As May arrives, we spot the unmistakable signs of spring, longer days, blooming flowers, and nature’s renewal all around us. For many, this shift brings a sense of possibility, energy, and lightness. I know the sunshine always brings a smile to my face.

Amidst busy work schedules, leadership demands, and HR responsibilities, how can we consciously tap into this seasonal boost for our own wellbeing?

Every May I try this one simple yet powerful practice – look for the colour YELLOW

The Science Behind Yellow & Joy

Studies in neuroscience and psychology suggest that yellow is closely tied to feelings of joy, optimism, and energy. Research indicates that exposure to this vibrant ‘glow’ can stimulate serotonin production, the neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation and emotional balance.

Yellow is linked to high, positive emotions such as excitement, warmth, and happiness, making it an ideal colour to try and spot in everyday life.

Have ever played the ‘yellow car, no returns’ game? IYKYK, the sheer speed this can be said when trying to outsmart my children, always makes me laugh and makes me feel about 5 years old!

So bringing it back to HR, how can leaders & HR professionals benefit?

As professionals supporting others in their workplaces, we often prioritise the wellbeing of our teams. We know self-care and personal grounding are essential in maintaining energy and effectiveness.

So how can you consciously do this?

Increase Awareness – Begin by noticing yellow around you. Simple. Whether it’s the golden sunlight or daffodils popping up, or maybe noticing companies branding (think – Electric Umbrella and the impact they made on BGT) The simple act of noticing, pausing and appreciating creates a mindful moment and an emotional shift.

Connect with Positivity – By consciously connecting with yellow, whether through your environment or what you choose to wear, you signal positivity to your brain, helping to reinforce joy and resilience in challenging moments. Think about the colour of your next work journal, could you go bold and bright?

Integrate into Workplace Wellbeing – As HR professionals and leaders, consider subtly weaving yellow into workplace wellbeing initiatives. Brighten office spaces, incorporate it into communications, or even encourage employees to reflect on moments of joy as part of their wellbeing strategy. These small adjustments can create a ripple effect. (even if it is just sending a smiley faced emoji as a thank you)

Ground Yourself with Nature – Take advantage of the sunny spring weather, and go outside. Research shows that spending time in nature enhances mental wellbeing. We have talked about this for ages! Whether it’s a quick walk, a pause to admire spring flowers, or time spent journaling in the sun, grounding yourself in nature’s can become part of your daily habits.

May is a month of growth and transition so what better time to bring a splash of joy into your lives and others. We will be sharing throughout May over on P&M Instagram stories all the gems we find, and would love if you share any insights with us along the way.

Focus on those HR Foundations

Last month we began working with a new retained client and the first conversation we often start with focuses on the health of their HR Foundations.

Why? Because without them, talking about people strategy and initiatives is simply aspirational. There is nothing to physically anchor into, to draw data from and make informed decisions.

We may be a bit old school but you can build those people focused pillars, aligned with the wider business goals and purpose, once the compliance, processes and systems are in place. Short term glory isn’t our thing, we prefer longer term stability and being able to show impact, it’s how we add value.

Reflecting on our approach during a recent CIPD assessment upgrade, really highlighted the impact Peony & Magnolia has made since its founding in 2019

I will be honest, I have avoided upgrading as I felt it would be ‘too hard’, and had the ‘what if I don’t make the grade’ thoughts, but in hindsight probably could have applied for it years ago. However, life happens when it is supposed to and perhaps waiting to demonstrate the impact through my own company, was part of my own growth.

Especially when core knowledge recognised; business acumen, evidence based practices, change, people practices and culture. With core behaviours embedded in ethical practice and insights, professional courage and influence focused on valuing people. Personally being recognised for specialisms such as wellbeing, managing employee relations and being an advocate of equality, diversity and inclusion in a career I love, really was a proud professional milestone.

The cherry on the top, I can now say I am a Chartered Fellow, the highest CIPD membership, which is globally recognised within the people profession.

What does this mean for our clients, well we continue to add value, adding strong HR foundations, a step at a time, so you and your people can continue to grow.

Peony Community Update

When you stop chasing approval and start trusting yourself, life transforms

Which is exactly, why we created The Peony Community.

So you can feel more present, grounded, and authentically you, no longer defined by others’ perceptions or past fears.

So you can move differently, someone rooted in your values, guided by intuition, and carried by quiet strength.

That the waves of life still rise and fall, but you ride them with grace, not resistance.

This is true alignment, an unfolding process, shaped by inner shifts and honest conversations.

Coaching isn’t about fixing; it’s about nurturing what’s already within you, helping it grow stronger and freer. When you embrace this, growth no longer feels like striving, it feels like breathing.

When you’re ready to stretch and grow, we’re here to walk alongside you, which is why we have opened up coaching space in September, so you have time to reflect and time to plan the next phase of your growth with confidence.

Working with P&M

Our focus is on connecting with clients who care about their people. This means investing in experienced, knowledgeable HR support.

Did you know we intentionally cap our HR retained hours a month? We are now at capacity, however do have space created for coaching clients, either corporate or 1:1. Interested then drop us a reply and we will arrange a coffee and chat.

And finally….

Over the next few months we will be busy supporting the CIPD Hertfordshire branch, if you are interested there are a number of events open to HR independents and members and always lovely to share a coffee and chat in real life.

This month we have the privilege of celebrating with Mast People Support their 5 year milestone, #MastMakes5 with a special event in London. Keep an eye on LinkedIn for updates.

We will also be supporting the SEND school with a careers event, attending HR Law Breakfast networking conversations and enjoying connecting with lots of people along the way.

Oh and thank you for the recommendations for books… anymore please send them through.

See you in June

Alice