HR Unboxed

In this episode of HR Unboxed with Natalie and Fay, the team takes a deep dive into the real-world impact of the Employment Rights Act 2025 — and the fallout businesses are now facing. From day-one rights and rising employment costs to recruitment slowdowns and the growing pressure on small businesses, this episode pulls no punches. Natalie and Fay share honest feedback from business owners navigating the changes, including concerns around affordability, flexibility, and the increasing risk of tribunal claims. The conversation explores how some employees are already testing the system, why strong HR policies have never been more important, and how poor preparation is now catching businesses off guard. There’s also a look at the rise in subcontracting, the risks around employment status, and why managers need better training to handle today’s workplace challenges. While the picture can feel daunting, the episode also highlights practical ways businesses can protect themselves — from seeking expert advice to strengthening processes and avoiding costly mistakes. If you’re a business owner, manager, or simply interested in how employment law changes are reshaping the workplace, this is an essential listen. #HRUnboxed #EmploymentRightsAct #HR #SmallBusiness #BusinessSupport #WorkplaceLaw #HRAdvice #Leadership #Management #UKBusiness #EmploymentLaw #Recruitment #BusinessChallenges #HRPodcast

Why does HR get such a bad reputation—and is it actually deserved? In this episode of HR Unboxed, Natalie and Faye are joined by Owen from Griffin Logistics (aka “The Pallet Network Bandit”) to unpack the truth behind HR in real-world businesses. From the fast-paced transport industry to small family-run companies, they explore why HR is often misunderstood as red tape—and why it’s actually essential for protecting your business, your people, and your future. You’ll hear honest insights on: • Why HR is more than just paperwork • The risks small businesses face without proper processes • Real-life challenges in logistics and managing drivers • Why friends and family in business can create unexpected issues • How HR helps avoid costly legal claims and disputes Whether you run a growing business, manage a team, or just want to understand how HR really works behind the scenes, this episode gives a practical, no-nonsense perspective. Plus, hear about Natalie’s 100-mile charity challenge supporting the transport community—and why the industry deserves more recognition. 🎧 A must-listen for business owners who think they don’t need HR… until they really do. #HR #SmallBusiness #Logistics #TransportIndustry #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #EmploymentLaw #WorkplaceCulture #Entrepreneurship #HRUnboxed

In this episode of HR Unboxed, Natalie and Faye join Chris in the studio to unpack a topic that many businesses avoid but absolutely cannot ignore — health and safety in the workplace. What might sound like a dry compliance subject quickly turns into a fascinating discussion about real-world risks, HR responsibilities, and why even the smallest organisations need to take safety seriously. The team explore how health and safety connects directly with HR processes, from recruitment and onboarding through to absence management, wellbeing and training. They also explain why many businesses underestimate everyday risks — especially in office environments — and how something as simple as poor desk setup or lack of reporting procedures can escalate into long absences and injury claims. Along the way, the conversation touches on: • Why health and safety should be seen as prevention, not paperwork • The real consequences for businesses that fail to manage risk properly • How HR and health & safety professionals work together after incidents • The importance of documenting policies, training and risk assessments • The legal responsibilities employers face — even with third-party behaviour • Why workplace culture and communication play a major role in safety • The risks of remote working and lone working that companies often overlook • Practical examples of workplace incidents and what businesses can learn from them Natalie and Faye also discuss how technology can make compliance easier for small businesses, including tools that track training, manage risk assessments and create audit trails for health and safety procedures. The episode also highlights how workplace expectations have evolved — from modern approaches to employee wellbeing through to the growing responsibilities employers have to protect staff from inappropriate behaviour by customers, suppliers or members of the public. With a mixture of practical advice, real examples, and plenty of humour along the way, this episode is packed with insights for business owners, managers and HR professionals who want to build safer, more responsible workplaces. If you run a business, manage a team, or simply want to understand how HR and safety obligations affect modern workplaces, this conversation is full of valuable takeaways. #HRPodcast #HRUnboxed #HealthAndSafety #WorkplaceSafety #HRAdvice #SmallBusinessHR #EmploymentLaw #HRCompliance #WorkplaceWellbeing #BusinessPodcast #JudgeRinder #VictoriaBeckham #ChrisEvans

