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October 14, 2024
Empowering Women in the Workplace this National Menopause Day
As National Menopause Day approaches, it's time for employers in Staffordshire and Cheshire to embrace the opportunity to empower their female workforce. For over 25 years, our recruitment agency has been at the forefront of helping local businesses, and one thing is clear—creating a menopause-friendly workplace is more than just a nice-to-have; it’s a smart business strategy.
Why Menopause Support Is a Competitive Advantage
The reality is, menopause affects a large portion of the workforce—many of whom are at the height of their careers, with vast experience and leadership potential. Almost one in four women consider leaving their jobs due to menopause symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and anxiety. This translates to a huge talent drain for businesses that fail to provide adequate support.
By putting the right systems in place, you’ll not only retain valuable employees but also foster a culture that prioritises well-being, loyalty, and productivity. As businesses in competitive industries know all too well, attracting and keeping skilled employees is critical, especially in a talent-driven market.
Steps to Create a Menopause-Friendly Workplace
It’s easier than you think to start implementing changes that can make a world of difference for your employees. Here are some practical steps:
- Open Conversations: Normalise discussions around menopause. Equip managers with the knowledge and sensitivity needed to approach the topic, ensuring women feel comfortable seeking support. By fostering a culture of openness, you encourage employees to address issues before they affect their well-being or performance.
- Flexible Working Arrangements: Flexibility is key in helping women manage symptoms. Offering options like flexible start times, remote working, or even additional breaks can alleviate some of the pressures and ensure they remain productive while feeling supported.
- Create Supportive Policies: Make sure your HR policies reflect the realities of menopause. Include clear provisions for support, such as time off for medical appointments or adjusting workloads during difficult periods.
- Well-being Programmes: Introduce or expand your workplace well-being programmes to specifically address menopause. This can include access to health workshops, mental health support, and even practical adjustments like improving ventilation and temperature control in the office.
Menopause and Recruitment: Attracting Top Talent
In a competitive hiring market, businesses that demonstrate they are forward-thinking and inclusive will attract more skilled candidates. Women considering new roles are increasingly looking for employers who offer meaningful support at every stage of their careers—including menopause. Highlighting your company’s commitment to well-being and diversity in your recruitment materials can help set you apart from competitors.
By fostering a menopause-friendly environment, you’re sending a powerful message: your business values and supports its employees through all stages of life. This inclusivity not only retains your top talent but also attracts new candidates who are looking for an employer that aligns with their values.
At our recruitment agency, we can help you adapt your hiring strategy to be more inclusive, ensuring you’re seen as an employer of choice.
If you’re ready to take the next step in creating a more empowered workforce, reach out to us today.
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From April 6th 2025 there will be significant shift in employer National Insurance (NI) contributions, with the rate increasing by 1.2 percentage points to 15%, and a lowered earnings threshold now starting at £5,000 (down from £9,100). These adjustments could lead to higher payroll expenses for mid-sized and larger businesses, affecting hiring strategies and budgeting in 2025 and beyond. Key Details of the Change Rate Increase: The NI contribution rate for employers rises to 15%. Lower Earnings Threshold: Employers will now pay NI on earnings starting at £5,000, significantly reducing the exemption range. This change is intended to boost government revenue but will likely increase costs for businesses with lower-wage roles. Employment Allowance Adjustments: The Employment Allowance, which offers some relief on NI costs, increases to £10,500. This provides a cushion for many small businesses, particularly those employing fewer staff. How These Changes Impact Staffing and Recruitment Businesses may see these shifts reflected in higher staffing costs, particularly for mid-sized and larger firms with significant payrolls. These added expenses might influence decisions on wage increases, hiring plans, and even the type of roles businesses choose to fill. Employers should prepare for potential shifts in their budget allocations to maintain competitiveness while managing increased contributions. Preparing Your Business Planning ahead is essential. Key steps might include: Calculating projected costs to budget for the changes Evaluating workforce needs and considering the potential impact on hiring strategies Maximising allowances by confirming eligibility for the updated Employment Allowance We will be updating our blog in the coming days with a detailed breakdown and calculations, so visit us again soon!
