The authenticity trap: When authentic leadership goes too far
Authentic leadership is often treated as a non-negotiable ideal, praised as a hallmark of trustworthiness, courage and clarity. But what happens when it crosses the line into self-indulgence? Lisa Stone, head of coaching at Right Management, brings a pragmatic, values-driven lens to a pressing question: can being “authentic” go too far?
Mediation lessons for HR in a divided world
With conflict on the rise at work, internationally renowned mediator Jane Gunn shares how HR professionals can use mediation strategies to rebuild trust, reduce polarisation and support open dialogue.
Is giving an opinion no longer acceptable?
If nearly a third of people don’t feel safe taking risks or sharing thoughts with colleagues, are different viewpoints and ideas outside of the box truly valued anymore?
Supporting untreatable, advanced cancer in the workforce
People with advanced cancer have the potential to work successfully for many years, but employers are failing to provide adequate support. Here, Founder of Working With Cancer, Barbara Wilson, sheds light on the difficulties of combining work and cancer, and how HR can better help employees at a time of extreme vulnerability.
New risk assessment form for sexual harassment
Check that your organisation is maintaining compliance and taking reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of workers. Review this 10-point checklist and make use of the risk assessment form.
The AI workplace revolution: What HR needs to know now
The AI revolution is here, but organisations are struggling to develop practices to integrate the new technology fully and safely into their business. Natasha Wiebusch, Content Marketing Manager at Brightmine, identifies what HR needs to know now.
The quiet crisis: SME workers are turning to second jobs amid high cost of living
LinkedIn poll data suggests a growing number of SME employees are taking on second jobs to cope with the rising cost of living. Business coach and owner, Peter Boolkah, explores the implications of this trend in terms of productivity, morale, and company culture, highlighting the need for proactive leadership.
The mental health of HR: What 1,400 voices tell us about a profession in distress
Dr Jo Burrell explores the findings of the 2025 HR Mental Wellbeing Survey, revealing a profession in psychological distress. She calls for urgent, systemic support to protect the wellbeing, retention, and effectiveness of HR professionals.
Taskmaster’s Alex Horne joins headliners at CIPD Festival of Work 2025
The HRZone team is gearing up for this year’s CIPD Festival of Work on 11–12 June. With two days of inspiring sessions and hands-on experiences – all completely free – it’s a standout event for festivalgoers passionate about shaping better workplaces. Will we see you there?
Building an inclusive culture at Media Zoo: Leadership lessons from Yasmine Alani
How can one individual successfully lead culture change? Yasmine Alani, Workplace Transformation Director at Media Zoo, opens up about her unrelenting focus on workplace inclusion, and its remarkable impact on both people and the business.
Avoid a BBC-style culture crisis: 10 ways to keep your workplace healthy
Following the BBC’s recent workplace review findings, Andrew Loveless of Pecan Partnership shares 10 actions for business leaders to keep their workplace culture healthy and crisis-free.
52% of Gen Zs and Millennials on a financial tightrope, Deloitte finds
Deloitte’s 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey reveals over half of younger employees live paycheck to paycheck and one-third experience work-related stress. Blaire Palmer, CEO of That People Thing Ltd, examines the study’s key findings, providing HR solutions to increase workplace happiness.
Updates on EU Pay Transparency Directive
National legislation for EU member states is to be enacted by June 7, 2026. Get ready.
Overcoming a defensive culture at Pharmacist Support
How can an organisation turn a defensive culture into one where best intentions are assumed? Melissa Cochrane of Pharmacist Support shares her experiences of navigating this behaviour change at the charity.
What can a play about football teach us about leadership?
Sometimes the best leadership lessons don’t come from the boardroom. They come from the stage. Here, Leadership expert Deborah Wain shares three insightful takeaways from a stage production on Gareth Southgate’s tenure with England’s football team.
Progress through transparency: A turning point for disability inclusion in the workplace
Following the publication of a landmark report on workplace disability inclusion, Gethin Nadin urges employers to move past quotas and give disabled people the opportunities they deserve.
Over half of leaders regret replacing people with AI: Will you be next?
In the race for artificial intelligence (AI), firms have already begun to make redundancies. But a recent survey from Orgvue reveals that over half of business leaders now regret their decision. Quentin Millington of Marble Brook explores how replacing people with machines may do more harm than good.
Out with ‘ostriching’, in with tackling challenging conversations head-on
By avoiding awkward conversations, we could be making the situation worse. As uncomfortable as it may feel, we need to communicate and, oftentimes, do so sooner rather than later. Here’s how.
The compassionate leadership guide: A five-step model for building caring communities at work
Belonging to a cohesive group is a fundamental human need, yet forging strong connections is difficult in our tech-obsessed, individualistic world. It’s no surprise, then, that ‘Community’ is this year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week (12–18 May 2025). Here, Karen Liebenguth explores how leaders can enable caring communities at work to underpin a supportive work culture where people feel they belong.
Ten ways to inspire and encourage intrapreneurship
Organisational innovation has never been more important. Harnessing this means learning from and nurturing our risk taking, visionary and resourceful intrapreneurs. With buy-in and direction from leadership, intrapreneurs can add real knowledge and value to organisations.
