2025 in review: Did the HR pros get it right?
At the start of 2025, we asked 10 people and culture experts to share their work predictions for the year ahead. With December almost here, they’ve returned to assess their forecasts and reflect on how the world of work has changed – for better or worse – over the past year.
From sore heads to disciplinary hangovers: Time to rethink your work Christmas party?
As Christmas party season approaches, HR adviser Kate Palmer explores how changing drinking habits – particularly among Gen Z – are reshaping workplace celebrations. With one in three UK workers calling in sick after drinking with colleagues, and younger staff feeling pressured to drink, it’s time to rethink traditional festivities and ensure inclusive alternatives.
Your absence policy isn’t enough: Why cancer needs its own framework
With 96% of UK organisations lacking dedicated cancer policies, more than one million working-age employees are left navigating life-threatening illness through generic frameworks. Veronica Foote from Working With Cancer explains why this gap matters and how cancer-specific policies can transform workplace support.
When ‘too slow’ becomes discrimination: What an NHS trainee’s tribunal win teaches HR about inclusion
A recent tribunal ruling has redefined what counts as disability discrimination and reminded organisations that inclusion begins with culture, not compliance. Here, inclusion specialist Atif Choudhury explores how HR can move from reacting to complaints to designing workplaces that prevent them.
Black History Month: Polite inclusion at work is keeping people comfortable
As Black History Month celebrations draw to a close, what does your organisation do next? Put the work into designing real inclusion, or shut down the campaign until next year and maintain an air of ‘polite inclusion’? Judith Germain of The Maverick Paradox invites you to reflect honestly on your organisation’s approach, and offers strategies for redesigning systems that merely present an illusion of progress.
How to support Black employees impacted by domestic abuse
Domestic abuse affects one in four employees, yet Black victim-survivors face unique barriers that keep many suffering in silence. Susan Bright and Kristin Thue from the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) explore why systemic racism, cultural stigma and institutional bias demand a more thoughtful response – and what you can do to create truly safe workplaces.
Menopause after cancer: The missing workplace conversation
Without tailored support for menopause caused by cancer treatment, organisations risk losing valued talent and gender diversity in leadership. Barbara Wilson of Working with Cancer sheds light on this hidden HR issue during both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Menopause Awareness Month.
Why psychological ownership is key to a successful blended workforce
Blended workforces demand more than just flexibility. Sara Daw, Group CEO at The CFO Centre and Liberti Group, reveals why psychological ownership is essential to transform external relationships into genuine partnerships. Discover the three key elements that foster commitment and belonging among freelancers, contractors, and part-time leaders.
Four progressive stages of male allyship – and how HR can support the journey
Men are not simply ‘for’ or ‘against’ engaging with gender equity issues. A new global study reveals a developmental pattern at play – four progressive stages that men move through towards allyship. Here, Dr Debbie Bayntun-Lees of Hult International Research School outlines the study’s key findings. She also introduces a diagnostic model to help HR leaders identify and support each stage.
Trust, creativity and the bonds AI can’t replace
Algorithms excel at efficiency, but can they replace the human bonds that spark original ideas and give organisations competitive edge? Sanjay Lobo MBE, CEO and Founder of OnHand, believes not. Here, he explores the hidden cost of AI’s rapid advance – the erosion of workplace relationships that drive trust, creativity and innovation.
Poor relationships: The real cause of growing disability disputes?
In the past year, Acas data shows that disability disputes have risen by 31%. How can HR address this? Paul O’Donnell, Managing Director of CMP, urges employers to look beyond the standard advice and get to the root cause of the issue – poor relationships.
Age discrimination or a polarising world? Four ways to tackle distrust and misinformation at work
A recent survey shows 90% of older workers experience workplace ageism, but other research reveals fear of discrimination spans all demographics. The real culprit? Growing societal polarisation, warns Blaire Palmer, CEO of That People Thing. Here, she outlines how to tackle this through transparency, bias awareness, and fostering cross-generational collaboration.
Interview: How Tesla’s former DEI director, Kristen Kavanaugh, chose courage over fear
Courageous leadership isn’t about saving the day. It’s about taking small steps to stand up for your beliefs, when retreating would be easier. In an interview with HRZone, Kristen Kavanaugh, former DEI director of Tesla, reveals her journey to resilience, her proudest moments at the automotive company, and how courageous leaders can respond to corporate pullbacks from DEI.
What the Capgemini tribunal teaches us about reasonable adjustments for neurodiverse employees
A recent employment tribunal has highlighted critical gaps in neurodiversity support. When Capgemini failed to implement key recommendations for an ADHD employee, the consequences extended far beyond legal liability. Phil Pepper, Partner at Shakespeare Martineau, explores what this case reveals about creating genuinely inclusive workplaces.
Beyond the strategy deck: How HR can turn sustainability promises into action
Your sustainability strategy looks impressive, but are your people systems actually delivering change? Professor Matthew Gitsham from Hult International Business School explores the critical disconnect between organisational promises and performance – and shows you exactly how HR can bridge that gap through culture, capability, and leadership transformation.
What is people science? Core theories that shape meaningful work
People science can teach us a lot about shaping meaningful work for employees. In the first of a three-part series, Perry Timms and Kirsten Buck of PTHR introduce core people science theories, explaining why these ideas hold relevance as we navigate constant change.
Over three-quarters of Gen Alpha prioritise wellbeing over wealth and traditional workplace perks
New research reveals the next generation of employees will reshape workplace expectations, with 77% demanding mental health support and nearly half seeking neurodiversity-inclusive employers.
Assemble your inner hero: Leadership lessons from Marvel’s Fantastic Four
What can superheroes teach us about leadership? Following Marvel’s latest release, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Mark Leisegang of Insights reveals how to unlock your inner powers of self-awareness, fluidity, and collaboration.
The loneliness-conflict loop: How HR can break the cycle
The rise of social isolation among employees has coincided with another worrying trend – an increase in workplace conflict. How can HR leaders break this concerning cycle? Anna Shields, Director at Consensio, explores how emotional intelligence, manager training and early intervention can help teams reconnect, communicate better – and handle conflict with confidence.
‘Sighing in frustration’ ruled as discrimination at tribunal
With a recent tribunal ruling that sighing is a form of discrimination, HR adviser Kate Palmer explores how employers can better support neurodiverse employees and champion a diverse and inclusive culture.