The HR Director

1. Traditional interviews are often a poor measure of ability

   One in three hiring decisions are made in the first five minutes. Everything after is just theatre confirming a verdict already reached. The problem? Interviews reward confidence and charisma, not actual job performance. 46% of hires fail within 18 months, and a bad one can cost 3-5x their salary, largely because skills were never properly assessed in the first place. Velric founder Mahir Laul breaks down why the best talker in the room isn't always the best hire, and the structural fix most companies still haven't built.

2. How to use AI agents to automate employee onboarding

   AI agents are helping HR teams move beyond traditional employee onboarding. From answering questions and sending reminders to tracking tasks and coordinating teams, AI Agents for Employee Onboarding can reduce repetitive work while creating a smoother experience for new hires. This article explores the benefits, limitations, and role of custom AI agent development in modern HR.

3. Right to work is no longer just an HR responsibility

   Changes to the UK's illegal working regime will significantly broaden the scope of right to work compliance, extending responsibilities beyond traditional employees and placing greater emphasis on how organisations manage workers supplied through more complex contractual arrangements. This matters because the modern workforce looks very different from the one our existing compliance processes were originally designed around.

4. The expectation trap 

   The mistake organizations need to move away from is assuming that stronger engagement can simply be purchased through larger incentives. Compensation matters, bonuses have their place, and employees should absolutely feel that strong performance is rewarded. But money alone cannot create the sense of connection, meaning, and belonging that keeps people genuinely engaged over time. That requires a more deliberate approach to recognition.

5. Flexible working has changed, has your tax strategy?

   Flexible working has become a permanent feature of the modern workplace. While organisations continue to balance employee expectations with collaboration and client service, increasingly mobile workforces also create important employment tax, social security, corporate tax, permanent establishment and transfer pricing considerations. This article explores how organisations can embed tax governance into workforce strategy.