Welcome back to The People Leader Accelerator Podcast. Our guest today is Nic Elliott, employment lawyer and partner at Actons Solicitors.

Nic brings a unique perspective to workplace culture and well-being, combining his expertise in employment law with insights from his experiences as a youth international hockey player and host of the HRD Talks podcast. We’re joined by Tobba Vigfusdottir, who leads the conversation and explores what is really changing in legal workplaces and the broader HR landscape.

In this episode, we dive into the evolving role of HR professionals, the impact of legal changes on workplace culture, and what leaders need to pay attention to in terms of employee well-being and inclusion. We also examine how organizations can proactively manage issues like neurodiversity and menopause, and why manager capability matters more than ever.

You’ll hear Nic’s real-world views on current employment law changes in the UK, challenges faced by HR teams, and practical steps organizations can take to build healthier, more sustainable workplaces.

We discuss:

• Nic’s personal journey from psychology graduate to employment law specialist

• Key changes in UK employment law, including day-one unfair dismissal rights and their impact on hiring and workplace uncertainty

• The increasing responsibilities and pressures on HR professionals, and how organizations can support them

• Trends in legal disputes related to neurodiversity and menopause, and what proactive employers are doing to reduce risk 

• The importance of not just “checking the box” with policies, but living values through culture and manager behaviours 

• How flexible working and hybrid models are shifting workplace culture, especially post-pandemic

• The expectations of Gen Z talent and what consultancies and law firms must do to retain them 

• Lessons from elite sport: how performance, resilience, and self-care translate to success in high-pressure professions 

• Why manager training and upskilling is essential for supporting employee well-being and navigating change

• Practical ideas about individual well-being and balance from Nic’s own career and personal life

Whether you’re a people leader or HR professional, this episode offers grounded perspectives and practical ideas to help you adapt and lead in today’s complex workforce.

For show notes and free bonus resources, visit www.KaraConnect.com/podcast.

About Kara Connect

Wellbeing at work begins with meeting your team’s needs on their terms. With Kara Connect’s Wellbeing Hubs, your employees are free to choose from 3000+ expert practitioners to support their mental health and Wellbeing. Because when your employees feel better, your company does better.

Our mission is to make it easy for your employees to manage their wellbeing through direct access to best-in-class support. Whenever they need it.

Learn more at www.KaraConnect.com.