Have you ever been asked to design or deliver a workshop and found yourself worrying whether it will be as good as it could be? Whether you’re preparing your first training session or looking to enhance your facilitation skills, this episode of HR Coffee Time is packed with ideas and resources to help you create training and workshops that are impactful, engaging, and memorable. In this episode, host Fay Wallis reflects on her experience running the first in-person HR Planning Day and shares fiv...
Dec 06, 2024•36 min•Ep. 140
As organisations work to create more inclusive workplaces, some aspects of diversity receive more attention than others. Being able to express religious beliefs at work is an area that often remains unexplored despite its significance to many employees. In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Professor Binna Kandola, senior partner and co-founder of Pearn Kandola, to explore why religious expression matters to the people in your workplace and how organisations can better ...
Nov 22, 2024•38 min•Ep. 139
When you're in a busy HR or People role, finding time for strategic work can feel incredibly challenging. There are always urgent issues that need your attention and endless tasks on your to-do list. However, strategic work often has the greatest impact - helping you craft an organisation where people are proud to work, can thrive, and are empowered to drive the organisation forward. In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis shares five practical tips to help you carve out time for stra...
Nov 08, 2024•26 min•Ep. 138
Are there lies you're telling yourself at work that feel like cold, hard facts? Whether it's believing you don't deserve a promotion, thinking you're not qualified enough to apply for a different role, feeling guilty about taking time off because everyone "needs" you, prioritising colleagues above your own wellbeing, striving for unrealistic perfection, or feeling you need to be available 24/7 to be seen as an effective HR professional – these self-imposed beliefs can significantly impact your c...
Oct 25, 2024•36 min•Ep. 137
Shaping workplace culture is becoming an increasingly important part of HR's role, with many HR functions being renamed as "People and Culture" and culture-related responsibilities appearing in job titles. But how do you actually go about shaping culture, especially when you're already busy with your day-to-day work? In this special episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by two guests: Annabelle Lawson, HR Manager at SPT Lab Tech, and Paula Brockwell, Founder and Chief Culture Shap...
Oct 11, 2024•33 min•Ep. 136
Menopause is a topic that impacts everyone in the HR and People profession, whether personally or through supporting colleagues. In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis is joined by Emma Thomas, founder of Managing the Menopause, to discuss the importance of understanding and supporting employees through menopause in the workplace. Emma shares valuable insights on perimenopause and menopause, common symptoms, the business case for supporting employees, legal considerations, and practi...
Sep 27, 2024•32 min•Ep. 135
If you need to create an HR or People strategy but are feeling completely stuck, this episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help. Host Fay Wallis, a career and leadership coach for HR and People professionals, shares practical advice on how to feel more confident about creating the strategy, where to start and resources to help spark your ideas. Key Points from This Episode [00:00] Episode introduction [00:32] There is a podcast playlist of strategy episodes for you [02:46] You already are strate...
Sep 13, 2024•19 min•Ep. 134
Want to know the secret to delivering presentations that truly captivate your audience? In this episode of HR Coffee Time, we explore how to craft and deliver presentations that resonate deeply and win over both hearts and minds. Host Fay Wallis is joined by Emma Serlin, founder of London Speech Workshop, who shares her unique "Meal Plan" framework for creating impactful presentations. Whether you're aiming to boost your influence, establish credibility, or simply gain more confidence when prese...
Aug 30, 2024•31 min•Ep. 133
Whether you’d like to learn more about how to use Strategic Workforce Planning in your current role or considering whether specialising in Strategic Workforce Planning could be the perfect career option for you, this episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help. Host Fay Wallis is joined by Jen Allen Jardine, a Strategic Workforce Planning (SWP) expert, who explains what SWP is, why it’s important, how it fits into HR, the partnership between SWP and HR, and the misconceptions about it. She also pr...
Aug 16, 2024•40 min•Ep. 132
Thinking about booking a coaching session but not sure what to expect? Or maybe you've already arranged some coaching sessions and want to make sure you get the most out of them. This episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help. Host Fay Wallis, a career and leadership coach for HR and People professionals, shares practical advice on how to prepare for your coaching sessions and make them as effective as possible. Key Points From This Episode [00:00] Episode introduction [00:23] The value of coach...
