HR Voices Podcast

Episode 80: HR Audits – The Hidden Opportunity for HR Consultants and Their Clients

Episode 80: HR Audits – The Hidden Opportunity for HR Consultants and Their Clients
Host: Mary AsanteGuest: Tania Harland, Founder of HR Diagnostics
What exactly is an HR audit, and why should every HR consultant have one in their toolkit?
In this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by Tania Harland, founder of HR Diagnostics, to discuss how HR audits can help organisations reduce risk, improve compliance, and create opportunities for business growth.
With major employment law changes on the horizon, including the Employment Rights Act 2025, now is the perfect time for employers to review their HR practices and ensure they have the right foundations in place.
In this episode, we cover:
✅ What an HR audit is and why it matters
✅ The difference between an HR audit, health check and compliance review
✅ Common HR and employment law risks employers overlook
✅ How audits help identify gaps in contracts, policies and processes
✅ The impact of the Employment Rights Act 2025
✅ Why HR audits are a valuable business development tool for consultants
✅ Using audits to build credibility, strengthen client relationships and create additional revenue opportunities
Tania's Four-Step HR Audit Framework
Assess – Review current HR practices and documentation
Identify – Highlight compliance gaps and risks
Evaluate – Prioritise actions based on business impact
Remedy – Create a practical action plan
Key Takeaway
An HR audit is more than a compliance exercise. It provides a clear picture of where an organisation is today, highlights potential risks, and creates a roadmap for improvement.
For HR consultants, it can also be a powerful way to demonstrate value, build trust and uncover opportunities to support clients more strategically.
Tania's Top Tips
✔ Don't wait for a crisis before reviewing your HR practices
✔ Use data and evidence to guide conversations with clients
✔ Treat every audit as the start of a longer-term partnership
🎧 Whether you're an HR consultant, business owner, HR leader or people professional, this episode offers practical insights into reducing risk and strengthening your people practices.
📩 Questions or topics for future episodes? hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk
#HRVoices #HRAudit #HRConsultant #HRCompliance #EmploymentLaw #EmploymentRightsAct2025 #HRLeadership #PeopleProfessionals #BusinessGrowth #HRStrategy

Episode 79: What We’ve Learned About Wellbeing at Work

Episode 79: What We’ve Learned About Wellbeing at Work
Mental Wealth, Financial Wellbeing, Psychological Health and Men’s Health
Host: Mary Asante
Over the last four episodes of HR Voices, we have explored some of the most important wellbeing challenges facing today’s workplaces.
From mental wealth and leadership to financial wellbeing, psychological health, stress, remote working and men’s health, one message has consistently emerged:
People often struggle long before anyone notices.
In this special recap episode, Mary Asante brings together the key insights and practical lessons from Episodes 75–78, highlighting what HR professionals, business leaders, managers and independent consultants can learn from these powerful conversations.
In this episode, we explore:
✅ Why wellbeing is about far more than mental health alone
✅ The connection between mental health, financial wellbeing, physical health and workplace performance
✅ How stress, burnout and "drift" can develop quietly over time
✅ Why awareness alone is not enough to create meaningful change
✅ The emotional load carried by HR professionals, leaders and managers
✅ The impact of financial stress on employee wellbeing, productivity and engagement
✅ Psychological health in remote and hybrid working environments
✅ Why men’s health remains an important workplace conversation
✅ The role of managers in spotting early warning signs and creating supportive workplace cultures
✅ How isolation affects employees, leaders and independent consultants alike
✅ Why early intervention and meaningful conversations matter
 