In this episode of HR Unboxed, Natalie and Faye tackle one of the most confusing areas of people management: employee leave. From annual leave clashes and sick days to emergency time off, parental leave, compassionate leave, and jury service, this episode breaks down what managers need to know to stay fair, compliant, and human. They explain the real-life challenges managers face when multiple staff want the same time off, what “reasonable” actually means in law, and how poor record-keeping can land businesses in serious trouble. You’ll hear practical advice on handling sickness absence properly, why covering it up with holiday is risky, and how return-to-work meetings help spot patterns before they become problems. The episode also dives into family-related leave, including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave, plus what’s changing under the Employment Rights Act. Natalie and Fay discuss why many employees don’t take the leave they’re entitled to, the financial realities behind those decisions, and how employers can better support working families. They also cover compassionate leave, how to handle bereavement sensitively, what managers should (and shouldn’t) share with teams, and how to avoid making damaging assumptions. Finally, they explore lesser-known types of leave such as jury service and public duties, including the real impact these can have on employees’ mental health. If you’re a manager, business owner, or HR professional, this episode is packed with practical guidance to help you avoid grievances, prevent disputes, and build a workplace that works for everyone. #HRUnboxed #EmployeeLeave #HRAdvice #Managers #EmploymentLaw #WorkplacePolicies #ParentalLeave #SickLeave #CompassionateLeave #HRPodcast #PeopleManagement

Natalie and Faye open the 2026 series with a packed episode exploring the major HR and business changes arriving this year. They break down the rise in the national living wage, what employers need to do to stay compliant, and why even small shifts can have a big impact on payroll and budgeting. There’s clear guidance on the new rules for statutory sick pay, including the move to day-one eligibility and what this means for absence management. They also cover upcoming paternity and parental leave reforms, the effect of frozen tax thresholds on employees’ take-home pay, and the growing concerns surrounding business rates — with real examples of how these changes are affecting companies across the UK. To end on a brighter note, the episode looks at the new funding for apprenticeships for under-25s and how employers can prepare to make the most of it. Packed with practical advice, real anecdotes and plenty of humour, this instalment gives business owners and managers a clear picture of what to expect in 2026 and how to plan ahead with confidence. #HRUnboxed #HRPodcast #EmploymentUpdates #UKBusiness #SmallBusinessSupport #PeopleManagement #WorkplaceHR #HRAdvice #2026Changes #BusinessPlanning

In this festive edition of *HR Unboxed*, Natalie, Faye and Chris unwrap the lighter (and sometimes messier) side of workplace life with their “12 Days of HR Christmas.” From out-of-office escapades and Secret Santa disasters to tipsy colleagues, offensive jumpers, and mistletoe mishaps, no seasonal HR scenario is off-limits. With wit and warmth, the trio tackle everything from managing absences and awkward parties to online shopping at work, inappropriate decorations, and the annual battle for Christmas leave. They share real-life stories, expert insights and plenty of laughs, reminding listeners that behind every festive fiasco, there’s an HR professional trying to keep things merry, bright, and compliant. A must-listen for business owners, managers and employees alike, this episode delivers practical advice on avoiding holiday headaches while keeping the spirit of the season alive in every workplace. #HRUnboxed #NatalieAndFaye #ChrisGregg #ChristmasSpecial #12DaysofHRChristmas #BreatheHR #WorkplaceHumour #FestivePodcast #HRPodcast #ChristmasAtWork #OfficePartyFails #SecretSantaGoneWrong #WorkplaceWellbeing #TeamCulture #OfficeChristmas #HRAdvice #WorkplacePolicies #UKBusiness #HRLife #OfficeHumour #HolidaySeason #WorkplaceSafety #PeopleManagement

