If you’re running a business, you’ve probably Googled “free contract template” or been pitched expensive HR support from a big firm. Tempting, right? But here’s the truth: poor contracts are one of the most common reasons businesses end up in tribunal…and it’s completely avoidable.

In this post, I share what I’ve learned as a Head of HR, employment law expert, and CIPD assessor, including real tribunal examples, why AI tools can’t be trusted with legal documents, and why Thrive. contracts are the smarter, safer option for ambitious business owners.

What do you do when an employee cries in a one-to-one?

It’s a moment many managers dread — but it’s more common than you think. In fact, over 1 in 3 UK workers have cried at work in the past year¹, often due to stress, burnout or feeling unsupported.

In this emotionally intelligent guide, we walk you through:

• Why people cry at work — and what it really means

• A step-by-step way to respond calmly and compassionately

• What not to say in the moment

• How to create a culture where it’s safe to be human

Your response can shape trust, safety, and loyalty across your whole team.

Read the full blog to lead with confidence and care — even in the most vulnerable moments.

Being bullied at work? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to put up with it.

Almost one in three UK workers say they’ve experienced bullying in the workplace¹. Whether it’s constant criticism, being excluded, or more overt behaviour, the impact can be huge.

In our latest blog, we break down:

• What workplace bullying really looks like

• How to start protecting yourself

• What to do if things don’t improve

• How employers can create safer, more respectful workplaces

This is your step-by-step guide to feeling safer, speaking up, and finding support.

Read the full post and take the first step towards reclaiming your work life.

“Woman” Now Legally Means Biological Female: What the Supreme Court’s Landmark Ruling Means for Your Workplace

In a historic judgment, the UK Supreme Court has confirmed that the word “woman” in the Equality Act refers to biological sex, not gender identity, when single-sex exceptions apply. Trans women with Gender Recognition Certificates are no longer included in this definition for certain roles and services. What does this mean for your HR policies, data reporting, and legal risk? Here’s what every employer and service provider needs to know.

With new tax increases and wage hikes set to take effect in April 2025, UK hospitality businesses are facing mounting financial pressures. Over 70% of businesses anticipate reducing staff or cutting trading hours in response to rising National Insurance Contributions (NICs), reduced rates relief, and a higher minimum wage. For small business owners, the key to survival lies in proactive financial planning, cost optimisation, and strategic workforce management. This guide explores the upcoming changes, their impact on staffing, and practical steps to keep your business profitable without sacrificing service quality. Now is the time to act—read on to prepare your business for the road ahead.

The UK’s Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) has introduced new behaviour standards aimed at tackling bullying, harassment, and discrimination in the workplace. With creative industries often lacking dedicated HR support, line managers are now at the forefront of enforcing these guidelines. This blog explores what the new CIISA standards mean for managers, how to implement them effectively, and why proactive leadership is key to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performing workplace. Learn how to stay compliant while building a culture where creativity and collaboration can thrive.

Struggling with team issues? Avoiding HR won’t make them go away—it will make them worse. Whether it’s underperformance, toxic behaviour, or losing your best people, the key to better leadership isn’t more paperwork—it’s having the right tools to manage people effectively. In this blog, we break down how proactive HR strategies can help you handle difficult conversations, boost retention, and make managing your team easier. If you’re tired of firefighting and ready to lead with confidence, this is for you.

Struggling with the mid-week slump? For managers, Wednesdays can bring overwhelm, unresolved team issues, mounting workloads, and dwindling energy. But instead of letting stress take over, take back control. This blog shares five evidence-based strategies to reset your focus, tackle people management challenges, and finish the week strong. From handling capability vs. conduct issues to smarter delegation and energy management, these practical steps will help you lead with confidence.

The new Neonatal Leave and Pay rights offer vital support for parents with babies in neonatal care, providing up to 12 weeks of additional leave and pay. This blog breaks down who qualifies, when the entitlement starts, and how employers can ensure compliance while fostering a supportive workplace.

The UK government is cracking down on worker misclassification in the gig economy, putting businesses at risk of fines, legal claims, and reputational damage. Learn what this means for line managers, how to ensure compliance, and the practical steps you can take to protect your business while fostering a fair and thriving workplace.

Understanding wage deductions is essential for UK small business owners to avoid costly mistakes. From lawful deductions like tax and pensions to the risks of unlawful practices, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to stay compliant and foster employee trust. Learn how to handle deductions correctly, avoid tribunal claims, and protect your business reputation.

5 Shocking Tribunal Cases That Cost Employers Thousands in 2024—And How They Could Have Been Avoided

Employment tribunals are every employer’s nightmare—costly, stressful, and reputation-damaging. But what if the most expensive lessons could have been avoided with just a few smart policies? From a dismissed funeral director battling cancer to a Gen Z worker unfairly targeted for her footwear, these real-life cases from 2024 highlight the critical mistakes businesses are still making.