Key themes from Episodes 75–78
Mental Wealth and Leadership Building strong support networks, recognising "drift" early, and understanding why leaders often struggle in silence.
Financial Wellbeing at Work The impact of money worries on employee wellbeing, mental health, productivity and workplace performance.
Psychological Health and Remote Working Managing stress, burnout, psychological strain and maintaining healthy boundaries in increasingly flexible workplaces.
Men’s Health at Work Breaking stigma, encouraging earlier conversations, supporting preventative healthcare and creating workplaces where people feel safe seeking help.
Key Takeaway
Wellbeing challenges rarely appear overnight.
Whether someone is experiencing stress, financial pressure, burnout, isolation, mental health challenges or physical health concerns, early support can make a significant difference.
The most effective workplaces are not those that wait for a crisis to happen—they are the ones that create environments where people feel able to speak up, seek support and have meaningful conversations before problems escalate.
Reflection for HR Professionals and Leaders
As professionals who spend much of our time supporting others, it is important to remember that wellbeing applies to us too.
Who supports the supporter?
Who notices when you disappear?
Who checks in on you?
Creating healthy workplaces starts with creating healthy support systems for ourselves as well as for those around us.
A simple reminder
Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is:
📞 Pick up the phone.
🤝 Check in.
💬 Start a conversation.
You may be closer to support, clarity, change and recovery than you think.
🎧 Listen now and revisit the key lessons from Episodes 75–78 of HR Voices.
📩 Questions or topics for future episodes? Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk
#HRVoices #WorkplaceWellbeing #MentalHealthAtWork #MentalWealth #FinancialWellbeing #PsychologicalSafety #PsychologicalHealth #MensHealth #Leadership #EmployeeWellbeing #HRProfessionals #PeopleProfessionals #HybridWorking #RemoteWorking #BurnoutPrevention #OccupationalHealth #WorkplaceCulture #HRCommunity #HRIndependents #PeopleManagement

BONUS EPISODE 78: Men's Health in the Workplace– Mental Health, Stress, Burnout & Early Intervention

Host: Mary Asante Guest: Dr Mani Khan, Occupational Health Assessments
In this special episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by occupational health specialist Dr Mani Khan to discuss one of the most important and often overlooked workplace topics: men's health.
While workplace wellbeing is now a regular part of organisational conversations, many men still delay seeking support for both physical and mental health concerns. This can lead to increased stress, burnout, long-term sickness absence, and in some cases devastating outcomes for individuals, families and employers.
Drawing on over 30 years of clinical and occupational health experience, Dr Khan shares practical insights into the health challenges affecting men today, the warning signs employers should recognise, and how managers, HR professionals and occupational health specialists can work together to support employees earlier and more effectively.
In this episode, we discuss:
Men's mental health in the workplace
Stress, anxiety and depression at work
Burnout and long-term sickness absence
Presenteeism and hidden signs of distress
Why men often delay asking for help
Suicide awareness and men's mental health
The role of occupational health in supporting employees
Building supportive workplace cultures
Psychological safety and employee wellbeing
Musculoskeletal disorders and workplace health
Cardiovascular health, diabetes and obesity
Prostate cancer awareness and prevention
Hybrid working, remote working and isolation
The importance of manager check-ins and early intervention
The Equality Act, reasonable adjustments and employee support
Health promotion and wellbeing initiatives in the workplace
Why this conversation matters
Many health conditions affecting men are preventable, manageable or treatable when identified early.
Whether it is stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions or prostate health, early conversations and proactive support can make a significant difference to both health outcomes and workplace performance.
For HR professionals, managers and business leaders, this episode provides practical guidance on recognising warning signs, creating supportive workplace environments and helping employees access the right support before problems escalate.
Dr Khan's key messages
Men's health challenges are more common than many people realise.
Regular health checks, healthy lifestyles and early intervention matter.
Good health, wellbeing and work are interconnected — supporting the whole person leads to better outcomes at work and at home.
A reminder for listeners
If something doesn't feel right, don't wait.
Whether you're concerned about your physical health, mental wellbeing, stress levels or burnout, seeking support early is one of the most important steps you can take.
🎧 Listen now and share with managers, HR professionals, business leaders, colleagues, friends and family.
📩 Questions or topics for future episodes? Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk
#MensHealth #MensHealthWeek #MentalHealthAtWork #WorkplaceWellbeing #OccupationalHealth #EmployeeWellbeing #MentalHealth #Burnout #StressManagement #HR #PeopleManagement #Leadership #PsychologicalSafety #ProstateCancerAwareness #WorkplaceHealth #HRVoices

Episode 77: Psychological Health at Work – Managing Mental Health, Stress and Remote Working

Episode 77: Psychological Health at Work – Managing Mental Health, Stress and Remote Working
 
Host: Mary Asante
Guest: Magnus Kauders, Occupational Health Assessments
 
In this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by Magnus Kauders from Occupational Health Assessments for an important conversation about psychological health in the workplace, mental wellbeing, and the growing challenges facing employers, HR professionals and independent consultants.
 