Welcome to another lively episode of HR Unboxed with Natalie, Fay and Chris! This week, things get a little personal – and occasionally hilarious – as the team are joined by special guest Adam from Breathe HR for a deep dive into how digital HR systems can transform your workplace. From sticky notes and lost holiday forms to #Smellgate and the infamous toilet door holiday planner, this episode explores the real-world chaos of paper-based HR and how Breathe’s smart, secure and simple software brings order to the madness. Expect plenty of laughter, a few cringe-worthy office confessions, and honest insight into why modern HR isn’t about replacing people with robots — it’s about freeing them to focus on what really matters. Plus, the trio discuss office banter gone wrong, kudos systems that get a little too cheeky, and the strange realities of “duvet days” and “planned sick leave.” Whether you’re an HR professional, a small business owner, or just love a good workplace story, this episode will have you nodding along, laughing, and maybe even rethinking how you manage your team. 🎙️ Featuring: Natalie, Fay & Chris 👤 Guest: Adam from Breathe HR 💼 Sponsored by: Breathe HR – the smart, intuitive HR software designed to empower your people and simplify your admin. 👇 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of HR Unboxed! #HRUnboxed #BreatheHR #ReboxHR #HumanResources #WorkplaceStories #PodcastUK #HRSoftware #OfficeLife #Smellgate #HRFails #PeopleManagement #SmallBusinessUK #WorkplaceHumour #NatalieAndFay #EmployeeEngagement #BusinessPodcast

Join Natalie and Fay on HR Unboxed for a candid discussion on "The Truth About Imposter Syndrome at Work". This highly requested episode delves into that common, nervous feeling that you're not as brilliant as others perceive, fearing you'll be "found out" as a fraud, or questioning, "Am I good enough?". Natalie and Fay share personal experiences, highlighting that imposter syndrome affects everyone from HR directors to business owners, aspiring professionals, and seasoned experts at any career stage. Discover the symptoms, including self-doubt even amidst success, a fear of exposure, attributing achievements to luck rather than merit, and the pitfalls of perfectionism. The hosts explore how this internal conflict can significantly impact workplace performance, leading to burnout, procrastination, and overthinking, as individuals strive to prove themselves or avoid vulnerability. Learn practical strategies for tackling imposter syndrome, such as cultivating self-belief, maintaining a "win list," understanding your strengths, and focusing on controllable factors. They also discuss the importance of curiosity, asking questions, and seeking feedback, along with useful tools like Breathe HR's Burnout Hub and Kudos system for positive reinforcement. This episode is proudly brought to you by Breathe HR, the smart and intuitive HR software designed to free up your time and empower your people. Simplify your HR needs by checking them out at breather.com. #ImposterSyndrome #HRUnboxed #NatalieAndFay #WorkplaceChallenges #SelfDoubt #CareerGrowth #MentalHealthAtWork #BurnoutPrevention #HRTips #BreatheHR #ProfessionalDevelopment #Perfectionism #WorkplaceWellbeing #CareerConfidence

Season 2 of HR Unboxed opens with a fearless deep-dive into “Watched While Working” — the realities, risks and right ways to handle workplace surveillance. Natalie and Fay unpack what employers actually monitor (CCTV, keystroke logging, activity logs) and the rise of “mouse jigglers” in the work-from-home era. They explore remote-work distractions (including the notorious 49-minute washing-machine cycle), childcare cameos on Zoom, and why trust and output matter more than minute-by-minute monitoring. Real-world stories bring the stakes to life: the Amazon France fine for excessive tracking and bathroom timing; a BMW case where covert surveillance backfired at tribunal; and times private investigators uncovered long-term sick leave abuse and large-scale fuel siphoning. They examine mental-health impacts — stress, anxiety, paranoia — and how simple, regular feedback prevents staff from “filling in the blanks”. Crucially, they set out when monitoring is justified: health and safety (dashcams and in-cab CCTV protecting drivers — including a chilling A5 incident near Milton Keynes), theft prevention, lone-worker safety, and accurate timekeeping. Expect clear guidance on doing it lawfully: be proportionate, justified and transparent; have a privacy notice; use signage; avoid private areas; time-limit any covert action and get senior approval; consider a DPIA; and follow the Data Protection Act 2018 (what many still call GDPR). There’s practical talk on clock-in/clock-out and geofencing (as used in Breathe HR), plus why company culture beats micromanagement — and why Dave should leave the newspaper out of the loo. #HRUnboxed #Season2 #WorkplaceSurveillance #GDPR #DataProtection #CCTV #KeystrokeLogging #RemoteWork #GeoFencing #BreatheHR #EmploymentLaw #HealthAndSafety #LoneWorkers #HRAdvice #MentalHealthAtWork #TrustAndCulture #UKHR #PeopleOps #TimeTracking #Dashcams

