Posts by Hayley White

Holiday entitlement should be one of the simplest parts of employment. And yet, year after year, it becomes one of the biggest HR headaches for small businesses. When to allow employees to carry over holiday can cause confusion and inconsistency across workplaces. “Can I carry this over?”“I didn’t take it all – can I save…

Neurodiversity in the workplace isn’t just a trend — it’s a practical way to build stronger, more inclusive teams. In this blog, we explore what neurodiversity in the workplace really means, the barriers employees can face, and how small changes can make a big difference for employers and staff alike. What Do We Mean by…

The Great Wardrobe Debate In the age of hybrid working, workplace dress codes are wobbling somewhere between boardroom chic and bedroom casual. One day you’re in heels and a blazer, the next you’re answering emails in pyjama bottoms and a “World’s Best Dog Mum” hoodie. And then, of course, there’s Dave. Dave, who insists that…

Let’s be honest — nobody really dreams of growing up to manage absence records. But here we are, clutching our Bradford Factor scores and trying to decide whether “my cat looked at me funny” counts as a legitimate reason to stay home. Absence management can be a tricky balance. Too strict, and you’re the workplace…

We don’t usually turn to Mattel dolls, footballers or Regency dramas for HR advice—but maybe we should. From pink convertibles to penalty kicks to polite society, our favourite cultural icons have more to say about workplace behaviour than we think. Here’s what Barbie, Beckham, and Bridgerton can teach us about professionalism, inclusion and how to…

Asking for references might seem like one of the simpler tasks in HR — a quick email, a few standard questions, and job done, right? Not quite. Unfortunately reference requests sit in a legal and practical grey zone that’s often misunderstood by both employers and employees. So here’s a quick guide from a HR perspective…

The lines between work and home have never been blurrier. Thanks to remote and hybrid working, many employees are sending emails at all hours, skipping lunch, and treating 10pm Teams messages like business as usual. But how sustainable is this, really? Enter: the “Right to Disconnect”. It’s not a new idea, but it’s gaining momentum…

Managing holiday leave requests might not sound like the most exciting part of running a business—but it can quickly become a headache if not handled well. Whether it’s overlapping summer breaks, last-minute Christmas leave, or confusion around bank holidays, poor planning can disrupt your operations and frustrate your team. Here’s what every business owner needs…

The way we work is changing, and the 4-day work week is gaining attention. Many businesses are trying it out, but is it the right move for everyone? What is the 4-Day Work Week? A 4-day work week means employees work four days instead of five, without a pay cut. The idea is to improve…

Workplace concerns and grievances are a natural part of any organisation. However, not every issue requires a formal complaint. Many concerns can be resolved more quickly and effectively through an informal grievance process. For managers, handling grievances informally can help maintain a positive workplace culture, improve communication, and prevent small issues from escalating. Here’s a…