Curious about how these missteps could cost your business—or how to protect yourself? Read on to discover the simple strategies that could save you tens of thousands in tribunal claims.

Are You Prepared to Face an Employment Tribunal?

Employment tribunal cases are on the rise, with claims increasing by 21% in 2023 alone [1]. The cost of losing isn’t just financial—it’s a hit to your business’s reputation, team morale, and productivity. Yet, many tribunals stem from avoidable mistakes like poor documentation, inconsistent policies, or failing to address employee grievances.

In our latest blog, we break down the biggest reasons employers lose at tribunal and provide actionable steps to protect your business. Learn how to:

• Avoid procedural errors that lead to unfair dismissal claims.

• Document effectively to back up your decisions.

• Train managers to handle workplace challenges with confidence.

Don’t let simple mistakes become costly claims. Read the full blog now and take control of your HR practices before it’s too late.

Stop Losing Great Employees: The Onboarding Secrets Your Competitors Don’t Want You to Know

First impressions matter, and your onboarding process is no exception. If your new hires feel lost, undervalued, or like a spare part on day one, they won’t stick around for long. Meanwhile, your competitors are welcoming their new employees with seamless preboarding, structured inductions, and clear four-week plans—and they’re reaping the rewards with higher retention and engaged teams.

This blog reveals why onboarding is the secret weapon your business needs. From preboarding communication to a well-planned induction and beyond, discover how just one hour of preparation can transform employee retention, boost engagement, and set your new hires up for success. Don’t let poor onboarding cost you top talent—learn how to take control today.

Your Business Is On Fire—Recruitment Is the Key to Saving It

Your business is only as strong as the people within it. Yet too often, recruitment is rushed or left entirely to others who may not fully understand your vision, values, or goals. The result? Costly bad hires, damaged team morale, and wasted potential.

This blog explores why business owners must take an active role in recruitment—whether outsourcing, working with an in-house team, or managing the process themselves. Discover the true cost of poor hiring decisions, the transformative power of the right hire, and how a strategic, hands-on approach can protect your business and fuel long-term success.

Let’s dive into why recruitment is not just a task but a leadership responsibility you can’t afford to ignore.

The Employment Rights Bill 2024 – What Every Small Business Needs to Know

By Rosie Campbell, Thrive.

The Employment Rights Bill 2024 is here, bringing sweeping changes to the UK workplace. From day-one employment rights to tighter rules on zero-hours contracts and fire-and-rehire practices, this legislation could reshape how small businesses operate [1].

But what does it mean for you?

In this guide, we break down the key changes, including:

• How day-one rights for employees will impact your onboarding process.

• Why restrictions on zero-hours contracts could require smarter workforce planning.

• What tighter controls on redundancies and fire-and-rehire mean for your business.

Compliance doesn’t have to be a headache. With practical insights and actionable tips, we’ll help you navigate these changes smoothly — and show how Thrive. can support your business at every step.

Read the full blog now to prepare your business for the future.Blog Excerpt: The Employment Rights Bill 2024 – What Every Small Business Needs to Know

By Rosie Campbell, Thrive.

The Employment Rights Bill 2024 is here, bringing sweeping changes to the UK workplace. From day-one employment rights to tighter rules on zero-hours contracts and fire-and-rehire practices, this legislation could reshape how small businesses operate [1].

But what does it mean for you?

In this guide, we break down the key changes, including:

• How day-one rights for employees will impact your onboarding process.

• Why restrictions on zero-hours contracts could require smarter workforce planning.

• What tighter controls on redundancies and fire-and-rehire mean for your business.

Compliance doesn’t have to be a headache. With practical insights and actionable tips, we’ll help you navigate these changes smoothly — and show how Thrive. can support your business at every step.

Blog Excerpt: Flexible Working – A Stress-Free Guide for UK SMEs

By Rosie Campbell, Thrive.

Flexible working is no longer a luxury—it’s a legal right and a business necessity. Yet, for many UK small business owners, managing flexible working requests can feel overwhelming. With new legislation introduced in April 2024, including the day-one right to request flexible working and faster employer response times, navigating this landscape can seem daunting [1].

In this guide, we break down:

• What flexible working really is—and what it isn’t.

• The range of options available, from remote work to compressed hours.

• Simple steps to handle requests while staying compliant.

• Best practices to make flexible working a win for your business.

At Thrive., we’re here to take the stress out of flexible working, helping you create a workplace that works for everyone. Read the full blog now to learn how flexible working can boost productivity, improve employee satisfaction, and strengthen your business for the future.