In this unmissable episode, we’re tackling the hot topic chosen by our listeners: workplace clashes. From the everyday tension of denied holiday requests to boardroom bust-ups and “that was my idea!” moments, Natalie and Faye take you behind the scenes of HR disasters with their trademark humour, honesty and a hefty dose of reality. They dive into scenarios including time-off tantrums, religious leave conflicts, age and experience power struggles, and the emotional minefield of being overlooked or undermined at work. Plus, they explore how workplace WhatsApp groups can spiral into chaos, and what managers can do to keep team dynamics healthy and productive. Expect funny stories, jaw-dropping real-life cases, and practical advice for business owners, HR professionals and anyone navigating office politics. And yes, someone actually watered the office plants in the most outrageous way possible… Breathe HR proudly sponsors this episode, and if you're still tracking holidays on a spreadsheet or juggling manual processes, this might just be your sign to upgrade! Sponsored by Breathe HR, the smart and intuitive HR software for SMEs, designed to free up your time and empower your people. If you’re looking to simplify your HR, check them out at www.breathehr.com/en-gb/hr-unboxed #HRUnboxed #HRPodcast #WorkplaceDrama #OfficePolitics #HolidayRequests #HRStories #PeopleManagement #WorkplaceConflicts #LeadershipTips #BreatheHR #TeamTension #HRLife #FunnyHR #PodcastUK #EmployeeRelations #WorkplaceWellbeing #HRRealTalk

In Episode 11 of HR Unboxed, Natalie and Fay dive deep into the world of employment tribunals — the stressful, fascinating side of HR that every business owner and manager needs to understand. From real-life cases of explosive hotel bust-ups to sleeping security guards and the surprising cost of excluding someone from the office tea round, discover how small actions can lead to huge payouts. Learn why process, evidence, and proper support matter so much — and how to keep your business out of court. #HRUnboxed #EmploymentTribunal #HRPodcast #HRAdvice #UKBusiness #WorkplaceWellbeing #HRCompliance #ReboxHR #Tribunals #HRSupport

It’s episode 10 and Natalie and Faye are celebrating with awards, gongs, and... dismissals?! This special episode dives into the murky world of firing staff—from heat-of-the-moment outbursts to airtight legal processes. Discover how one badly worded email can cost a business thousands, why redundancy isn’t just a scary word, and what the ABCs of dismissal really stand for. With real-life HR horror stories, laughs, and a whole lot of lessons, this one’s essential listening for anyone who manages people. Also: why “little warnings” don’t exist! #HRUnboxed #WorkplaceDismissals #HRPodcast #EmploymentLaw #RedundancyReality #HRFails #LineManagerLife #PeopleManagement #TribunalTroubles #DismissalDrama #WorkplaceCulture

