Hi, I’m Kate, Welcome To My Blog!
I love using my Human Resource experience to help small businesses grow and improve. The intention of this blog is to provide a great, cost-free learning resource for all your HR practices. On this main blog page, you’ll find blogs a wide range of helpful topics; from compliance and people management to health advice to increase your staff’s happiness and wellbeing. Finally, because I love my gadgets, I hope to introduce you to handy, productivity apps and technologies. Nothing would make me happier than knowing this blog will help your company change for the better.
Introducing Pocket HR
HR in your pocket! Have you ever wished you had help with HR? Starting out as a business owner – full of hope and expectations – human resources probably wasn’t that high on your priorities list. Perhaps you viewed HR as unnecessary or a luxury you didn’t want to pay...
COVID-19 UPDATE: Job Support Scheme expansion for businesses required to close
Support Extended - Updated 22nd October 2020 The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak has announced on Friday 9th October 2020 that the Government’s Job Support Scheme will be expanded to firms required to close due to COVID restrictions. Today the 22nd October...
The Importance of Redundancy Process
The Importance of Redundancy Process – A failure of process that leads to unfair redundancy can lead to a big expense for your company and it certainly pays to get things right.
Are you ready to take on the Fitness Challenge?
A challenge for you and your employees With the ever-changing rules that we are facing and our uncertain futures it is understandable to feel off-kilter. Not knowing if we are coming or going and restrictions on seeing family and friends can wear even the strongest...
The Happiness Index: Employee Voice 24/7
What is Employee Voice 24/7? The Happiness Index have created an employee survey designed to give employees a voice during times of change. The pre-built survey is completely anonymous and allows employees to leave feedback 24/7. Whether your team work shifts and are...
Winter Economy Plan: Job Support Scheme Replaces Furlough
The Winter Economy Plan Job Support Scheme will try to keep businesses afloat through winter, but will the Chancellor’s latest plan keep the wolf from the door?
How Do I Manage The Number Of Staff In The Office?
In these challenging times of COVID-19, furlough and working from home, a question you may need answering is How Do I Manage The Number Of Staff In The Office?
What Are Your Redundancy and Furlough Rights?
In today’s blog post, we’ve pooled our sources so you can you’ll find out everything you ever wanted to know about your Redundancy and Furlough Rights
How Do I Claim The New Kickstarter Job Scheme Grant?
The government has recently announced the Kickstarter Job Scheme Grant. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to claim it
Are There Any New Small Business Grants To Help SMEs?
Government Announces £20 Million in Small Business Grants Finally, some good news amongst all this! And no, we're not talking about the Eat Out to Help Out half-price Nandos! The government has announced the launch of a new £20 million support in Small Business Grants...
How Can The Government Kickstart Scheme Help My Small Business?
The next stage in the coronavirus economic recovery plan is the Government Kickstart Scheme. This blog post lays out the details everything we know so far
How Do I Claim the New Apprentice Incentive Bonus?
If you would like to claim the Apprentice Incentive Bonus, then you’re in luck! Gary from DA Training & Consultancy is our guest blogger to talk you through it
Surviving, Survivor Bias
Survivor Bias describes our human tendency to focus on the people or things that have passed some sort of selection process, whilst forgetting about other important factors.
Breathe Rota
Breathe Rota is seamless, cost-effective and instant, and it will sew the seam between you and your team to ensure smooth and communicative rota management.
12 Tips on How to have Helpful Conversations about Mental Health
Conversations about mental health can be difficult. Ali Grady, Director of The Thrive Team and Mental Health First Aid Instructor shares tips on how to help…
10 Amazing Tips on How to Prepare for an Online Interview
During lockdown we have seen a lot of things changing in recruitment and interviews. So here are a few expert tips on How To Prepare for an Online Interview…
Training and Furlough: How Has COVID-19 Affected Training?
Covid-19 has had a massive impact on all businesses, from micro-sized through to huge conglomerates. Some of the biggest and most complex questions we have been asked surround training and furlough…
Your Free Guide to Recalling Staff from Furlough
Recalling Staff from Furlough. Your guide to re-introducing staff to the workplace after lockdown. Now is the time to prepare bring back your furloughed staff!
HR Academy Launches Today!
Why Did We Come Up With The HR Academy? Like all businesses, we have had to adapt with the current coronavirus pandemic and we have been trying to adapt how we work to ensure our customers still receive the very best service. Over the last 6 weeks we have: Supported...
Your FREE Coronavirus Business Support Summary
Check out my Coronavirus Business Support Summary to make sense of the support currently open to Small Businesses in the UK in light of the coronavirus pandemic
New Team Member at KUHR
We’re delighted to introduce our New Team Member – Office Coordinator Becca! She’s here to help run the office more smoothly so we have more time to help you…
Furlough and Holidays
We’ve had lots of queries with regards to holidays and holiday pay during periods of Furlough. So, we thought it would be helpful to run through a few different scenarios that may crop up.
