I’ll be upfront with you, writing this feels a little like talking myself out of a job. But after twenty years of working in HR, there are things that need to be said, and I’d rather say them honestly than pretend everything is fine.
Let me start with something I say at least ten times a week in my HR consultancy, Rebox HR: You do not have an automatic right to work from home in the UK. Not even in 2025. Not even after all the changes to flexible working legislation that came into force in April 2024.
And judging by the conversations I’m having with both employees and employers, this seems to be one of the most misunderstood aspects of current employment law. So let’s clear this up once and for all, shall we?
Why Believing in Yourself is the Key to Career Success
Today brought me the most wonderful news that perfectly illustrates why self-belief is so crucial for professional success. Someone I’ve been mentoring over the past few months has just achieved Chartered Fellowship of the CIPD – one of the most landmark levels in HR.
I’ve just had a really interesting chat with one of my clients about bringing our authentic selves to work following the pandemic, and also how the transition from corporate to business owner makes us feel when it comes to being our true selves at work.
I’m currently writing this from my office wearing my favourite Spice Girls sweatshirt for context…
As HR professionals, we often find ourselves at a crossroads of organisational interests and ethical responsibilities. Achieving a balance, being aware of our responsibilities, all whilst juggling the needs of the business and ethical boundaries; it is no wonder that I get asked this often at events I speak at.
For many, this is an uncomfortable position to be in, for example, how many times have you been asked to cross the line when it comes to dismissals because that person doesn’t fit in, but no other reasons behind it? Or may be an issue has been swept under the carpet, yet something obviously should have been done about it, yet the person is bein protected because of who they are etc.?