In this jam-packed episode of HR Unboxed, Chris Gregg joins Natalie and Fay to unpack the big topics shaking up the workplace. From jaw-dropping stats on how many Gen Z employees would choose to be "severed" like in the hit series Severance, to the real-life risks of staff taking confidential data with them when they leave. There’s drama, insight, and plenty of laughs as the trio chat data breaches, grievance trends, influencer burnout, and why employers must prepare for upcoming employment law changes. Grab a cuppa — this one’s a rollercoaster. #HRUnboxed #SeveranceSeries #GenZWorkforce #DataDrama #ResignationRevelations #WorkplaceTrends #EmploymentLaw #HRPodcast #FayAndNatalie #ChrisGregg #SmallBusinessHR #UKHR #GDPR #WorkplaceWellbeing #InfluencerLife #EmployeeRights

Middle managers—caught between the top brass and the frontline staff, they deal with everything from unmotivated employees to unexpected absences. In this episode, Natalie and Faye dive into the challenges faced by middle management and why they’re the backbone of any organisation. 💼 Balancing work-life expectations vs. performance demands 📉 Managing absenteeism and the classic "bank holiday sickness" ⚖️ The fine line between discipline and motivation 👔 Dress codes: What’s appropriate, what’s awkward, and why your mankini won’t cut it Whether you’re a seasoned manager or new to the role, this episode is packed with insights, practical advice, and a few HR horror stories. 🎧 Tune in and find out how to survive—and thrive—as a middle manager! #HRUnboxed #MiddleManagement #WorkplaceHR #HRPodcast #PeopleManagement #LeadershipTips #HRProblems #OfficeLife #WorkplaceDrama #EmployeeRelations #HRFails

Grievances – we all know them, but when should they be taken seriously, and when are they just workplace gripes? In this episode, Natalie and Chris break down the fine line between a minor complaint and a full-blown HR issue. From unfair pay to passive-aggressive Post-it notes, we tackle real-life workplace dilemmas with insight, humour, and some wild stories. 👀 Are managers playing favourites? 🤔 Is your colleague the self-appointed Fridge Police? 💼 When does a broken promise turn into a real grievance? Find out why consistency is key, how to handle complaints fairly, and why HR horror stories are often stranger than fiction. Got your own ridiculous workplace grievance? Send it our way! 🎧 Listen now and let’s talk HR – the fun (and frustrating) way! #HRUnboxed #WorkplaceGrievances #HRPodcast #WorkplaceDrama #HRProblems #OfficeLife #FairWorkplace #HRNightmares #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeRights #HRFails

In this juicy episode of HR Unboxed, Natalie and Faye dive into the world of HR confessions! From awkward workplace crushes to faked sick notes and auto-correct mishaps, this episode is filled with shocking, hilarious, and thought-provoking stories from employees that HR would rather keep under wraps. Here’s what’s in store: 😳 A secret workplace crush that’s about to boil over 😬 A bold holiday stunt with a forged sick note 🤔 A tenured employee stuck between comfort and career change 😂 An embarrassing text that turned "PA" into "predictive trouble" Natalie and Faye unpack each confession, offering advice, insights, and a healthy dose of laughter along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what HR professionals really think about these situations, this episode is for you! #HRConfessions #WorkplaceDrama #OfficeLife #HRUnboxed #PodcastEpisode #WorkplaceStories #AwkwardMoments #HRAdvice #WorkplaceHumor #OfficeConfessions #HRFails #CareerTalk #EmployeeConfessions #PodcastFun #WorkplaceRelationships

In this festive episode of HR Unboxed, Natalie and Faye bring the holiday spirit with practical advice for managing Christmas work events. From secret Santa blunders to tackling inappropriate behavior at the office party, they’ve got everything covered to help employers navigate the season without a hitch. This episode explores: 🎄 Conducting a risk assessment for work events 🎄 Managing alcohol, food, and travel arrangements responsibly 🎄 What to do if an incident occurs at the Christmas party 🎄 Fair holiday booking procedures and planning for annual leave 🎄 Supporting employee mental health during the festive period Plus, Natalie and Faye unveil new mental health support now available for Rebox HR retainer clients, and they’re giving away a free Christmas Guide for Employers! Whether you’re organizing your first work party or preparing for the end-of-year shutdown, this episode is packed with tips to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and stress-free holiday season for everyone. 🔗 Links: Download your free Christmas Guide: https://reboxhr.co.uk/a-hr-guide-to-surviving-the-office-christmas-party/ Subscribe to HR Unboxed for more HR advice.