Your Free Guide to Coronavirus and Furlough
A Quick Guide to Coronavirus and Furlough covers all you need to know to help your employees and your business; from the legal side, and to show you care
A Helpful Guide to Working From Home (and How to Stay Sane!)
Check out our Guide to Working From Home, full of useful tips to support you in your new working from home scenario, that can help both you and your family.
Your FREE Job Retention Scheme for SMEs Update
Check out my Job Retention Scheme for SMEs update to make sense of the support currently open to Small Businesses in the UK in light of the coronavirus pandemic
UPDATE: Extra Coronavirus Support for SMEs & Self-Employed
On 17th March 2020, the Government announced further coronavirus support for individuals and businesses alike. Click to find out how to get help for your SME
Coronavirus and Tax: Do You Need Extra Help Paying Your Tax?
Further to my blogs on Coronavirus and the Budget below is some further support for Small Businesses surrounding the coronavirus and tax. Check it out now!
Coronavirus and Small Business: What Should You Do?
Not sure what to do about Coronavirus and Small Business? You must ensure you keep your business and your employees safe. Find out more with our free downloads.
April 2020: Important Employment Law Changes for Small Businesses
A quick guide to the April 2020 employment law changes for small businesses, including national minimum wage and new policies. Make sure you read it right now!
Good News for the March 2020 Budget and Small Businesses
March 2020 Budget and Small Businesses. Find out how the Chancellor plans to help and support Small Businesses, especially in light of the Coronavirus pandemic
My First Year of Employment at KUHR
In the latest blog, Pete reflects on his first year working for KUHR and his hopes for the year ahead.
Office Etiquette – What Is Acceptable Workplace Behaviour?
Left unchallenged, misunderstandings about acceptable office etiquette can quickly lead to discontent or even conflict within your workforce.
Veganism At Work: What Does The Recent Court Ruling Mean?
What might the increasing popularity of Veganism mean for your business?
6 Easy Ways To Reduce Presenteeism
Today, we’ll be learning what the term “presenteeism” means, how it affects your business and looking at six easy ways to reduce presenteeism in the workplace.
The Amazing Benefits Of Napping At Work
Is napping at work a good idea? Our latest blog explores the pro’s and con’s for staff and employees.
What Is Emotional Intelligence… And Why Does It Matter?
It’s not unusual to need training or coaching when you undertake personal development, and improving your emotional intelligence is no exception
What To Do When Annual Leave And Staff Sickness Absences Collide?
You have an employee about to start a period of annual leave and they fall ill. Can they reclaim their holiday entitlement because they are sick?
The Right To Work: What Do You Need? What Happens After Brexit?
You could face 5 years of jail time if found guilty of employing someone you “had reasonable cause to believe” doesn’t have the right to work in the UK.
Is It Illegal to Monitor Employees’ Social Media?
Is it OK to monitor employees’ social media? First, you should consider if you have good policies in place to define the use and monitoring of social media.
How To Offer Employee Benefits On A Budget
How to offer employee benefits on a budget – Making sure you have the right benefits for your team is not an easy task. First, be sure you know what they want!
Take Part In Our 2019 Benefits Survey And Win Tea For Two!
Complete our 2019 Benefits Survey to receive a FREE e-book featuring ideas on benefits and building a winning team and you and a friend might win Afternoon Tea!
Are You Looking After Your Employee’s Mental Health?
Poor mental health has a massive impact on people’s lives, therefore it is paramount you do what you can to help improve your employee’s mental health
Who Can Accompany An Employee To A Disciplinary Meeting?
After a New Zealander recently took a clown to a disciplinary meeting, we answer an oft-asked question who can accompany an employee to a disciplinary hearing?
Introducing Our Revolutionary Recruitment Support Service
Does the idea of a recruitment drive fill you with dread? Here at Kate Underwood HR, we understand; that’s why we introduced our Recruitment Support Service
Introducing Our Brilliant New BreatheHR Set Up And Go Package!
BreatheHR software just got even better with our BreatheHR Set Up And Go Package. Designed to save you HR admin time so you can get back to doing what you love
Policies: 4 Great Ways To Ensure You Have The Right Policies
Sainsbury’s found themselves on the wrong side of a tribunal after firing an employee for wearing headphones whilst working. Did they have the correct policies?
