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Immigration white paper brings challenges for HR

The government has now published its white paper detailing changes that it plans to make to the visa system in the UK, and the proposals will bring significant challenges for HR departments. One of the biggest changes listed in this paper is the requirement for

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Research reveals rise in employment tribunal backlog

The latest research shows that there has been a big rise in the backlog of employment tribunal cases over the past year, and it also indicates that the situation is likely to get worse. This analysis was carried out by Littler, an employment law company.

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Survey shows half of workers taking social media risks

A new piece of research conducted by a cyber security company has found that half of UK workers are reckless when it comes to social media, potentially creating financial or reputational problems for their employers. This study was produced by CyberArk and its findings will

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The benefits of opting for a managed payroll

When it comes to working out and distributing salaries, companies have two choices: in-house or managed payroll. The first of those options means that the internal HR department handles it, while the second involves outsourcing it to a third-party. This blog will outline some of

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HR professionals cite employee engagement as priority

The biggest priority this year for a significant number of HR professionals is to find ways of boosting employee engagement levels, according to a new survey that has just been published. This was cited as the main focus by 31% of them, which adds up

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UK workers among the most unhappy in Europe

Workers in this country are close to the top of the rankings when it comes to unhappiness, according to a piece of research on the subject that has just been published. The study that this finding comes from is the annual State of the Workplace

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Six reasons to outsource HR as an SME

When it comes to HR, an increasing number of SMEs are choosing to outsource. Given that HR is something that even smaller firms cannot afford to ignore these days, there are real benefits to bringing in outside expertise. This blog will list some of them.

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Study finds data breaches by workers on the rise

The number of accidental data breaches by employees in the UK has reached the highest level it has been in more than half a decade, the latest research has revealed. This research was conducted by the financial advice firm Nockolds and it shows an annual

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Three ways to assess employee engagement

One of the many functions of an HR department is to make sure that employee engagement levels remain high. That is because workers who are enthusiastic and interested will be more focused and productive. If you’re looking for methods you can use to assess employee

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Companies that scrap DEI policies could face legal challenges

Specialists in employment law are warning UK companies that they could face legal challenges if they decide to scrap their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes, as backlash against these policies mounts in the US. The Employment Lawyers’ Association (ELA) has published an open letter

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Study shows women less willing to embrace AI up-skilling

The latest research study indicates that women are much less keen than men on gaining the knowledge and skills needed to utilise artificial intelligence (AI). This study was produced by Robert Half, a recruitment company. It is called the Candidate Sentiment Survey, and it covers

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Government extends right-to-work checks to gig economy

The government has announced that right-to-work checks will now be a legal obligation for companies in the gig economy, as it tries to cut back on illegal working practices. This change brings the rules for gig economy firms in line with those for more traditional

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Research indicates better health enjoyed by hybrid workers

The findings of a new study indicate that hybrid workers are healthier, on the whole, than those who work full-time in the office, and this could have serious repercussions for businesses. The study in question was carried out by The International Workplace Group, a company

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Male employees increasingly seeking mental health support

The latest research into the workforce in the UK has found that mental health issues are a primary concern for male employees, and a significant percentage want employers to do more. This research was carried out by Bupa, a company that offers private healthcare. It

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Three reasons to build a healthy company culture

When management teams are planning for business success, one area they often overlook is the culture of the company. In the end, that can prove just as important as any of the more easily measurable metrics though. Here are some reasons why you should focus

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What is a company culture consultant?

When people use the term ‘company culture’, what they are referring to is the personality and character of a business. Company culture means not just the stated – and written – policies and values of a business, but how its employees behave on an everyday

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Chief executive claims culture change needed at Foxtons

One of the biggest estate agents in the country is being tasked with overhauling the culture of its workplaces following reports of discrimination, according to its chief executive. There have been reports of harassment towards junior employees at the estate agents Foxtons, with these being

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Survey indicates HR pros now more receptive to AI

A survey of HR professionals in the UK has found that the overwhelming majority of them now view artificial intelligence (AI) as something that could be transformative for their industry, although as a complement to human beings rather than a replacement. The ‘State of Employee

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New bereavement leave rights for workers planned

Workers who suffer the loss of a baby during the early stages of pregnancy could be set to gain new bereavement leave rights, following a change to the bill covering employment rights. This amendment would see the entitlement to bereavement leave extended to cover employees

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Report shows young people worried about skills

A new report has found that over half of the young people in the UK have worries about their skills, qualifications and experience, fearing that the lack of them will affect their career prospects. The results of the latest King’s Trust Youth Index show that

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HR chief shares top tips during networking event speech

The chief HR administrator for Star Refrigeration delivered a speech at a recent event that was organised by Investors in Young People (IIYP), where she spoke about how the firm has managed to recruit new talent. Gillian Dunbar gave this speech during the Good Practice

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Three reasons why your company needs HR

The term ‘human resources’ is one that everybody in the business world will have heard of, but it is also one that is often misunderstood. HR is about a lot more than just hiring and firing people. If you do not have an HR team

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Report shows IT onboarding failures costing businesses

A new report states that failures during the onboarding process for IT staff are costing businesses heavily, both in terms of money and of employee retention. This report was produced by Nexthink, a platform that provides digital staff management software. It argues that onboarding processes

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Majority of companies in UK continuing with DEI

New research has shown the majority of companies in the UK are continuing to run programmes dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), despite the backlash against these policies in the wake of the US election. This finding comes from a poll that was carried

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HR teams looking to leverage AI through recruitment

A new survey of those working in human resources (HR) has found that the majority of HR professionals regard artificial intelligence (AI) as a key priority. This survey was conducted by Avature, a software firm that provides Human Capital Management (HMC) technology. More than 100

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Green jobs demand belies wider slowdown

The latest research shows that there has been a big rise in demand for workers with green skills, at a time when the employment market as a whole is in a slowdown. This revelation comes from the newest Green Jobs Barometer published by PwC. That

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New study shows value of DEI for businesses

A study that has just been published highlights the value that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies can have for businesses, at a time when they are in the firing line. This study comes from EY UK and its results show that DEI policies have

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CEOs optimistic about business prospects

A new poll of CEOs in the UK has found that the levels of optimism among them are growing, even in the wake of economic and political turbulence. The CEO Outlook Survey is the poll in question and its results make for interesting reading. 100

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Stress: The Small Business Owner’s Silent Partner!

