sarah_admin, Author at Sarah McKenna HR Recruitment

12th June 2025

Look Beyond the CV: What Great Teams Are Really Built On

When it comes to hiring, technical skills still matter – but they’re no longer the whole story. In a fast-evolving workplace, the most effective teams aren’t made up of people who simply check every box on a job spec. They’re built from something deeper: trust, adaptability, and the ability to elevate the people around them. So yes, qualifications and experience

12th June 2025

Culture Fit vs Culture Add HR Recruitment Blog Banner Sarah McKenna HR

Culture Fit vs. Culture Add: Are We Asking the Right Question?

Hiring the right people has never been more important — or more complex. For years, one question has been central to hiring conversations: “Do they fit the culture?” After all, team chemistry matters. But increasingly, there’s a shift in how we view what makes a truly great hire – and it starts with reframing that question. Instead of asking, “Do

4th April 2025

Unlocking the Power of Organisation Design

A collaborative workshop hosted by Sarah McKenna HR Recruitment and KOZO Design Solutions. When you hear “Organisation Design,” what comes to mind? A restructure? Job losses? Endless org charts? At our recent workshop—co-hosted by Sarah McKenna HR Recruitment and expertly delivered by KOZO Design—we set out to shift that thinking entirely. Organisation Design isn’t about making things look tidy on

21st March 2025

Illustration showing a recruiter engaging with a candidate alongside AI technology, representing the balance between automation and human connection in hiring.

The Recruitment Balance – Using AI Without Losing The Human Touch

AI in recruitment with a human touch. Let’s be honest, recruitment can be time-consuming. Reviewing CVs, coordinating diaries, giving feedback—it all adds up. It’s no surprise that many businesses are exploring AI to make the process more efficient.Used well, AI can take care of the heavy lifting. But it’s not a shortcut for hiring success. When over-relied on, it risks

9th March 2025

HR Leadership insights – key workplace challenges and solutions for 2024

Navigating Key HR Challenges: Insights from Our HR Leadership Sessions

Navigating Key HR Challenges: Insights from Our HR Leadership Sessions Over the past month, our HR Leadership sessions have brought together senior HR professionals to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing businesses today. From pay reviews and benefits to hybrid working and strategic workforce planning, HR leaders are navigating a complex landscape—balancing financial pressures, evolving employee expectations, and long-term

8th March 2025

Building a Thriving Workplace Culture

Creating a Workplace Culture Where People Thrive At the recent Thrive Forum: Building Thriving Cultures, the energy in the room was something else—buzzing with real talk, no fluff. This wasn’t just another corporate event filled with the usual culture chat that sounds good but means nothing—it was a raw, honest conversation about what really makes a workplace thrive. Thrive

10th February 2025

How to Hire a More Diverse Workforce: Practical Steps for Hiring Managers

Strategies to Attract, Recruit & Retain Diverse Talent Diversity in the workplace isn’t just a tick-box exercise—it’s a business advantage. Companies with diverse teams are more innovative, perform better, and are more attractive to top talent. But despite best intentions, many hiring managers still struggle to embed true inclusivity into their recruitment processes. So, how can you ensure your hiring

30th January 2025

Recruitment in 2025: Lessons from 2024 & What HR Teams Need to Prepare For

As we step into 2025, companies that refine their hiring strategies, prioritise candidate engagement, and build strong employer brands will have the edge. In this blog, we’ll explore the key recruitment challenges of the past year, the impact of inefficient hiring, and the steps you can take to secure the best talent in 2025. The Reality of Hiring in 2024

16th January 2025

Leading Digital HR Transformation: A Practical Guide for 2025

As we step into 2025, senior HR leaders have the opportunity to build on past successes, address new challenges, and shape the future of their organisations. With the digital landscape evolving rapidly, balancing innovation with a people-first approach will be key to driving business success. Here are five focus areas to help you lead the way: Adopt Technology with Purpose HR teams

12th December 2024

Reflecting on HR in 2024: Insights & Achievements

November was a standout month for us as we brought together our HR Leadership Community in the North East and Yorkshire to reflect on HR in 2024 and to celebrate the incredible progress that’s taken place. We were thrilled to welcome so many familiar faces to our latest HR Leadership Community event on Thursday 28th November at The Sheepfolds, Sunderland.

22nd October 2024

Hybrid vs. Office Working: A Changing Workplace

The debate over hybrid vs. office work isn’t just back—it’s evolving. Amazon’s recent decision to enforce five-day office attendance signals a broader shift, but should we see this as the future for everyone? Or are companies missing the chance to innovate their workspaces in ways that truly reflect the changing landscape of employee needs and organisational success? Let’s delve deeper

18th October 2024

Rethinking Benefits for Modern Workplaces

Insights from our HR Leadership Roundtable At our recent HR Leadership Community roundtable, we had a lively discussion about a topic that’s more important than ever: employee benefits. As we explored this landscape, it became clear that employee benefits are no longer just about free snacks and gym memberships—they’re a fundamental part of a thriving workplace culture that can truly