10 Amazing TED Talks On Leadership You Need To See!
Improving and evolving your leadership skills is a must for small business owners. So make some time to watch these brilliant TED talks and become a true leader
Your Quick Guide To Working Out Holiday Pay
Everyone knows that getting your employee’s Holiday Pay correct is important, but it seems that employees frequently feel like their bosses are getting it wrong
Your FREE Guide To Occupational Health
Here’s your FREE quick guide to Occupational Health, covering what Occupational Health Physician’s work can entail and what they can offer a business like yours
Occupational Sick Pay Schemes: 3 Great Pros & 3 Bad Cons
At some point all business owners must consider whether or not to offer Sick Pay. There are pros and cons to think about when considering a Sick Pay scheme.
5 Tips for Mental Health Awareness Training
Mental Health Awareness is more important than ever. Employers have a duty of care to look after their employees Mental Health as well as their physical safety.
The 6 Best Apps For Small Business Owners
When it comes to HR technologies, these 6 Apps for small business owners can help your company save time and effort, increase productivity… and reduce stress!
June 2019 – New website and client area
As promised we have launched a new website which includes a client area allowing us to share documents with you. Blah blah Blah
Happy 4th Business Birthday To Kate Underwood HR!
As I sit on the 7am train on my 4th business birthday, I have time to reflect on how far I’ve come and ask myself what do I want to achieve in the next 4 years?
6 Amazing Pieces Of HR Tech For Small Businesses
6 HR Tech For Small Businesses: For Your Human Resource Needs Here are my top six 'go-to' pieces of HR tech for small businesses which will help with all your Human Resource needs. Of course, number one has to be an HR System... Breathe This is the HR software your...
The 17 Best Workplace Technology Trends For 2019
From finance and expenses to people management, I’d like to share 2019’s Best Workplace Technology Trends with you… for free!
Remote Working Benefits These 4 Areas Of Your Business
The benefits of remote working are often obvious to employees. But what about the benefits to you as the small business owner?
April 2019 Employment Law Update: The Terrific Pros & The Terrible Cons
The April 2019 Employment Law Update means we’ve had a National Minimum Wage for 20 years, but what other changes do Small Businesses need to take into account?
15+ Ways Mindfulness Can Grow Your Business
Mindfulness is based on an ancient practice of encouraging awareness, clarity, and acceptance of the present moment and it can help your business and help you!
Help Your Staff Switch Off For These 3 Brilliant Benefits
Help your staff switch off so they feel less pressure from our ‘always-on’ culture and your business reap will the benefits of a happier, productive workforce
15+ Benefits Of Physical Exercise For Small Business Owners
For our Wellbeing month, we have to mention the benefits of physical exercise for small business owners. Over to guest blogger – Personal Trainer, Greg Small.
Food Allergies: A Big Responsibility For Your Small Business
It is vital your small business has robust procedures on letting customers with food allergies know what’s in their food, hygiene and food preparation areas.
5 Powerful Ways To Improve Your Job Descriptions
Job descriptions provide employees with clear expectations of what is required of them, so here are 5 powerful ways to make sure you’re all on the same page…
4 Essential Tips To Avoid Costly Recruitment Mistakes
From strategizing and marketing and timing, This guide will explain all you need to know to avoid costly recruitment mistakes and win brilliant new employees!
Connect Your Business Plans And Appraisals
Your Business Plans and Appraisals should be connected. By utilising the Golden Thread concept, everyone in the organization is headed in the same direction
What Is E-Learning? And Why Do I Need It?
E-learning typically refers to remote, tech-based training or education and it is fast becoming the most effective ways to onboard, train and develop staff…
Self-Employment – What Do I Need To Know?
This month’s guest blogger shares their story about their journey from redundancy into self-employment and has some great advice for people in the same boat…
5 Awesome Benefits Of The BreatheHR Payroll Export Tool
Making sure employees are paid correctly on time is imperative. Luckily, the BreatheHR App has released a NEW Payroll Export Tool that makes payroll a breeze!
6 Tips For Celebrating Christmas And Religious Festivals
As the festive period is fast approaching, Celebrating Christmas And Religious Festivals should be on your mind if you wish to accomodate your diverse workforce
Can Small Businesses Enforce Training Agreements?
Offering staff training is an incentive and is a great way to keep employee turnover as low as possible, but can Small Businesses Enforce Training Agreements?
5 Effortless Ways BreatheHR Software Transforms Businesses
5 Ways BreatheHR Software Will Transform Your Business. Here are the top five reasons you should already be using BreatheHR for all your Human Resources needs
Why Return To Work Interviews Are Vital
Do you ALWAYS carry out a Return to Work Interview when an employee comes back from a period of sickness? If the answer is no, you need to read this right now!
