Evidence-based agony aunt: I’m the only woman in leadership meetings after promotion and I’m having a crisis of confidence
A newly promoted woman struggles with confidence as the only female in leadership meetings. Research shows women tend to underestimate their abilities compared to men, but experts say reframing your thoughts and taking action can build genuine confidence through neural reinforcement.
Evidence-based agony aunt: should I leave because my male colleagues are paid more?
A woman on a graduate scheme discovers male colleagues earn more despite equal qualifications and performance ratings. An expert explores why the gender pay gap emerges early and offers evidence-based negotiation strategies to help women advocate effectively for equal compensation.
Evidence-based agony aunt: revered boss making inappropriate comments
A boss’s habit of commenting on your appearance rather than your work performance creates a “competence vs. likability” dilemma for women. An evidence-based agony aunt explains how to address inappropriate comments by making him aware of the pattern and establishing clear boundaries about professional recognition.
Onboarding senior leadership – making the right first impression to ensure success
Effective onboarding for senior leaders and board members is critical to organizational success. Poor onboarding processes risk compromising corporate governance, business culture, and reputation. Implementing a structured onboarding program helps new executives understand company values and their strategic role.
Building the case for mindfulness in the workplace
Discover how mindfulness in the workplace can reduce stress, improve employee wellbeing, and enhance decision-making. Based on UK parliamentary research and case studies, learn why companies are investing in mindfulness programs alongside professional development and physical health initiatives.
“You might be losing employees before they even start because of this mistake…”
Many companies focus on administrative tasks and perks during onboarding, but overlook two critical elements: clarification of job expectations and cultural integration. These “forgotten Cs” are essential for new hire retention and long-term success.
Do you see onboarding as a two-way street?
Effective onboarding should be a two-way dialogue rather than a one-way training process. Beyond teaching tasks and processes, organizations must invite new employees to contribute their perspectives on cultural fit and engagement, creating a foundation for mutual growth and enhanced business outcomes.
Trust is what makes digital workplaces – and organisations – a success
Research from 113 organizations shows that digital workplaces drive business value when built on trust and integrated connectivity. High-performing companies design physical spaces, digital tools, and social networks to enable employee collaboration across silos, leading to increased market share, profit growth, and employee satisfaction.
Book review: The Coaching Habit: say less, ask more & change the way you lead for ever
The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier offers practical guidance on adopting a coaching leadership approach. The book identifies three vicious cycles managers fall into and presents seven essential coaching questions to unlock employee potential and improve organizational outcomes. With accessible writing and actionable habit-building tips, it’s valuable for HR leaders and business professionals seeking more effective leadership styles.
Bystanders can’t do the right thing in employee relations
Workplace misconduct and poor performance require prompt, fair action from HR and managers. The “bystander effect” of avoiding difficult situations until damage occurs is harmful. Companies that transparently address employee relations challenges while protecting brand integrity build stronger, more credible workplace cultures.
Does time in role really matter?
Role tenure matters for performance, but context is key. While longer time in role benefits technical positions and change implementation, it’s less valuable in startups and for high-potential employees. Most organizations find performance peaks at 2-3 years before plateauing.
Five ways to transform the annual performance review
Research shows 71 percent of organizations view their annual performance reviews as ineffective. Five best practices—including quarterly goal setting and development discussions—can transform performance management into a dynamic, employee-centered strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
Getting employee engagement on your CEO’s agenda: Create actionable steps
Learn how to get your CEO actively supporting employee engagement by understanding what prevents leader buy-in and taking actionable steps to overcome barriers around leadership abilities, company culture, and personal motivations.
In Praise of Know: lessons from #HRTechWorld
HR Tech World highlights the critical need for HR professionals to understand emerging technologies shaping the industry. Rather than resisting change, HR leaders should embrace knowledge of modern tools in analytics, talent management, and employee experience to stay competitive in an accelerating market.
Getting employee engagement on your CEO’s agenda: Appeal to emotional triggers
Learn how to appeal to CEOs’ emotional drivers—autonomy, reputation, and legacy—to secure their commitment to employee engagement. Effective strategies focus on emotional connection rather than statistics, helping leaders understand how strong employee engagement protects their interests and enhances their professional standing.
Getting employee engagement on your CEO’s agenda: Presenting your case
Learn how to get your CEO’s attention on employee engagement by presenting a compelling business case backed by data, emotional appeals, and actionable steps. This three-part guide equips you with strategies to demonstrate the economic benefits of engagement while aligning with your leadership’s priorities.
Say hello to… Ian Johnston, Group HRD, Johnston Press
Ian Johnston takes on the role of Group HRD at Johnston Press, bringing over 10 years of executive-level HR experience. His priorities include understanding company culture across 3,000 employees, building stakeholder trust during business transformation, and developing a comprehensive people strategy aligned with business objectives.
Time to say goodbye to boring job descriptions?
Discover how to transform bland job descriptions into compelling ones using the “inside-out method” based on Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” framework. Learn strategies to write honest, engaging job ads that attract candidates who genuinely want the role, featuring insights from a virtual summit with top talent sourcing experts.
Are mental health apps actually any good?
Mental health apps are increasingly popular, but quality varies significantly. Research shows most apps lack evidence-based approaches, with two-thirds of mood-tracking apps not specifically designed for their stated conditions. Finding trustworthy apps requires looking beyond ratings to examine clinical credentials and evidence-based content.
The Apprenticeship Levy: making it work for your leadership needs
The UK’s Apprenticeship Levy requires employers with annual payroll over £3m to invest 0.5% into apprenticeships funding. Organizations can leverage this opportunity to address leadership skill gaps and develop talent at all levels, with larger employers recouping their contributions plus 10% government funding.
