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....
Leonie Goodman Blog
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...
Absence Management: Ready for Day 1 SSP? (UK Employment 2025)
The Labour government have made big changes as to how people are paid when they're all sick in the UK. At the moment for the first 3 days you don't get paid, and then you get statutory sick pay. This is the case unless your company has a company sick pay scheme which...
Are You Afraid to Take a Risk? Or Do You Just Give In?
When faced with a grievance - especially one involving serious allegations or claims against a senior individual - it’s natural to feel apprehensive. The potential risks can appear overwhelming: reputational damage, legal implications, or even internal conflict. For...
Navigating Post-Holiday Fallout in the Workplace
As January unfolds and everyone returns to work, some unexpected dynamics may arise. The holiday season is a time of celebration, but workplace Christmas parties can sometimes leave a lasting impact that goes beyond the decorations coming down. Have you noticed a...
Does HR Really Strangle the Economy?
Recently, a national newspaper published an article questioning whether HR departments are strangling the economy. The article highlighted the growing influence of HR and posed concerns about whether HR decisions always align with the best interests of the company....
The True Cost of Staff Investment Amid Rising National Insurance Contributions
In the current economic climate, businesses are facing mounting challenges, from increased operational costs to rises in National Insurance contributions. These financial pressures often force companies to reevaluate their workforce strategy, but it’s crucial not to...