Mary and Magnus explore the difference between mental health and psychological ill health, the role of occupational health, and why proactive support and early intervention matter more than ever in today’s hybrid and remote working environments.
 
The conversation also highlights the increasing emotional pressures faced by employees, managers and HR professionals, and why creating psychologically safe workplace cultures is essential for both wellbeing and business performance.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
 
Mental health vs psychological ill health
Stress, anxiety and depression in the workplace
When employers should involve occupational health
The role of HR professionals and line managers
Psychological safety at work
Mental health first aid and employee support
Stress risk assessments and employer responsibilities
The impact of remote and hybrid working on wellbeing
Recognising early signs of psychological distress
Why prevention and early intervention matter
Supporting employees before issues escalate
Isolation and loneliness in remote working
The importance of workplace culture and human connection
 
Resources mentioned:
 
HSE stress risk assessment guidance
Working Minds campaign resources
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)
Mental Health First Aid training
 
Key message
 
Psychological health at work is everyone’s responsibility.
 
Creating supportive workplace cultures, checking in regularly, and addressing concerns early can make a significant difference to employee wellbeing, performance and long-term business health.
 
Key takeaway from Magnus
 
If your intuition tells you something is not right with someone, it is always better to ask:
“Are you okay?”
 
Small conversations and human connection can prevent much bigger problems later.
 
🎧 Listen now and share with HR professionals, managers, business leaders and anyone supporting people at work.
 
📩 Questions or topics for future episodes?
Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk

Episode 76: Financial Wellbeing at Work – Supporting Employees Through Financial Stress

Episode 76: Financial Wellbeing at Work – Supporting Employees Through Financial Stress
 
Host: Mary Asante
Guest: Charlie Goodman, Good Money Guidance Ltd
 
In this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by financial wellbeing specialist Charlie Goodman to discuss one of the biggest workplace challenges facing employees and employers today - financial wellbeing.
 
With rising living costs, financial stress and increasing pressure on household budgets, financial wellbeing has become a major issue for HR professionals, business leaders and SME employers.
 
Mary and Charlie explore how financial stress impacts employee wellbeing, mental health, productivity and workplace performance, and what organisations can realistically do to support their people.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
 
Financial wellbeing and employee mental health
The impact of the cost of living crisis on employees
Why higher earners can still struggle financially
Financial stress in the workplace
How HR professionals and employers can support employee wellbeing
Workplace pensions and employee benefits
The importance of financial education and communication
Budgeting tools and financial wellbeing technology
Why employees often struggle to take financial action
The difference between information and behaviour change
Creating realistic financial wellbeing strategies for SMEs
 
Resources mentioned:
 
MoneyHelper
Money Saving Expert (Martin Lewis)
Pension Awareness Week
Workplace pension provider wellbeing resources
 
Key message
 
Financial wellbeing is not just about salary.
 
It is about helping employees build confidence, understanding and healthier financial habits through practical support, communication and accessible resources.
 
Charlie’s top tips:
 
Help employees understand the benefits and support already available
Keep financial wellbeing support practical and realistic
Make it easy for employees to access trusted information and tools
 
🎧 Listen now and share with HR professionals, business leaders and anyone supporting workplace wellbeing.
 
📩 Questions or future topic suggestions?
Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk

Episode 75: You’re Closer Than You Think – Mental Wealth, Drift and Support

Host: Mary Asante
Guest: Mike Pagan
 
In this powerful Mental Health Awareness Week episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante welcomes back leadership speaker and Mental Wealth advocate Mike Pagan for a deeper conversation about isolation, drift, accountability and support.
 