The national minimum wage & national living wage is a legal right which covers almost all UK workers
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The Outlook for HR in 2025: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities for Senior HR Professionals
In the fast-paced world of business, the ability to secure and retain top leadership talent can make all the difference between stagnation and exponential growth. For SMEs in particular, the right leadership hires are not just crucial for filling vacancies—they are key to shaping the strategic vision, driving operational efficiency, and laying a foundation for long-term success. As we look ahead to 2025, let's delve deeper into why selecting the right leadership is more important than ever and how you can strategically approach these critical hires. Why Leadership is the Cornerstone of Business Success Leadership roles such as Finance Directors, HR Business Partners, and Operations Managers are not just functional—they are transformative. Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how the right leaders can unlock business potential and propel organizations forward. However, the wrong hire can lead to disruption and inefficiency. Here's how these roles contribute to sustainable growth: Finance Directors (FDs): A Finance Director is far more than just a custodian of the company’s finances. They provide essential strategic insights that guide decision-making and drive growth. By identifying cost-saving opportunities, optimizing cash flow, and ensuring sound financial health, a strong FD plays a pivotal role in the profitability and scalability of a business. HR Business Partners (HRBPs): In an era where talent is one of the most valuable assets, HRBPs are instrumental in aligning human resource strategies with overarching business goals. They not only develop retention strategies but also cultivate a company culture that attracts and retains top talent. A dynamic HRBP ensures your workforce is engaged, motivated, and ready to contribute to business success. Operations Managers: The heart of operational excellence, Operations Managers optimize workflows, manage resources efficiently, and ensure that day-to-day operations run smoothly. Their impact is felt directly through enhanced productivity, cost savings, and improved customer satisfaction—all of which are integral to the growth trajectory of your business. The Strategic Impact of Leadership The right leadership hires provide more than just functional expertise—they are game-changers. Here's how they create lasting value: Strategic Vision: Great leaders inject fresh perspectives and innovative ideas into the business, helping to navigate challenges, identify new opportunities, and position the company for future success. Increased Efficiency: Proven leaders streamline operations, reduce waste, and optimize processes, which leads to higher productivity and a more cost-effective business model. Stronger Teams: Exceptional leaders inspire and attract top talent. They foster collaboration, empower teams, and build a culture of high performance that drives business outcomes. Risk Mitigation: A strong leadership team proactively addresses challenges before they escalate. They are adept at implementing contingency plans and creating stability during periods of uncertainty. The High Cost of a Bad Hire In our extensive experience working with SMEs, we’ve seen firsthand how damaging poor hiring decisions can be. Not only do you risk impacting team morale and productivity, but you also face significant financial consequences. Research shows that a bad hire can cost as much as three times the employee’s annual salary, considering recruitment costs, training, and lost productivity. For SMEs, these costs can be crippling, making it imperative to approach leadership recruitment with precision and strategy. How to Secure the Right Leadership Talent 1. Define Your Needs with Precision: Before embarking on the recruitment process, clearly outline the specific skills, experience, and qualities required for the role. This ensures the candidate will not only be a technical fit but also align with your business goals and values. 2. Prioritize Cultural Fit: Leadership is about influence, and a leader who shares your company’s values will integrate seamlessly into your organization. They will inspire your team and create a harmonious work environment conducive to growth. 3. Leverage a Confidential Recruitment Partner: Engaging with a specialist recruitment consultancy that has a deep understanding of leadership roles ensures access to a broader, more diverse talent pool. Confidentiality in this process is essential, particularly when you are hiring for high-stakes leadership positions. 4. Use Data to Inform Your Decisions: Utilize salary benchmarking and competency assessments to make data-driven hiring decisions. These tools ensure your offers are competitive, attracting the best talent while mitigating the risk of overpaying. 5. Invest in Onboarding: A successful leadership hire starts with a structured onboarding process that enables the new leader to quickly adapt and deliver results. A robust onboarding strategy sets the stage for long-term success. Real Success Stories from Strategic Leadership Hires At Appointments Personnel, we have had the privilege of helping over 100 SMEs secure leadership talent in the past year alone. The results have been nothing short of transformational: A Finance Director helped a growing manufacturing business cut costs by 15%, improving profitability through strategic budgeting and financial oversight. An HR Business Partner implemented a company-wide retention strategy that reduced turnover by 30%, saving the business significant recruitment costs. An Operations Manager overhauled logistics and operational processes, reducing delivery times by 20% and significantly boosting customer satisfaction. Additionally, we’ve witnessed how having an expert second opinion during the hiring process can make a game-changing difference. One of our clients almost overlooked an exceptional Finance Director candidate due to an internal review misstep. With our insight, they hired the candidate, who went on to increase revenue by 25% within the first year. The Power of Confidential Recruitment When it comes to leadership hires, confidentiality isn’t just a matter of discretion—it’s a competitive advantage. Whether you’re replacing a key role or expanding your leadership team, maintaining confidentiality ensures that sensitive information is protected and business continuity is preserved. Emma and I understand the importance of this better than anyone, having worked on confidential roles ranging from Finance Directors to HR Business Partners and Operations Managers. With our bespoke, confidential recruitment services, you gain a trusted partner committed to sourcing the leadership talent that will drive your business to new heights in 2025 and beyond. Contact Emma Bonfiglio to book a confidential meeting - Emma@appointmentspersonnel.co.uk
If you can't get to work because of the snow, it may reduce your pay as you may be forced to take unpaid leave.