News

The four-day workweek is gaining global momentum as businesses and governments explore more flexible work models. Countries like Iceland, Belgium, and the UK have trialed shorter workweeks, yielding positive results, such as higher productivity, improved work-life balance, and reduced employee burnout. Companies like Microsoft Japan and Unilever have also tested this approach, reporting increased efficiency and job satisfaction. Unlike the traditional five-day workweek, a four-day workweek allows employees to earn the same salary while working fewer days. Some organisations opt for a 32-hour model, while others use a compressed schedule with longer daily shifts. As employee expectations shift, many employers [...]

Employees in the UK have a legal right to request remote or flexible work arrangements. Since 6 April 2024 employees have a day one right to make a request. Employers are legally required to consider these requests fairly and respond within two months. Flexible working benefits both employees and businesses. Workers gain better work-life balance, reduced commuting stress, and increased job satisfaction. Employers benefit from higher engagement, productivity, and talent retention. However, not all roles are suitable for remote work, and businesses must assess each request based on operational needs, teamwork requirements, and service delivery impact. A strong remote work [...]

Workplace bullying and harassment present significant challenges to both employees and employers, impacting morale, productivity, and legal compliance. Addressing these issues is critical to creating a respectful and equitable workplace while safeguarding against costly claims and reputational damage. Bullying refers to offensive, intimidating, or malicious behaviour intended to undermine or humiliate. Harassment, as defined under the Equality Act 2010, involves unwanted conduct related to protected characteristics, such as age, gender, race, or religion, that creates a hostile or degrading environment. While bullying is not explicitly covered by legislation, its mishandling can lead to constructive dismissal claims, making it essential for [...]

Significant changes will reshape employment law practices in 2025. This includes expected legislation to expand the rights for flexible working, adjustments to unfair dismissal rules, and new legislation under the Labour government. These updates will impact businesses of all sizes, requiring proactive strategies to maintain compliance and ensure workforce stability. The Labour government’s legislative agenda introduces reforms like the "right to switch off" and stricter fire and rehire practices regulations.  HR Team provides expert HR Consultancy services, HR Packages and facilitates HR webinars to guide businesses through these complex changes. With tailored advice and practical tools, HR Team ensures organisations [...]

The Labour Employment Rights Bill introduces sweeping changes that will reshape how businesses manage their workforce and comply with employment law. With its focus on enhancing employee protections and fostering fair practices, this legislation is poised to impact industries across the UK. Business owners must act now to understand these changes, assess their implications, and adapt their operations to stay compliant. The bill covers key areas such as day-one protection from unfair dismissal, restrictions on fire-and-rehire practices, and expanded rights for flexible working and statutory leave. It also introduces stricter regulations on zero-hours contracts, trade union reforms, and the creation [...]

From October 2024, UK employers will have a legal duty to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, marking a significant shift in workplace protections. This change, introduced through the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill, places proactive responsibilities on employers to ensure their environments are safe and inclusive. Employers who fail to meet these new standards could face serious legal and financial repercussions. More importantly, businesses risk damaging their reputation and trust with employees and clients. What’s Changing and Why? The legislation brings two major changes: A New Preventive Duty: Employers will need to show they have taken [...]

Designing effective employee surveys is crucial for capturing insights that drive organisational growth. This guide explores why surveys matter, the key questions to include, best practices for design, and how to analyse results. We'll delve into common mistakes to avoid and how HR Team can assist you in creating impactful surveys. Why Employee Surveys Matter Employee surveys are more than just questionnaires; they're strategic tools that can transform your organisation. They provide a platform for employees to voice their opinions, leading to improved engagement, retention, and a stronger organisational culture. Understanding their importance sets the foundation for creating surveys that [...]

Workforce planning aligns your team's talents with your company's goals, ensuring you have the right people in the right roles at the right time. For businesses operating across Northern Ireland (NI), the United Kingdom (UK), and the Republic of Ireland (ROI), this strategy becomes even more vital due to varying employment laws and cultural differences. HR Team offers expert guidance to help you build a strong, compliant workforce plan that drives your business forward. Understanding Workforce Planning and Its Importance Workforce planning is a strategic approach to managing human resources. It involves a systematic process of analysing your current workforce, [...]