry subject matter. We don’t often hear our clients excited to add another policy to their collection or telling us how a policy has helped them reach their profit target this year. But boring things are still important! Our Policy Spotlight series will take you through some of the key HR policies, shining a light on what they’re for, and why you might need them. Having the right policies in place can: Make sure you’re complying with employment law. Provide you with some protection from employee claims. Help your employees understand what is and isn’t accepted ..read more

Neurodiversity is a term used to describe the variety of differences in the way the human brain interprets the world. Most people are what is known as neurotypical, which means that their brain processes information and interprets the world in a way similar to most other people, or in a neurotypical way. The neurodiverse community tend to view and interpret the world differently from their neurotypical counterparts and their brains will function, learn and process information differently. It is estimated that around 15% of the UK population are neurodiverse. Neurodiversity is an umbrella term ..read more

A contract of employment is a legal document that exists between an employee and an employing organisation that stipulates the terms and conditions upon which the individual is employed.  Contracts are legally binding and are a mix of express and implied terms. Why have a contract in place? A contract will exist between your organisation and any staff you employ regardless of whether a written document exists.  The contract will begin once the employee accepts the job offer and starts work.  However, having a written document in place provides clarity to both parties in terms of ..read more

This week we celebrate International Women’s Day, a day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and this year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity. This time last year, survey results showed that 15% of Britons think that gender inequality doesn’t exist, and whilst men were more likely to hold this view than women (19% vs 11%), the research showed an interesting picture of people failing to accept the reality of inequality, despite there being quite a lot of evidence to show this. Businesses have their role to play in creating equity for women and men, and one of t ..read more

Following on from our blog in November about the trial of a 4 day working week that was underway, this week a report has been published with the outcomes and results of the trial. We were delighted to hear some really positive results, and think this feels like a step forward in evidencing the value of work-life balance for employees. To recap, firms took part in a trial of the 4 day working week where employees work 80% of their usual hours, but retain their full salaries. This trial is the work of campaign group 4 Day Week and is running alongside similar pilot schemes in other countries suc ..read more