5 Sensational Tips For Using BreatheHR
If you’re after an HR system, I can especially recommend BreatheHR. If you’re already using it, I’d like to share five sensational tips for using BreatheHR
DO NOT Make This Costly Mistake When Checking References
Checking references is a vital part of recruitment and, as we’ll see from this fun, Star Wars inspired story, you only have yourself to blame if you don’t check
Hiring An Intern Is What Your Business Needs
This summer I was very lucky to have a lovely intern called Sean to join the KUHR team. I would highly recommend taking on an intern if you are a small business
The Incredible Benefits Of The BreatheHR System
I very much advocate the use of an HR system to all my clients, and number one for me is The BreatheHR System for helping small business owners just like you!
Is Your Business At Risk From Presenteeism?
As a responsible employer you care about the wellbeing of your staff, right? But what about Presenteeism? Or the newer, but rapidly increasing, Leaveism?
Back To School: How To Help Working Parent Employees
The Summer holidays are over, employee’s children are headed back to school, so surely it’s safe to say that it’s back to business as usual. Or is it?
Childcare Voucher Scheme Changes: Important Information
The Government Childcare Voucher scheme had its deadline to join extended for new members back in April 2018 by another six months. Click the link for more info
Managing Annual Leave: DO NOT Breach Working Time Regulations
Managing Annual Leave can be challenging, especially when you must balance the demands of your business against the demands of your staff to take time off!
Which Is The Best HR System For Your Business?
If you’re thinking about implementing an HR System, considering these three points will help you come to the best decision to improve your business
4 Awesome Tips For National Relaxation Day
It’s National Relaxation Day, so here are four ways to welcome some ‘relaxation’ (for today or indeed, any other day of the year) into your business.
Food Safety: The Food Standards Agency Survey
Food Safety: Making sure your staff are trained correctly is as basic as making sure they get paid. If you are in the food industry it is a no-brainer
5 Wonderful Reasons To Choose A Cloud Based HR System
I believe a cloud based HR system is an absolute must for all of my clients, and indeed all small businesses with employees. They save time and are 100% secure.
These 6 Improvements Make Breathe HR Better Than Ever!
Improvements to Breathe HR make the system even easier and simpler to use. So why not take a look, because Breathe HR can definitely help your small business
Poor Performance: 5 Ways To Handle Underperforming Employees
It can seem easier to ignore poor performance from an employee. Dealing with the situation can seem daunting to managers but here are five top tips to help you
12+ Working Time Regulations You MUST Abide By!
Employment Appeal Tribunal has recently reviewed Working Time Regulations so you must make sure you are giving your staff enough rest periods and days off
4 Brilliant Ways To Improve Employee Experience
Employee experience means more than just giving them a contract and paying employees; they want to feel valued. This means employee engagement is key to success
The Pros And Cons Of Exit Interviews
Is there any benefit in conducting exit interviews or, by the time an employee has decided to leave, is it too late to try and find out where it all went wrong?
Flexible Working Requests: 3 Vital Stages You NEED To Know!
Flexible working can be a great benefit to a small business as long but it is necessary to ensure that if you do get a request, it is handled in the correct way
How To Become A Better Leader
Recent surveys suggest that managers are lacking key leadership skills. Becoming a better leader isn’t as hard as it sounds and begins with better communication
Can You Weather Disruptions To Your Business?
Do you have a Plan B should weather disruptions affect public transport or stop employees getting to work? Do you know your legal obligations as an employer?
Hiring Employees: How To Eliminate 8 Recruitment Mistakes
Hiring employees is probably the most important and costly decision a small business owner will make – so it is important you read this guide to get it right!
The Future Of Work: Workplace Trend Predictions For 2018
2017 was another turbulent year with Brexit and new technology creating interesting cases in employment law, so here are my workplace trend predictions for 2018
The 5 Best Tips To Prepare For GDPR
Whether we like it or not, small businesses must prepare for GDPR. It is no good burying your head in the sand, you need to be proactive now before its too late
The 2017 Venus Small Business Awards Winner Is…
The winner of the prestigious 2017 Venus Awards Small Business, sponsored by Kate Underwood HR, has been revealed at a glittering Awards Ceremony in Hampshire.
Contractor or Worker? 3 Simple Employment Status Tests
Determining the status of your team has never been so important. Make sure you can pass these three tests to determine employment status contractor or worker.
How To Stay Productive At Work
How to stay productive at work in an always-on world? Could Employee Wellbeing be the magic formula for productivity? Find out from the experts by reading on…
How To Calculate Annual Leave For Part-Time Employees
Are you confused about how to calculate Annual Leave for Part-Time Employees? Don’t be; read this blog to help you ensure you are staying legal and above board!
Venus Awards Semifinalist: Verity Evans, The Pink Room
The last of my semifinalists for The Small Business Award in this years Hampshire Venus Awards is Verity Evans from The Pink Room salon, based in Fair Oak…