Aug 02, 2024•22 min•Ep. 131
You may have heard that coaching skills can be incredibly helpful for managers to have in their toolbox, boosting their confidence and effectiveness in their roles. But why are these skills so useful, and how can you help managers start using them? This episode of HR Coffee Time is here to answer those questions. Host Fay Wallis is joined by Jude Sclater, an experienced coach and author of "Think Like a Coach - Empower Your Team Through Everyday Conversations." Jude explains that coaching skills...
Jul 19, 2024•37 min•Ep. 130
How do you develop the people within your workforce to become great managers? Poor management negatively impacts everyone, often resulting in the HR/People team having to help with performance issues, manage grievances, or recruitment challenges due to high turnover. It can feel hard to know what to do or where to start. So, this episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help. Host Fay Wallis is joined by James Rose, a management skills trainer, speaker and coach, who generously shares his Rose model...
Jul 05, 2024•42 min•Ep. 129
Dyslexia, often misunderstood and underappreciated, holds a wealth of untapped potential for the workplace. In this episode of HR Coffee Time, we explore how to appreciate and unlock the unique strengths it can bring to our workplaces. Host Fay Wallis is joined by Kirsty Heap, a neurodivergent specialist coach with a rich background in HR, who shares her personal journey with dyslexia and her transition to becoming a passionate advocate for neurodiversity. Kirsty provides valuable insights into ...
Jun 21, 2024•33 min•Ep. 128
Have you ever felt stifled by a micromanager? Whether you're currently dealing with one or want to help someone else navigate their micromanager boss, this episode of HR Coffee Time is packed with practical advice to improve the situation. Key Points from This Episode [00:00] Examples of micromanagement [01:38] Welcome to HR Coffee Time [03:00] Micromanagement defined [03:16] Dealing with micromanagement can feel difficult [04:24] Advice: start from a place of empathy rather than anger [05:00] S...
Jun 07, 2024•25 min•Ep. 127
Navigating the workplace as a deaf individual comes with unique challenges that can often go unnoticed. In this episode of HR Coffee Time, we delve into practical strategies to foster an inclusive and empowering environment for deaf colleagues. Host Fay Wallis is joined by Victoria Williams, founder and CEO of terptree, an organisation dedicated to transforming the experiences of deaf employees and customers. Key Points From This Episode [00:00] Introduction and overview [00:59] Introducing Vict...
May 24, 2024•33 min•Ep. 126
Creating your professional development plan is a great way of ensuring you don't stagnate at work and get bored in your role. It can help you thrive at work and feel fulfilled no matter what stage you're at in your HR/People career. In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host, Fay Wallis talks you through how to create your perfect professional development plan in 8 simple steps. Key Points from This Episode [04:14] Step one: Identify what you’re aiming for [11:52] Step two: Record ideas you already...
May 10, 2024•32 min•Ep. 125
Looking to elevate your professional development and would like to ask for your employer’s support? Whether it’s joining Inspiring HR or embarking on another professional learning journey, this episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help. Guests Kathryn Bryan and Larissa Smith, alumni from previous Inspiring HR cohorts, generously detail their paths to gaining employer support for their professional growth. They also share practical advice to help you confidently secure funding for your own develo...
Apr 26, 2024•33 min•Ep. 124
Working in the fast-paced, busy world of HR can feel stressful. As a dedicated and hardworking HR professional, you may find yourself prioritising looking after everyone else in the organisation above your own wellbeing. But it’s so important you are able to take care of yourself too, so that the stress doesn’t reach the point of burnout. In this episode of HR Coffee Time, released during Stress Awareness Month, Dr Jo Burrell joins host, Fay Wallis, to share her advice on spotting signs of stres...
Apr 12, 2024•48 min•Ep. 123
Throughout your HR journey, it's normal for your confidence to sometimes dip or wobble. That's exactly where HR Coffee Time steps in to lend a hand. In this episode, you’ll hear insights from five expert guests whose advice spans from broad confidence-boosting tips to specific strategies for navigating those tricky moments in your career. Tune in for a blend of perspectives that will lift your spirits and arm you with practical tools for a more confident path forward in HR. Key Points From This ...
Mar 29, 2024•23 min•Ep. 122
Are you struggling with how to get pay right in your organisation, feeling the weight of its complexity and cost? You're not alone. Payroll can be the largest expense for a business, running into millions, and it's a crucial aspect of HR that doesn't come with a handbook. Whether you're facing challenges with pay dissatisfaction among your talent, confronting unsettling pay gaps, or stepping into a new role with an outdated pay structure, there's always room for improvement. In this episode of H...
