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June 16, 2020
Is now the right time to leave your HR position?
Being a director of a recruitment agency, I get to talk to a number of HR professionals on a regular basis and I was not surprised to learn that so many people are unhappy in their job right now. So… is now the right time to leave your HR role?
The pandemic caused a lot of stress in HR, you are more than likely dealing with stressed out Directors as well as dealing with recruitment difficulties and maybe even the uncertainty of your own job. There is an ever-increasing pile of employment related issues and you are overrun with keeping up with job retention schemes, salary negotiations and restructuring programmes.
We are hoping the up and coming challenges with the cost of living won’t be too painful and as long as you retain your passion for the HR field and the people, and your sense of humour, you can overlook a lot of aggravation. We are seeing that the recruitment market is still challenging, and HR is certainly an area that is needed. So maybe it’s time to take a step back and consider your options. I have put together 7 issues that I come across on a regular basis for the reasons why HR professionals move jobs, if you can resonate with more than 3 of these then maybe it is time for a move.
- You have lost your passion and you find that your mission for working in HR and your goals are no longer meaningful to you.
- You find that most of your time is mired in administrative and transactional tasks, not at all what you signed on to spend your time doing in your HR employment, and you have been unable to find a way to change the situation.
- Your industry has experienced economic turmoil and you have laid employees off, downsized your business, dealt with the fear, mistrust, loss, and the grief of remaining co-workers, and you’re just burnt out in your HR role.
- You no longer think about employees as valued resources. Instead, they are the whiners, the complainers, and you are just plain tired of dealing with employee complaints and employees.
- You perceive little or no opportunity for advancement or career development. You feel locked into the same HR role at different levels unless you are at a very big company where career advancement and lateral moves are more frequent. And, you would like to try something different to grow and develop your skills.
- You are tired of teaching managers over and over the appropriate steps for employee disciplinary action. They wait too long and involve you too late after they have made mistakes.
- You fight continually to be relevant and strategic, yet the day-to-day responsibilities constantly consume your time. Your organisation rewards you more for the daily record keeping tasks than it does for your strategic thinking, your vision of the HR contribution to the bottom line, and your participation in executive planning to direct the company. Battles with finance over cost versus retention, reward, recognition, and employee empowerment are frequent and painful.
One recent trend was the reduction of in-house HR and small HR departments due to outsourcing and technology. Another was how HR will become more like Marketing due to ‘talent buying’ and the third was HR departments will have to manage a remote workforce. These changes may impact on your future in HR and if it is the industry for you.
So, the main question is, should I be looking for a new job right now?
Only you can really answer that question, however If you feel like you want a new opportunity it does not do any harm to be on the lookout for what is available. Do not be afraid to change industries’ and focus on your career goals, remember there is always a job for the right person out there! The beauty of technology and online communication allows you to expand your professional network easily! You can make new career connections and have social interactions all from the comfort of your own home.
If you would like to discuss moving from your current HR role then please feel free to get in touch with me: kerry@appointmentspersonnel.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn.
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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
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