Buzzing About HR
Buzzing About HR by https://www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk is the go-to podcast for anyone looking to make their workplace better. Hosted by HR expert Kate Underwood, each episode dives into the latest HR trends, essential tools, and practical strategies to help businesses of all sizes navigate the ever-evolving world of work. From improving employee engagement to tackling real-world HR challenges, Kate shares actionable advice you can implement right away. Whether you're an HR professional, a business owner, or someone passionate about people, this podcast will keep you ahead of the curve and buzzing with ideas to drive success in your workplace.
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Episodes
15 episodes
Cake, Crisis & Compliance: A Decade in HR
A decade ago, I sat at my Harry Potter desk under the stairs, redundancy papers in one hand and a comforting slice of cake in the other, reluctantly agreeing to "try" consulting for six months. Ten years, countless cups of coffee, and an embarr...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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11:48
Between Algorithms and Empathy: The Future of HR
Have you ever wondered if robots are coming for your HR job? After my visit to the HR Technologies UK show at Excel London, I've been buzzing with questions about artificial intelligence in Human Resources—and it turns out you have been too.
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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14:36
The £17,000 Problem: Managing Absence in Small Businesses
Sick days are costing British small businesses more than ever. With absence levels hitting a ten-year high at 7.8 days per employee annually, the financial impact is staggering – nearly £17,000 for a 25-person company. That's three weeks of com...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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20:40
Verbal Job Offers: The Hidden Legal Traps
Navigating the legal minefield of verbal job offers can be tricky terrain for even the most experienced HR professionals. Have you ever wondered if that enthusiastic "We'd love to have you!" creates a legally binding contract? The answer might ...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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11:45
HR's Secret Weapon: IP Protection Without the Legal Headache
Every small business has valuable intellectual property—far beyond what you might imagine. Your sales strategies, client lists, training materials, and even the clever copy on your website represent significant assets, but are you protecting th...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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12:22
Beyond Borders: Turning Immigration Headaches into Hiring Wins
The post-Brexit hiring landscape has transformed how UK businesses can employ international talent, with EU citizens now subject to the same visa requirements as candidates from anywhere else in the world. I break down the entire sponsor licens...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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12:58
Sack Races, Sangria, and Solicitors: A Summer Party Manual
Brilliant business owners, do you break into a cold sweat when someone asks about the summer party? You're not alone. That single question can unlock memories ranging from legendary team bonding to legendary legal bills.Summer socials a...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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15:13
Beyond Compliance: The Human Side of Implementing Neonatal Care Leave
The countdown is on! With just five days until the new neonatal care leave and pay legislation takes effect, this episode delivers everything HR professionals need to know to be ready, compliant, and compassionate.Starting April 2025, e...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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10:54
Employment Rights Bill : A Guide for Small Businesses
Ready for a seismic shift in UK employment law? Kate, your resident HR expert and self-confessed employment law geek, dives deep into the Employment Rights Bill that's about to transform workplace relationships across Britain.The change...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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24:23
Salary Sacrifice: Beating the 15% NI Increase
The financial landscape for small businesses is shifting dramatically with National Insurance contributions increasing to 15% in April 2025. This looming change threatens to squeeze already tight margins and create significant payroll challenge...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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29:02
The Great Office Debate: Let’s Talk Hybrid and In-Office
The future of work is a hot topic, especially as we navigate the intricate dynamics of hybrid and in-office models. In this episode, we dive deep into the battle of work styles, examining the perks and pitfalls of each approach. With many emplo...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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21:32
Weathering the Storm: Strategic Approaches to Rising National Insurance for SMEs
This episode tackles the implications of the upcoming rise in national insurance contributions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. We discuss the immediate impacts on payroll, hiring practices, employee benefits, and potent...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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34:09
Unlocking Success: Boosting Your Business with Mental Health Strategies
Supporting mental health in the workplace is critical for business success, especially for SMEs. This episode delves into practical strategies for fostering a mentally healthy environment, leadership's role in prioritising mental well-being, an...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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23:32
Buzzing About HR: Navigating Redundancy with Compassion and Compliance
In today’s episode of Buzzing About HR, host Kate Underwood dives into one of the toughest challenges businesses face: redundancies. Whether it’s due to financial struggles, restructuring, or technological changes, managing redundancy ...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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40:56
