Top tips for conducting grievance investigations

While we know that prevention is better than cure when it comes to tackling workplace grievances, incidences do occur and complaints are made. It is therefore the responsibility of HR or senior leaders to conduct investigations thoroughly and efficiently. However, workplace investigations are challenging for all involved. A formal grievance is often raised when issues […]

Perfecting proactive listening

As a leader, you are responsible for supporting and challenging your team, but how do you know if you are doing this effectively? Workplace communications are a two-way street. As well as directing a team, leaders need to invite feedback so employees can express the support they need to work smarter/faster/better – that is, leaders […]

Encouraging kindness at work

When you think of successful people, kindness isn’t always the first word that springs to mind. Indeed, kindness has often been considered a weakness but it’s one of the most important aspects of professional life. While success may require resilience and steely determination, kindness is the key to longevity and growth. And I’m not just […]

The impact of exclusion

The impact of exclusion Exclusion is a subtle but powerful form of workplace bullying that can leave employees feeling like they don’t belong and ultimately heading towards the exit. While exclusion can take many forms in the workplace, it can be tricky for employers to identify as it often arrives from an accumulation of many […]

Make parent-friendly policies the new normal

Despite decades of campaigning and equalities legislation, becoming a mother still comes with professional penalties, and the coronavirus pandemic is threatening to undo the progress that’s been made so far. Back in July 2020, it was already clear that working mothers were bearing the brunt of the pandemic’s consequences. And six months on, deep into […]

How to be an effective ally: A skills checklist

How to be an effective ally: A skills checklist If you’ve read my two previous blogs, you’ll know that one of the most important ways you can help make your organisation more diverse, fair and inclusive is through allyship. Allies use their privilege to call out inequity and advocate for those whose voices often go […]

Back to Basics: the dangers of performative allyship

The dangers of performative allyship The prominence of the term “allyship” in 2020 has led to an unfortunate side effect, which can be just as damaging as the oppressive systems it is trying to dismantle – the rise of “performative allyship”. We’ve all seen the black squares on Instagram, the defiant hashtags and supportive corporate […]

Back to basics: Allyship

You’ve got a friend in me If you care about making your workplace truly inclusive, then encouraging allyship is one of the most powerful steps you can take. An ally is someone who takes action to support others – particularly those from under-represented or marginalised groups. Active allies use their privilege to help open doors […]

Sexual harassment in a digital world

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Digitally-reliant 2020 has seen a significant shift in work, place and space – and subsequently has led to a blur in conduct norms and standards. Last month, Jeffrey Toobin – a writer for The New […]

Communication is the key

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Clear communication is the cornerstone of effective leadership. During an ongoing and unprecedented crisis, however, it is vital! This year has tested everyone’s internal communications strategies and, with the extra challenge of mass remote working […]

Mental health at work: Who is responsible?

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Employers have a legal duty of care to support health and wellbeing in the workplace. An organisational culture that recognises and addresses mental health with the same importance and urgency as physical health should be […]

Sweating the big stuff

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]We all know the merits of diverse and inclusive workplaces. A rich mix of people from different backgrounds, experiences and ages brings a blend of perspectives that drives innovation and creativity. However, it is also […]