The traditional performance appraisal is undergoing a quiet revolution. More and more of my SME clients aren’t just asking for a review of how staff are doing — they’re asking for a deeper insight into who their people are and what they’re capable of becoming. Enter...
Leonie Goodman Blog
The WFH Balance – Who Really Has the Final Say?
The shift to hybrid working has undeniably transformed the modern workplace. Many companies have embraced the flexibility of two or three days a week at home, recognising that productivity doesn’t always rely on physical presence. This model works well when both...
National Insurance Rates for Employers Have Risen – How to Manage Without Diving Straight Into Redundancy
From April, the rise in employer National Insurance contributions has added yet another layer of cost to doing business. For many companies, this shift puts immediate pressure on margins—and the knee-jerk reaction is often to look at headcount. It’s understandable....
Stress Levels Are Rising at Work – Here’s What Leaders Can Do About It
Right now, stress in the workplace is at an all-time high. Employees are feeling the squeeze from all directions: Rising living costs Increased National Insurance deductions Global uncertainty, with U.S. tariffs (thanks, Trump) pushing up supply chain costs And inside...
New Sexual Harassment Rules: Train or Pay
On October 26 2024 new laws came into force on the sexual harassment policy which means that there is more onus on the employer to show that they have taken reasonable steps to prevent this happening in their Workforce. Up...
The Power of Day One: Why First Impressions in Onboarding Matter
The first day at a new job is more than just an introduction—it sets the tone for an employee’s entire journey with your company Yet, too many businesses reduce onboarding to a policy handbook and an intranet link, leaving new hires to navigate their first day alone....
Why Your Appraisals Must Align with Strategy and Competency Frameworks
Employee appraisals are often seen as a routine HR process—something to tick off the list. But when designed properly, they can be a powerful tool to drive business success. The key? Ensuring appraisals are not just about performance metrics but also about how...
Managing Holiday Carryover – Striking the Right Balance
As the year-end approaches, many employees find themselves with unused holiday leave. The question for employers is: should you allow carryover or enforce a ‘use it or lose it’ policy? A strict ‘use it or lose it’ rule encourages employees to take regular breaks,...
Day 1 Rights; Probation Matters! (UK Employment 2025)
All businesses large and small should be aware of the changes to the employment law in relation to the rights of an employee when they can claim unfair dismissal. Until the law was changed, and unless you had a protective characteristic, you couldn’t claim unfair...
HR Trends for 2025: AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement
As we move into 2025, AI continues to reshape the HR landscape. From streamlining recruitment to automating compliance tasks, its capabilities are undeniable. However, while AI can enhance efficiency, it should never replace the human element that defines effective...