Mar 15, 2024•36 min•Ep. 121
If you’re stuck about defining or shaping culture in your organisation, you’re not alone. The concept often appears fuzzy, theoretical, and more suited for addressing in large corporations than smaller teams. But it’s a vital component of every thriving workplace. In this episode of HR Coffee Time host, Fay Wallis is joined by Louise Kennedy from Oculus HR, known for her ability to simplify seemingly complex things into clear, actionable steps. Key Takeaways Culture can feel complex and difficul...
Mar 01, 2024•39 min•Ep. 120
If you've ever wondered how to shift your organisation's perception of HR from being an operational, admin-heavy function, to one that is strategic, innovative and drives positive change; this episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help. Host, Fay Wallis is joined by Kate Maddison-Greenwell from People Efficient and together they take a deep dive into the exciting world of Agile HR. Key Takeaways Agile is a mindset and set of methodologies focused on adding value to customers, including employees ...
Feb 16, 2024•39 min•Ep. 119
Even though you’re excited about the course you’ve signed up to, it’s easy to veer off track with it when you’re juggling a demanding HR job. So, to help set you up for success & make the learning from the course stick, this episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help. In it, host, Fay Wallis shares 9 tips to unlock training success when you’re a busy HR professional. Useful Links Connect with Fay on LinkedIn Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching Inspiring HR Group Programme Buy the Book R...
Feb 02, 2024•21 min•Ep. 118
How is your performance management strategy impacting employee engagement? Understanding how to use it effectively can lead to better results for employees and therefore the organisation, as well as save money through staff retention. Performance management should be about more than KPIs and day-to-day tasks, it should be seen as an individualised opportunity to support career growth. With continuous conversations, clear goals and regular constructive feedback, performance management can become ...
Jan 19, 2024•36 min•Ep. 117
Instead of launching yourself into another busy year at work, it is helpful to take a moment to pause and reflect so that you can set your goals. There will be powerful lessons to learn from the year that has just passed and so many positives that you may overlook unless you take the time to stop. In this episode of HR Coffee Time, host Fay Wallis guides you through the ‘Look Back to Look Forward’ activity from the 2024 HR Planner. It is 10 questions to help you acknowledge your successes and ch...
Jan 05, 2024•32 min•Ep. 116
Unless you are working for a truly enormous organization where all supplier negotiations are handled by a procurement team, you are going to find yourself having to negotiate at some point. Whether it’s with the recruitment agencies you use to fill vacancies, the supplier of your HRIS system, or the company that administers your benefits scheme for you – there are a whole host of occasions when negotiation skills can come in handy, you can add huge value to your organisation from a financial per...
Dec 22, 2023•40 min•Ep. 115
‘Culture’ can seem like a vague and woolly concept. You can feel what a culture is like as soon as you start working in an organization but it can be hard to describe it and even harder to know what to do to measure or improve it. But with many HR teams being renamed as ‘People and Culture’ and job titles being changed to reflect this, understanding workplace culture and knowing how to shape and improve it are essential skills for People professionals. This episode of HR Coffee Time is here to h...
Dec 15, 2023•36 min•Ep. 114
Have you set your sights on a senior HR role but feel like you’re missing out on strategic experience in your current job? Or perhaps you’re not confident enough to operate at board level? Bridging this gap could be more fulfilling than you think. Becoming a trustee for a charity is a smart career move that not only sharpens your strategic skills and gives you board-level exposure, it also offers the rewarding opportunity to do meaningful work by supporting a charity. It’s a unique blend of prof...
Dec 01, 2023•37 min•Ep. 113
Go behind the scenes of HR Coffee Time and learn what to expect if you’re a guest on the show, and how to set yourself up for a successful interview. In this episode, Fay explains: The benefits of being a guest on HR Coffee Time Overcoming nervousness and preparing for the interview The interview process Tips for a successful interview Technical aspects of the interview Tips to reduce filler words The importance of keeping the audience in mind How to become a guest on HR Coffee Time Useful Links...
Nov 24, 2023•27 min•Ep. 112
With claims that we’re working in a world designed for extroverts, it’s important we understand how to make our workplaces more inclusive, so that we can all thrive. In this episode of HR Coffee Time, Fay is joined by Tom Cleary, Founder of Introverts & Co. Tom shares how to thrive at work as an introvert, and busts myths you may have heard before about introversion. He also explains practical strategies to help set yourself, your colleagues and your workplaces up for success. Some of the ma...
Nov 17, 2023•43 min•Ep. 111