Building on their hugely popular previous discussion on Mental Wealth (Episode 57), this episode explores what happens when capable people quietly become overwhelmed, disconnected or stuck — especially HR professionals, leaders and independent consultants who spend so much time supporting others.
 
Together, Mary and Mike discuss the emotional load many professionals carry, the hidden impact of hybrid and remote working, and why awareness alone is not enough without action and support.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
 
What “drift” looks like in practice
Why capable people can still become stuck
Isolation in leadership and remote working
The emotional pressure carried by HR professionals
Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness
The difference between awareness and action
Accountability, routines and support structures
The importance of human connection and checking in
 
Mike’s top tips:
 
Prioritise self-care and check in with yourself regularly
Spend more time with people who energise and support you
Pick up the phone and check in on someone who may need it
 
🎧 A thoughtful and honest conversation about wellbeing, leadership, connection and the importance of not carrying everything alone.
 
📩 Questions or topics for future episodes?
Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.u

Episode 74: What HR Consultants Are Asking Right Now (and What It Means for Your Business)

Episode 74: What HR Consultants Are Asking Right Now (and What It Means for Your Business)
What are HR consultants really struggling with right now — and what does it mean for how you grow your business?
Host: Mary Asante
In this solo episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante steps into the role of community voice and thought leader, sharing the most common questions she’s hearing from HR consultants right now — and, more importantly, what sits beneath them.
From winning consistent work to pricing with confidence, this episode goes beyond surface-level advice and explores the patterns, challenges, and mindset shifts shaping the HR consultancy landscape today.
In this episode, we explore:
Why visibility alone isn’t enough to win work
The real reason LinkedIn may not be working for you
Moving from hourly pricing to value-based thinking
When (and how) retainers can support sustainable growth
The importance of clarity in positioning and niche
How to stand out in a crowded HR consultancy market
Managing client expectations and avoiding constant reactivity
Setting boundaries to protect your time, energy, and business
Why this matters
Many HR consultants are busy, but not always building sustainably.
This episode highlights the key shifts needed to move from:
reactive to intentional
visible to valuable
busy to strategic
…and ultimately build a consultancy that is both profitable and sustainable.
Key takeaways
Be intentional, not just active — especially when it comes to visibility and networking
Focus on value, not just delivery — in both pricing and positioning
Protect your time and energy — boundaries are essential for long-term success
A note from Mary
“This episode is based on real conversations across the HRi community. If you’ve been asking yourself similar questions, you’re not alone.”
Get involved
Have a question, challenge, or topic you’d like us to explore?
📧 Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk
About HR Voices
HR Voices is brought to you by HR Independents (HRi) — the UK’s professional body supporting independent HR and People professionals.
If you found this episode helpful, please share it with your network and help more HR consultants build stronger, more sustainable businesses.
 

Episode 73- How to use LinkedIn as a tool to grow your HR Consultancy Business

Episode 73: How to Use LinkedIn to Grow Your Consultancy Business
Host: Mary Asante Guest: Meg Hutson, Marketing Mentor
How can LinkedIn help you attract the right clients, build your personal brand, and grow your consultancy?
In this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by Meg Hutson, marketing mentor and messaging specialist, to explore how consultants and service-based business owners can use LinkedIn more intentionally and effectively.
Meg shares practical, honest advice on how to use LinkedIn as more than an online CV, turning it into a tool for visibility, credibility, and meaningful client relationships.
In this episode, we cover:
Why LinkedIn is a powerful platform for consultants
The shift from corporate LinkedIn use to consultancy LinkedIn use
Why personal branding matters more than ever
How to use LinkedIn to attract aligned clients
The 3 Cs of LinkedIn:
Content
Connections
Conversations
Why relationship-building works better than salesy outreach
How to create content that feels relevant and relatable
Why market research matters for your messaging
How to stay consistent without posting every day
Why your personal profile matters more than a business page
Why this matters
For HR consultants and solo business owners, LinkedIn can be one of the most effective ways to:
build trust
show your expertise
communicate your values
stay visible to the right audience
generate quality enquiries
But results don’t come from posting alone. They come from being intentional about how you show up, who you connect with, and the conversations you start.
Meg’s top tips:
Use your personal profile, not just a business page
Be clear on what you do, who you help, and how
Focus on all 3 Cs: content, connections, and conversations
🎧 A practical episode for any consultant who wants to use LinkedIn with more purpose, confidence, and impact.
📩 Questions or topics for future episodes? hrvoices@hrindependence.co.uk
 

