22nd January 2026

7 practical takeaways from our first HR Manager Community session

This week, we held the first HR Manager Community session and I left feeling really proud of what we’re building. The best part was how open everyone was. People shared what’s working, what’s been hard, and what they’d do differently next time. That mix of honesty and practical ideas is exactly the point of the group. Here are the seven
15th December 2025
Recruitment in 2026: What worked before, isn't working now

Recruitment in 2026: What Worked Before Isn’t Working Now

If you’ve spent 2025 feeling like recruitment has become harder, slower and more unpredictable, you’re not imagining it. The UK hiring market has had an unusual year. We’ve seen fewer permanent vacancies, lower hiring intentions and a lot of nervousness from employers driven by rising employment costs, policy shifts and the ongoing question of what AI will actually mean for
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 Sarah McKenna HR

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
8th March 2025
A balanced wooden seesaw with a smiling yellow face on one side and a sad yellow face on the other, symbolizing workplace culture. Overlay text reads 'Building a Thriving Workplace Culture – A Real Conversation,' with the Sarah McKenna HR Recruitment logo.

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
A More Diverse Workforce

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

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 transformation in HR

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

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

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
Employee Benefits

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
11th July 2024
Impact of AI on Recruitment

The Real Impact of AI on Recruitment

Human Insight Remains Essential. . . 📢 “AI will reduce the need for recruiters.” 📢 It’s a statement often echoed in HR circles. Yet, in recent conversations with senior HR professionals, a different reality emerges: recruiters are busier than ever despite AI advancements. AI’s Influence on Recruitment: Emerging Challenges Instead of reducing the need for recruiters, AI is emphasising their