HR Unboxed Podcast

Season 2 · Episode 10

Four Office Romances and a Tribunal

Workplace relationships: should they be encouraged, managed, or avoided altogether? In this episode of HR Unbox, Natalie and Faye tackle one of the most talked-about and often misunderstood workplace topics – relationships at work. From office romances and friendships to family-run businesses and husband-and-wife directorships, they explore how personal relationships can influence professional environments and what employers need to do to manage the risks. The discussion covers workplace dating, power imbalances between managers and employees, the challenges of employing family members, favouritism, nepotism, professional boundaries, and what happens when personal relationships break down. Natalie and Fay also share real-life HR experiences, including disputes involving family businesses, workplace romances gone wrong, and the employment law pitfalls that can arise when personal and professional lives become intertwined. They explain why clear expectations, good communication, proper documentation and effective management are essential for maintaining a healthy workplace culture. The episode also highlights how managers can navigate difficult conversations, avoid conflicts of interest, and create professional boundaries without damaging working relationships. Whether you're a business owner, manager, HR professional or employee, this episode offers practical insights into handling workplace relationships fairly, professionally and legally. Topics covered include: • Workplace dating and office romances • Manager and employee relationships • Family members working together • Nepotism and favouritism • Professional boundaries at work • Managing workplace conflict • Employment law risks • Difficult conversations and people management • Family-run business challenges • HR best practice for workplace relationships Sponsored by Breathe HR. #HRUnbox #HumanResources #HRPodcast #WorkplaceRelationships #EmploymentLaw #PeopleManagement #Leadership #BusinessOwner #HRAdvice #WorkplaceCulture #ManagementSkills #BreatheHR #SmallBusiness #ProfessionalBoundaries #TeamManagement

Season 2 · Episode 9

Employment Rights Act 2025: The Real Fallout Businesses Weren’t Ready For

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

Season 2 · Episode 8

Why HR Gets a Bad Reputation BUT Why Businesses Actually Need It!

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

Season 2 · Episode 7

HR and Health and safety go together like tea and biscuits!

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

Season 2 · Episode 6

Booked Off, Called In, or Pushing Their Luck? Managing Employee Leave Like a Pro

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

Season 2 · Episode 5

Budget 2025 Mayhem: HR Chaos, Payroll Panic & What’s Actually Changing

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

Season 2 · Episode 4

The 12 Days Of HR Christmas

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

Season 2 · Episode 3

All Systems Go! From Sticky Notes to #Smellgate & Toilet door holiday planners

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

Season 2 · Episode 2

Am I good enough? The Truth About Imposter Syndrome at Work

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 · Episode 1

Are You Being Watched At Work?

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