In this episode of HR Unboxed, hosts Natalie and Faye from Rebox HR dive into a practical, step-by-step guide to help small business owners hire their very first employee with confidence. From defining the role to making the final offer, they cover all the essential HR steps you need to know—while sharing real-life stories of potential pitfalls and best practice tips to avoid common hiring headaches. Whether you're unsure where to start or worried about missing key legal requirements, Natalie and Faye's First Employee Starter Kit has everything you need in one handy package, including: ✅ Offer letter template ✅ Right to Work checklist ✅ Onboarding checklist ✅ GDPR-compliant privacy notice ✅ And even a free trial to Breathe HR software! Perfect for small businesses ready to grow, this episode has all the insights you need to ensure your first hire is a smooth, compliant, and successful experience. Hit play and get equipped with the resources and knowledge to bring your new team member on board like a pro!

In Episode 3 of the HR Unboxed Podcast, Natalie and Faye from Rebox HR dive deep into the "nitty-gritty" of HR, exploring some of the trickiest challenges businesses face today. From managing employee absences and mental health issues to navigating difficult performance conversations, this episode is packed with real-life HR dilemmas. Learn how to approach sensitive topics like patterned absences, return-to-work interviews, and the importance of having open, ongoing communication with your team. If you're a manager or business owner looking for practical HR advice, this episode is for you! 🔗 Got questions or HR challenges you want us to tackle? Leave a comment or reach out to us on LinkedIn. #HRUnboxed #HRPodcast #ReboxHR #ManagingAbsences #EmployeePerformance #MentalHealthAtWork #BusinessManagement

Welcome to Episode 2 of HR Unboxed with Natalie and Faye! 🎙️ In this episode, we kick things off by sharing our incredible experience climbing Mount Snowdon for charity! 🏔️ Together, we raised £650 for French Bulldog Rescue, and we’re diving into how teamwork was the key to making it to the top. Join us as we discuss why working together is essential in any challenge, whether it's scaling a mountain or tackling a tough project at work. Next, we’re unpacking the 60 upcoming changes to employment law following the change in Government. With so many adjustments on the horizon, it’s crucial for businesses to stay informed and compliant. We’ll share how Rebox HR is helping our clients prepare for these sweeping changes. Finally, we delve into the case of the week: The Singing Employee. A head chef at a hotel was awarded £80,000 at a tribunal after enduring inappropriate behaviour caused by a colleague singing a song at work. This case raises important questions about workplace banter—can it ever be truly innocent, or does it risk crossing the line into harassment? Tune in for valuable insights, legal updates, and a dose of inspiration! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! 🔔 #HRUnboxed #SmallBusinessHR #HumanResources #Podcast #EmployeeRelations #Recruitment #Retention #EmploymentLawCompliance

Welcome to the very first episode of HR Unboxed, the podcast where Natalie and Faye break down the complexities of human resources for small businesses! 🎉 In this inaugural episode, we dive into the critical role HR plays in the success of small businesses. From understanding what HR really is to exploring how it can drive productivity, employee satisfaction, and legal compliance, we cover the essentials every small business owner needs to know. We also tackle some of the most common HR challenges faced by small businesses, including: Recruitment and Retention: Why is it so hard to find and keep the right people? Employment Law Compliance: Navigating the complexities of ever-changing laws. Employee Relations: Tips for managing conflicts and building a positive workplace culture. Whether you're a small business owner or an HR professional, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips to help you navigate the HR landscape effectively. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you find this episode helpful. Let's unbox HR together! #HRUnboxed #SmallBusinessHR #HumanResources #Podcast #EmployeeRelations #Recruitment #Retention #EmploymentLawCompliance