Episode 72: Employment Rights in 2025 – What Employers Need to Know

What do the latest employment law changes really mean for your business, and are you ready?
Host: Mary Asante
Guest: Amanda Trewhella, Freeths
In this episode of HR Voices, Mary Asante is joined by employment lawyer Amanda Trewhella (Freeths) to break down the key changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025, and what HR professionals, employers, and managers need to be doing now to prepare.
🔍 In this episode, we cover:
Changes to unfair dismissal rights (2 years ➝ 6 months from 2027)
New day one rights (SSP, paternity leave, parental leave)
Increased risk in redundancy consultations (protective awards doubling)
Reforms to zero-hours contracts
New duties around sexual and third-party harassment
Updates to flexible working requests
The requirement to inform employees of their right to join a trade union
⚠️ Why this matters
These changes represent one of the biggest shifts in UK employment law in recent years — and they will require:
updated policies and contracts
stronger manager capability
better employee relations practices
proactive risk management
💡 Amanda’s top tips:
Review and update your policies and processes now
Train managers to handle issues early and effectively
Start preparing ahead of the implementation timelines
🎧 Whether you’re an HR consultant, business owner, or people manager, this episode gives you a clear and practical overview of what’s changing — and how to stay ahead.
📩 Questions or topics for future episodes? Email: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk
 

Episode 71- Reflections on Episodes 65–70: Leadership, Consultancy and Building Trust

HR Voices – Episode 71 Show Notes
Reflections on Episodes 65–70: Leadership, Consultancy and Building Trust
🎙 Host: Mary Asante | HR Independents
Episode Overview
In this recap episode of HR Voices, Mary reflects on the key themes and insights from Episodes 65–70.
Across these conversations, we revisited some of the most impactful HR Voices episodes, explored leadership through compassionate curiosity, learned from award-winning independent HR consultants, and discussed how podcasting can support business growth and professional visibility.
This episode connects the insights from those discussions and highlights what they tell us about the future of HR leadership, consultancy, and professional influence.
Episodes Featured
Episode 65: Our Top 10 Episodes of All Time – Part 1
Episode 66: Our Top 10 Episodes of All Time – Part 2
Episode 67: The Importance of Compassionate Curiosity as an Essential Leadership Skill (with Andy Green)
Episode 68: What Award-Winning HR Indies Do Differently – Part 1 (Kate Marston & Dylan Roberts)
Episode 69: What Award-Winning HR Indies Do Differently – Part 2 (Adam Pickford & Sophie Dodgson)
Episode 70: How to Use Podcasting to Grow Your HR Consultancy Business (with Gary Jones)
Key Themes from These Conversations
Designing the Future of Work
Flexible working and evolving workplace expectations continue to shape how organisations attract and retain talent.
Leadership Through Curiosity and Connection
Compassionate curiosity helps leaders build trust, strengthen psychological safety, and support more meaningful conversations at work.
Building a Successful HR Consultancy
Award-winning HR consultants emphasise clarity of value, strong client relationships, and continuous professional development.
Visibility and Influence Through Podcasting
Podcasting provides a powerful way to build trust, share expertise, and connect with professional communities.
Key Takeaway
Across these episodes, one theme consistently emerges:the future of HR is not only about expertise, but also about authenticity, connection, and the ability to build trust.
🎧 If you’ve missed any of the episodes discussed in this recap, we encourage you to go back and listen to the full conversations.
📩 Interested in joining HR Voices as a guest?Contact: hrvoices@hrindependents.co.uk