Buzzing About HR
Kate Underwood
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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Top 10 Buzzing About HR Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Buzzing About HR episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Buzzing About HR for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Buzzing About HR episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Beyond Borders: Turning Immigration Headaches into Hiring Wins
Buzzing About HR
04/09/25 • 12 min
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 license process, explaining exactly what small businesses need to know when hiring non-UK candidates.
• Sponsor licenses are required unless candidates are British/Irish, have settled/pre-settled status, or already hold an eligible work visa
• The application costs £536 for small businesses/charities or £1,579 for medium/large businesses
• Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks with current delays
• You must assign a reliable Authorizing Officer and demonstrate proper monitoring systems
• Only skilled roles meeting minimum salary thresholds can be sponsored
• Visa costs range from £769-£1,519 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year)
• Employers cannot charge employees for sponsorship costs but can arrange repayment plans for visa fees
• April 2025 updates include mandatory care sector partnerships, increased salary thresholds, and new rules for creative industries
• Practical onboarding support for relocation is essential for success
Keep an eye out for future episodes where I'll explain visa routes that don't require sponsorship. Until then, stay compliant, stay caffeinated, and keep buzzing!
Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you.
Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.
Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!
02/04/25 • 40 min
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 isn’t just about making tough decisions—it’s about doing so with compassion, transparency, and legal compliance.
Kate walks you through the critical steps of the redundancy process, from the planning stage to how you communicate the decision with employees. She also shares practical tips on maintaining morale, addressing survivor syndrome, and ensuring your team feels supported every step of the way.
Suppose you’re a business owner or HR leader navigating redundancy or just looking to brush up on best practices. In that case, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you manage redundancies with empathy and keep your business thriving.
Tune in now to learn how to handle redundancies effectively and ensure your team feels respected, valued, and empowered no matter what the future holds.
Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you.
Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.
Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!
The Great Office Debate: Let’s Talk Hybrid and In-Office
Buzzing About HR
02/25/25 • 21 min
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 employees now comfortable working from couch to boardroom, we explore how hybrid structures can offer flexibility while still retaining the energy and collaboration of an office environment.
The conversation doesn’t shy away from challenges; we discuss communication hurdles, potential feelings of isolation, and the importance of regular engagement—especially for remote team members. As we dissect the benefits of face-to-face interactions, we collectively ponder whether the short commute to the office could outweigh the cuddly comforts of home. Our insightful discussions offer valuable insights into finding the right balance for your organisation, helping you navigate between comfort and productivity.
We also highlight strategies for implementing an effective work model tailored to your team's unique needs. From core hours to leveraging technology for engagement, the episode offers actionable takeaways that leaders can utilize immediately. Join us as we explore future trends and the evolving expectations of employees. Don’t miss out on essential insights designed to help you maximise employee satisfaction and productivity—whether they're dressed in pyjamas or business casual.
Connect with us, share your thoughts, and experience the journey of transforming workplace culture for the better! Subscribe now and join the conversation!
Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you.
Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.
Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!
02/11/25 • 23 min
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, and the economic benefits of investing in mental health support.
• Current state of mental health impacts UK workplaces
• SMEs often bear the greatest burden of mental health issues
• Personal experience with mental health and finding support
• Importance of proactive mental health strategies
• How the Mind.org.uk Workplace Action Plans can help
• The value of occupational health services
• Economic benefits of investing in mental health
• Common questions and practical solutions regarding mental health in the workplace
• Calls to action for business owners and HR professionals to prioritise mental health
Go to https://www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/supporting-employee-mental-health/ to find out more about how we could support you and your employees
Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you.
Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.
Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!
02/18/25 • 34 min
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 potential workforce strategies to navigate these changes effectively.
• National insurance contributions will rise to 15% in April 2025
• Higher payroll costs affecting hiring decisions and employee retention
• 32% of SMEs consider redundancies due to increased costs
• Shift towards hiring contractors to avoid national insurance fees
• Proposed legislation may abolish zero-hours contracts, complicating staffing
• Strategies for maintaining employee engagement despite financial constraints
• Practical steps for SMEs to manage costs and prepare for future changes
If you need any practical support navigating these changes, please contact me on buzz@kunderwoodhrcouk for an HR strategy session, contract review or one of our free HR health checks. Make sure you subscribe for more SME insights and I'll see you in the next episode.
Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you.
Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.
Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!
Introduction
Buzzing About HR
01/30/25 • 8 min
Buzzing About HR 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.
Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you.
Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.
Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!
