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⭐️ Attention SMEs! ⭐️ Quick heads-up from your friends at Speak to HR As we roll into April 2024, we’re seeing some fresh changes in employment law that could impact your business. Here’s a quick summary, to get you started, full details to follow this week, so make sure you keep a look out for our next few posts : 1. Minimum Wage Uplift - Make sure your payroll reflects the new rates! 2. Increase to statutory sick pay rates - Ensure your documents are updated. 3. Flexible Working - the new rules around who can request flexible working and when are expanding. Time to think about how this fits into your operations. 4. Family Leave Pay Increase - If your team members are taking maternity, paternity, or any family-related leave, there’s a bump up in the support they’ll receive. 5. The Paternity Leave - Employees will be able to take statutory paternity leave at any point in the first year and will be able to split it up into two separate blocks of one week. 5. Protection from Redundancy - Extended protection for pregnant employees, 6 Carer's Leave - Carers will qualify for one week of unpaid leave per year, available from day one of employment. We know that keeping up with these changes can be as tricky, But fear not! We’re here to help you navigate these updates smoothly, ensuring your business stays compliant, competitive, and caring. 👉 Need a hand or got questions? Drop us a message or give us a call. Let’s make these changes work for you!

Happy Easter, may this Easter bring you joy, peace, and the opportunity for new growth. Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Easter!

🌷 Understanding Endometriosis and Supporting Women in the Workplace 🌷 Endometriosis is a chronic and often painful condition affecting 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK, yet it's often misunderstood or overlooked. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus, known as the endometrium, starts to grow outside it. This misplaced tissue can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and often other parts of the body. Endometriosis can severely affect a woman's daily life, including her ability to work effectively. Symptoms vary but often include: •                    Severe menstrual cramps that aren't relieved by over-the-counter medication. •                    Chronic pelvic pain, sometimes extending to the lower back and abdominal area. •                    Pain during or after sexual intercourse. •                    Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods. •                    Fatigue, constipation, bloating, or nausea, especially during menstrual periods. •                    Difficulty conceiving, contributing to fertility challenges for some women. These symptoms can lead to significant discomfort, emotional distress, and time off work, impacting both personal well-being and professional life. It's more than just a 'bad period'; which its often referred as and it can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. Navigating endometriosis in the Workplace Women with endometriosis often face hurdles at work, from needing to take frequent sick days to managing pain and fatigue while on the job. The fluctuating nature of the condition means that some days are more challenging than others, requiring understanding and flexibility from employers. Each woman suffering from endometriosis does not suffer in the same way, women have different symptoms and it effects their lives differently. By taking proactive steps to support women with endometriosis, we can create a more inclusive, understanding, and productive workplace. It's time to shine a light on this condition, support our colleagues facing these challenges, and create a work environment that truly cares for every employee's health and well-being. Let's stand together for women's health. 🌹 #EndometriosisAwareness #WomensHealth #InclusiveWorkplace #endometriosis #smes #hrconsultancy #speaktohr

Supporting Employees During Ramadan Ramadan is a profound month for Muslims, focusing on fasting, reflection, and community. Employers can play a pivotal role in supporting observing employees through several thoughtful adjustments: 1. Flexible Working Hours: Offer adaptable work schedules or remote work options to accommodate the altered routines and potential fatigue associated with fasting. 2. Prayer and Reflection Space: Provide a designated quiet area for prayer and reflection, respecting the importance of these practices. 3. Awareness and Sensitivity: Educate your team about Ramadan to foster an environment of understanding and respect. Awareness promotes a supportive workplace culture and helps non Muslim employees become more considerate toward their fasting colleagues. 4. Iftar and Suhoor Considerations: Adjust facilities or schedules to support those breaking their fast (Iftar) in the evening or eating before dawn (Suhoor), if applicable. 5. Adjust meetings and events: Try to schedule meetings and work related events outside prayer times and avoid the time right before breaking the fast at sunsets this consideration ensures they all employees can participate fully without compromising the heir religious practises. Organise team events that consider fasting employees, avoiding food-centric activities during daylight hours and accommodating Iftar. 6. Respect Personal Boundaries: Recognise individual differences in observance among Muslim employees, respecting each person's approach to their faith. 7. Well-being Focus: Be mindful of the physical and mental demands of fasting, ensuring not to overload employees with demanding tasks, particularly later in the day. These measures not only aid employees observing Ramadan but also enrich the workplace by cultivating an inclusive, respectful environment. #ramadan2024 #ramadanpreparation #hr #hrconsulting #hrservices #humanresource #inclusionanddiversity #workplacewellbeing

Empowering Women, Empowering Business: This International Women's Day, we're proud to celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in the workforce. As a HR consultancy dedicated to supporting SMEs across the UK, we're committed to championing diversity, equality, and inclusion. Let's work together to create more opportunities for women to lead, innovate, and thrive. #InternationalWomensDay #Empowerment #DiversityInBusiness #speaktohr #iwd2024 #iwd2024womenleadingtheway #hrconsultancy #hradvice

🎗️ March is Endometriosis Awareness Month! Let’s stand together to support employees with endometriosis in the workplace. Stay tuned for tips on fostering a compassionate and inclusive environment. #EndometriosisAwareness #speaktohr #smallbusinesshr #hrconsultancy #london #kentbusiness #womenatwork #womenshealthmatters #womenhealth #endometriosis

🌟 Bank Holiday Ready! 🌟 We know how important it is to stay ahead of the game, especially when it comes to managing your talented workforce. With that in mind, let's take a moment to gear up for the upcoming bank holidays for 2024 and add them in your calendar. Did you know Easter is early this year at the end of March? Why Plan Ahead? Operational Smoothness - Ensure your business sails smoothly through holiday closures. Happy Employees – Staff often take annual leave around bank holiday – so ensure staff are aware of your annual leave approval process and if you have any limits on how many staff can be off at once. Customer Delight - Stay ahead of customer expectations with well-communicated service hours. Risk Mitigation - Proactive planning minimizes unexpected hiccups and ensures business continuity. For any company’s where your annual leave year falls from April to March, ensure staff are allocated the correct bank holiday allowance especially for part time employees. Make every day count with Speak to HR! #HRConsultancy #HolidayPlanning #WorkplaceJoy #bankholiday2024 #hrsupport #speaktohr

🎉 Happy New Year from Speak To HR 🎉 As we step into 2024, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our clients, partners, and the incredible individuals we've had the pleasure of working with throughout the past year. 🤝✨ At Speak To HR, we are committed to continuing our support in shaping vibrant and thriving workplaces. Let's collaborate to make 2024 a year of innovation, resilience, and positive transformation. Wishing you and your teams a prosperous New Year. #HappyNewYear #NewBeginnings #HRConsultancy #SuccessIn2024 #TogetherWeGrow #speaktohr

Consistent absenteeism affecting your small business's operations? Don’t know what to do next?   Our HR consultancy has the expertise to help you analyse and address absence management issues. We'll work closely with you and your business to develop strategies that promote attendance and implement proactive measures to reduce absences.   Boost productivity and reduce the impact of unplanned leaves with our support!   Get in touch today to see how we can help you, email  Info@speaktohr.co.uk or call today 0204 512 8300    #AttendanceMatters #SmallBusinessConsultancy #SmallBusinessHR #sickleave #speaktohr #