It’s a great feeling when business is going well and something that all companies strive for. It’s in these moments that you have the opportunity to expand your business which, although an exciting prospect, can present its own set of unique challenges. We're here to...
HR Management
Employee Wellbeing: Are your team ready for 2023?
It's the festive season - and whilst life tends to get much busier at this time of year, it's also a good opportunity to reflect on the last 12 months and how you can continue to thrive in 2023. We know running a small business can be challenging at the best of times,...
World Cup 2022 – The HR Issues and how to manage them
You may have noticed the 2022 World Cup has kicked off in Qatar, and whilst the controversial choice of Qatar as host is a useful reminder of anti-discrimination laws and the need to treat all employees fairly, major football tournaments bring their own HR issues to...
Are return to work interviews really that important?
Return to work interviews (RTW’s) are all too easy to skip or do quickly when you are busy, and we understand that…but here is why they are so valuable!!! We are all human and so from time-to-time people will go off sick. The last thing anyone needs is to feel worried...
The do’s and don’ts of interviewing
For small businesses it’s really important to recruit the right people; not only will the right people excel in the role, but they will also be a great fit for your business and culture. The interview is a key stage of the recruitment process, giving you the best feel...
Hiring an employee for the first time: What do I need to know?
So, you’re ready to hire your first employee. Congratulations! This is an important milestone. And some extra hands about the place should take some of the pressure off. Entrepreneurs are used to wearing all the hats, and if you’re hiring your first employee, it’s...
Pulse surveys: 10 questions you can be asking
There’s no denying that making sure you employees are engaged at work is on your to-do list, but it can be a tricky task to get right. We know you care about your staff, and we totally get it. If they seem to turning up every day, are hitting targets, and haven’t said...
5 ways HR automation helps small businesses save time
We work with thousands of small businesses and nearly all of them come to us with the same fundamental problem. Time. As businesses grow, HR admin workload increases. It’s inevitable. You quickly get to a point where HR can’t just live in your head anymore. Tasks that...
Staff handbook or employee handbook: what is it and why is it important?
What is a staff handbook? A staff handbook, also known as an employee handbook or employee manual, is a collection of documents and policies outlining everything employees need to know about working at that company. As a small business owner, you’re required by law to...
Electronic monitoring in your small business – is it a good idea?
As many small businesses commit to hybrid working long-term post-pandemic in the UK, and other forms of remote working, electronic monitoring employees’ activities while working remotely has become an increasingly hot topic as employers try to keep track of tasks, and...
Compulsory Covid vaccination – can employers introduce a ‘no jab, no job’ policy?
With the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine well underway in the UK, you are likely to be considering how this is affecting your staff and any plans to open up your workplace. Many UK employers are strongly encouraging their staff to get the vaccine, but without making...
How to make a hybrid working model that actually works!
Are you considering shifting your teams to a hybrid working model? While the ‘new’ way of working has gained a lot of positive press, there are a few things to consider before you jump on the bandwagon. Right now is the perfect time to consider switching to a hybrid...
The 2021 budget: what small business owners need to know
If you’re a small business owner then you already know that the 2021 budget announcements are big news. We’re going to break down everything you need to know. In early March, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced his new budget. There are big changes coming to the furlough...
Onboarding remote interns so they feel part of the team
If you’re lucky enough to be thinking about hiring in the current climate, you should consider adapting your onboarding process. Your new hire’s first day is crucial so let’s make sure you set them up for success. Your new hire’s first day has always been important. A...
#1 Coronavirus software updates
It’s September already, and if we’re lucky the country (and world!) will start to get slowly back to normal – or a new normal more likely. But Coronavirus is still very in our midst so we have some software updates for you to help manage your teams. We thought we’d...
The Good Work Plan and other April 2020 employment law changes
Right now, all the HR newsfeeds are full of Coronavirus and furlough news, so you could be forgiven for thinking that it’s the only thing happening in the world of employment law! But amidst the mayhem of the pandemic, the Good Work Plan came into force on 6th April...
Coronavirus – what employers need to know
Never in our lifetime have employers had to deal with such a fast-changing, disruptive and stressful environment as that caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Plans made one day have to be changed the next and, most importantly, the details and practicalities...
What is whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing, or ‘making a disclosure in the public interest’, is when a worker reveals information about a wrongdoing or illegal activity within an organisation that may affect others such as the general public. This is usually to do with the actions of senior...
How does payroll work?
As an employer, payroll will be one of the most essential aspects of what you do. The process starts as soon as you hire your first employee and requires regular management to keep it running smoothly. A solid payroll system is key in ensuring your company is...
What are the legal requirements for starting a small business in the UK?
When starting a small business, trying to get your head around all of the necessary legal processes can be confusing and intimidating. One of the biggest worries we see relates to employing staff and knowing what is legally required to comply with employment laws, to...
Expense management: how to get it right in your business
Recording and submitting expenses isn’t a task anyone enjoys much. And without a clear expense management process in place, all sorts of headaches can occur; an employee might wait all year to reclaim their expenses, or a dispute might arise over what can or can’t be...
A guide to HR outsourcing for small business
Are you a small business owner struggling over whether to outsource your HR? We've put together this guide to explain what outsourcing HR involves, how to do it and what the benefits are for employers. In the guide we'll cover: What is HR outsourcing Why outsource HR...
What are the must-have HR software features for business?
HR software plays a key role in making the day to day running of your business much smoother, cheaper and less stressful. Not only does it cut down on admin time by allowing employees to log in and manage parts of their own HR, but it keeps everything in one...
Five benefits of HR software
So you’re thinking about investing in HR software, but is it really worth it? And do the benefits outweigh what is already working just fine? Maybe you’re still quite a small business and not sure if you really need it yet. Budgets might be tight and figuring out...