Employment Rights Bill : A Guide for Small Businesses
Buzzing About HR
03/18/25 • 24 min
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 changes are substantial and far-reaching. Unfair dismissal claims will become a day one right rather than requiring two years of service. The controversial "fire and rehire" practice faces severe restrictions with potential penalties doubling to 180 days' pay. Redundancy rules are being overhauled to prevent companies from avoiding consultation by making smaller cuts across multiple locations. Zero-hours workers will gain new rights to guaranteed contracts after 12 weeks of regular work, while shift workers will receive compensation for last-minute cancellations.
But that's not all – holiday pay records must be maintained for six years, tribunal time limits are doubling from three to six months, and a new Fair Work Agency will actively enforce employment rights. Kate expertly unpacks what's changing, what's been scrapped, and most importantly, what it all means for small business owners trying to navigate this evolving landscape.
What makes this episode particularly valuable is Kate's practical action plan for staying ahead of these changes. Rather than simply explaining the legislation, she provides a step-by-step approach for reviewing contracts, upgrading record-keeping systems, monitoring consultation timelines, communicating effectively with employees, and ensuring compliance before enforcement begins.
Want to prepare your business for these landmark changes before they take effect in 2026? Subscribe now and join Kate next week for a crucial episode on neonatal leave policies coming into effect in April 2025. Your HR compliance strategy starts here!
Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you.
Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.
Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!
03/27/25 • 10 min
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, eligible employees will be entitled to up to 12 weeks of additional leave when their newborn requires hospital care—a critical lifeline for parents facing one of parenthood's most challenging starts. We break down exactly who qualifies (employees with 26 weeks' service who meet the earnings threshold), how the pay works (statutory rates that can be enhanced), and the flexibility built into the system (leave can be taken in blocks over 68 weeks).
Beyond the technical requirements, we explore the human side of this legislation. This isn't just another compliance exercise—it's about supporting real people through crisis. That's why we're particularly proud of our partnership with New Life Special Care Babies, our Charity of the Year, which provides vital support to neonatal units across the UK. Their founder, Trevor, will join us soon to share insights into the emotional reality behind the legislation.
For HR teams scrambling to prepare, we provide a practical six-point checklist covering everything from policy updates to insurance reviews. Our advice includes an often-overlooked opportunity: checking your business insurance policies, which might allow you to offer enhanced pay with minimal additional cost. We also tackle our clients' most frequently asked questions, addressing common concerns about eligibility, approval processes, and implementation.
Whether you're fully prepared or just starting to think about implementation, this episode equips you with clear guidance, practical tips, and resources to support your team. Visit our website for policy templates, statutory rate tables, and additional resources—because while compliance is good, compassion is even better.
Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you.
Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.
Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!
Salary Sacrifice: Beating the 15% NI Increase
Buzzing About HR
03/11/25 • 29 min
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 challenges. But what if there was a strategic approach that could offset these costs while actually giving your employees more value?
Salary sacrifice schemes represent that rare financial opportunity where both employers and employees genuinely benefit. At their core, these arrangements allow employees to exchange a portion of their gross salary for valuable non-cash benefits, reducing the taxable income for both parties. The result? Significant savings on National Insurance contributions precisely when businesses need it most.
Through practical, real-world examples, we explore how different businesses have successfully implemented these schemes. A marketing agency with 10 employees saved £3,500 annually through pension salary sacrifice while boosting employee retirement savings. A retail company with 25 staff introduced an electric vehicle scheme, saving over £6,000 yearly while enhancing their sustainability credentials. A tech startup implemented a cycle-to-work program, reducing NI costs by £2,000 while helping employees slash commuting expenses and improve fitness.
What makes salary sacrifice particularly powerful is its versatility. From pension contributions (the most popular option) to electric vehicle leasing, cycle-to-work schemes, and childcare vouchers, there's likely a configuration that aligns with your business objectives and employee needs. While implementation requires careful attention to compliance and communication, the potential rewards make it worth exploring.
Ready to transform the NI increase from a threat into an opportunity? Whether you're looking to offset rising costs, enhance employee benefits without increasing direct compensation, or build a more financially efficient business model, salary sacrifice offers a practical pathway forward. Contact us today to discover how we can help you design and implement a scheme tailored to your specific business needs.
Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you.
Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.
Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!
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FAQ
How many episodes does Buzzing About HR have?
Buzzing About HR currently has 9 episodes available.
What topics does Buzzing About HR cover?
The podcast is about Management, Business Success, Podcasts, Leadership Development and Business.
What is the most popular episode on Buzzing About HR?
The episode title 'The Great Office Debate: Let’s Talk Hybrid and In-Office' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Buzzing About HR?
The average episode length on Buzzing About HR is 23 minutes.
How often are episodes of Buzzing About HR released?
Episodes of Buzzing About HR are typically released every 7 days, 5 hours.
When was the first episode of Buzzing About HR?
The first episode of Buzzing About HR was released on Jan 30, 2025.
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