Welcome to Stress Awareness Month! If you're a small business owner, you know that stress is more than just an occasional nuisance—it's practically a business partner. From the exhilaration of launching your venture to the daily grind of keeping things afloat, stress can take its

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You want to outsource your HR but not sure where to start?

As an SME you’re probably looking after a number of spinning plates and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Outsourcing your HR can help to reduce your workload and give you what you need to manage payroll, time and attendance, recruiting, onboarding and HR admin. Here

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How to Change an Organisational Culture

Organisational culture and how to change it has been the subject of much debate and analysis. How to Change an Organisational Culture “It’s how we do things round here”. Organisational culture and how to change it has been the subject of much debate and analysis.

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Why Do We Resist Change?

In your organisation, do people know what they like, and like what they know? If so, they’re not alone. In this blog, we’re looking at what lies behind our resistance to change. Why do we get “stuck” – and what can you do about it?

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The Data Dilemma

How accurate, real-time data could make all the difference to your HR department, and to your organisation as a whole. You may find the expression “information is power” somewhat of a 1980s cliché – perhaps it puts you in mind of a hard line, super-assertive

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What is HR Transformation?

At FiveRivers Consulting, we’re all about HR transformation. And now is the time for us to define what we mean. How does it work, and how could it (quite literally) transform YOUR organisation? Transformation is moving from one state to an altered state, ideally making

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How To Write a Killer Business Case

Now is the time for HR transformation. Here’s how to get your stakeholders on side. When you’re considering a top-to-toe transformation revolution in your HR department - securing improvements and efficiencies across process, technology and data -  you’ll need everyone – the Board and other

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Managing Absence in the Workplace – 5 Top Tips for Managers

Most employers will expect their staff to miss a certain number of days from work. Whether its sickness related, family or emergency related, or covid-19 related absence, we’ll all miss work at some point. But to ensure absenteeism doesn’t become a problem it’s important that

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Conquer your fear of public speaking with a positive mindset

Most people at some point in their working and personal life will engage in public speaking. Whether you are presenting to clients, contributing in meetings, being on camera, giving a speech, or doing job interviews. Public speaking is a vital skill which, surveys suggest, can

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Global Forgiveness Day

Saturday 7th July was not just an exciting day for English football it was also Global Forgiveness Day – a day to forgive and be forgiven, a chance to set things right, put aside old differences, move beyond grievances and hurts and start afresh. I

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Can hypnotherapy help with anxiety stress or depression?

A recent article in the Metro quoted a survey by PwC suggesting a third of British employees across junior and senior roles suffer with anxiety, depression or stress – a sixth with mental health issues – suggesting the role of technology blurring the lines between

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Mindfulness to manage anxiety and depression

Mindfulness has become very popular in recent years. It is claiming huge mental health benefits in treating anxiety and depression and has become integral to psychotherapy, especially within cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), with a common goal of helping people gain perspective on irrational, unhelpful and

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Do you suffer with imposter syndrome?

Do you feel like an imposter in your job? Well you are not alone as research suggests that 70% of us will suffer with imposter syndrome in our lifetime. So what is it? Imposter syndrome is a psychological fear of both failure and success. Its

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Fighting the fear leads to better decision making

I hold my hand up: I sometimes struggle taking even the simplest and easiest decisions. I can struggle to make quick and decisive decisions because if I’m honest they’re unlikely to influence an important life or death situation so I can dither and procrastinate. Over

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Ways to stop comparing ourselves to others 2

Sit on a straight-back chair or on the floor. Make sure you will be undisturbed for at least 30 minutes Bring your attention to your breath. · Notice your breathing as you slowly breathe in and out – in through the nose and out through

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Why do we fail at New Year resolutions?

Getting healthy for the new year or managing finance better tend to be the most popular resolutions for people and surveys suggest only 8% of people who set resolutions tend to be successful. Why? 1st January – when New Year resolutions begin (Image credit Brook

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Get your voice in public speaking shape

It’s important to get your voice in shape: vocal energy, strength and endurance is important to provide a great experience for your audience. Your voice can produce at least 325 different pitches and be affected by excitement, stress and nerves. Voice training can make a

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What are the benefits to having cold showers?

I’ve read Tony Robbins takes cold showers and actually a host of other hard working entrepreneurs says it does wonders for them. Is it all about breaking out of your comfort zone and stepping out like a warrior, or having better skin, hair and nails?

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5 ways to stop comparing ourselves to others

We just can’t help it! Comparing ourselves to others is the most human of emotions. We measure our own social and personal worth based on how we stack up – our lives, our attractiveness, intelligence, success – and if we compare better or worse! But

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Career coaching… what’s in it for me?

Many people have asked me what to expect in career coaching and how the process might help them? I have used career coaching services a lot! My early working life was spent in talent management – where I found career coaching to be an invaluable

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Mindfulness Script

Sit on a straight-back chair or on the floor. Make sure you will be undisturbed for at least 30 minutes. Bring your attention to your breath. · Notice your breathing as you slowly breathe in and out – in through the nose and out through

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