Kay Heald, Author at Kay Heald HR

Conscious Listening
September 27^th, 2019 in Blog
Have you ever been in conversation with someone while: texting another thinking about what you are going to say next deciding what you are having for dinner or all the above How conscious were you of listening? According to sound and listening expert, Julian Treasure, we listen through filters which are as unique as our fingerprints. These filters are developed throughout our lives and are influenced by language, culture, values, experiences and…
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AI: Friend or Foe?
July 29^th, 2019 in Blog
Are over-intelligent robots and evil computers confined to dystopian sci-fi, or should today’s businesses be worried about AI? From the power loom to robotic car assembly plants, technology has significantly impacted jobs and employment. Up to now lower skilled work has been the main victim. Experts now predict machines will be able to perform tasks previously considered ‘beyond’ the ability of automation, including sophisticated analysis…
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Small Business News: Brexit | IR35 | Maternity | Mental Health
July 3^rd, 2019 in Blog
Brexit and UK Employment Law All current employment legislation will still apply post Brexit. The European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ensures that all direct EU-derived legislation in operation in the UK prior to the date of exit will remain in place following that date. When free-movement of labour ends, the government proposes to install a skills-based immigration policy to ensure employers can access skills that add most value to the UK…
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Body Image at Work
May 10^th, 2019 in Blog
In today’s culture and society, we are bombarded with messages about body image and what our bodies should look like. However, having negative thoughts about how we look can impact on every aspect of our lives, including at work. For some individuals, a work environment can play a tremendous role in body image and how they observe their own body. This can be due to the nature of the job, the workplace culture, or the types of people that they…
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Employment News for Busy Managers
April 2^nd, 2019 in Blog
A one page summary of employment news for busy managers Brexit and Employment The scheme to protect EU citizens’ right to remain in the UK, once freedom of movement ends following Brexit, is now fully open for applications after its initial pilot period. EU citizens who have already been in the UK for five years may apply for settled status, while those who have been here for under five years can apply for pre-settled status. Kay’s comment:…
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Making Flexible Working Work
March 29^th, 2019 in Blog
The demands of modern living, together with technological advances, are eroding traditional work patterns, so flexible working should be prevalent in most 21st century organisations. Yet, in reality, it is taking much longer to make the cultural shift to fully integrate these more modern working practices into our businesses and making flexible working work. So what is meant by flexible working? It is a generic term used to describe a wide range…
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2019 HR News: Brexit, Statutory Rate Changes, Itemised Pay, Sexual Harassment, Domestic Abuse
January 8^th, 2019 in Blog
Brexit and Employment There will continue to be uncertainty and speculation over the coming months regarding the employment challenges of Brexit. Please read my Brexit, Business and Employment Predictions Article for some early insights. National Living Wage, National Minimum Wage and Statutory Rate Increases (April 2019) The National Living Wage will increase to £8.21 p/hr; the NMW for 21-24 year olds will increase to £7.70; for 18 to 20 year…
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Brexit, Business and Employment Predictions 2019
January 7^th, 2019 in Blog
Brexit Brexit and EU uncertainties will continue to challenge and unsettle employers and their people. It will be important to equip managers and their staff with the skills and strength to cope in such changing and unpredictable times. Supportive well-being programmes and resilience training integrated into overarching people strategies will benefit not just employees, but the productivity of whole organisations. The UK government has stressed…
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Depression is not a Dirty Word
January 4^th, 2019 in Blog
What is Depression? The Mental Health Foundation broadly defines depression as: “A common mental disorder that causes people to experience depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy and poor concentration.” The more specific term of dysthymia is used to describe mild, but long-term depression, usually lasting two years or more. How Common is it? At any one time…
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Workplace Happiness
December 3^rd, 2018 in Blog
There’s been a lot of debate recently about the relevance of happiness at work: is it a fad, does it actually link with engagement levels and can it influence business productivity? Firstly, it’s important to clarify what kind of happiness is being debated. This isn’t the quick-fix superficial kind associated with momentary amusement, pleasure or even ‘what’s-in-it-for-me’ type attitudes, but the healthier kind that comes from…
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