Staff Management
The start of a new year is a perfect opportunity for business owners to re-energise their teams, set clear goals, and create a workplace culture that drives engagement and productivity. As we step into 2025, for many businesses it is the start of their new financial year too, so a great opportunity to push the re-set button to boost employee engagement and align your workforce with your company’s mission and values. Before setting goals for the year, it is important…
Compliance with employment laws and regulations is a critical aspect of running a business, but it can often feel like navigating a minefield. For business owners, the stakes are high: non-compliance can result in significant financial penalties, damage to reputation, and a demoralised workforce. As we step into 2025, staying ahead of regulatory changes and adopting proactive compliance strategies is more important than ever. Non-compliance isn’t just about fines and legal costs—it can have a ripple effect on your business.…
This month in our Ask The Expert feature, we’re delighted to be joined by Julie, one of our experienced HR advisors, to discuss best practices for improving communication with employees. As workplace dynamics evolve, creating open and effective communication has never been more critical for maintaining a productive and engaged workforce. Julie offers invaluable insights for employers aiming to build trust and engagement with their teams The Importance of Openness and Transparency Julie emphasises that being open and honest with…
This month, we speak with Paula, our expert HR consultant, as we explore the important topic of how to support employee mental health and well-being during the festive season. Christmas, often celebrated as a time of joy and togetherness, can be challenging for some employees. Stress, loneliness, and financial pressures may heighten during this time, impacting mental health and overall wellbeing. As business owners, it’s essential to create a supportive environment that addresses these challenges and ensures your employees feel…
As the year draws to a close, it becomes more than just a time to wrap up tasks; it is an opportunity to reflect on achievements, learn from challenges, and prepare for a successful future. Taking a structured approach to year-end reviews and goal-setting can create momentum, boost morale, and align your team for the year ahead. Here’s how to make the most of this critical period. Celebrating successes—big and small—sets the tone for the end of the year. Highlighting…
The festive season is a special highlight in the workplace calendar—a time to celebrate successes, and show appreciation to your team. A well-planned celebration can leave lasting memories, enhance morale, and strengthen your organisation’s culture. However, hosting an event that is both safe and inclusive requires thoughtful planning. A successful celebration begins with inclusivity. Acknowledging and respecting the diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of your team ensures everyone feels welcome. Opting for themes like “Winter Wonderland” or “Season of Gratitude”…
This month, we continue our conversation with Nita, our expert HR consultant, as we explore the sensitive topic of bereavement in the workplace. Whilst it is not a topic that often arises, more recently we have seen an increase in calls from employers who want to support grieving employees but are unsure of the best approach. Whether it is a loss of a child, parent or someone near and dear such as husband or wife, a common question we hear…
This month, we continue our conversation with Julie, our expert HR consultant, as we dig a little deeper into managing employees on long-term sick leave who may not be engaging with their employer. Our team often receives enquiries from employers struggling with unresponsive employees on sickness absence. The typical question we hear is, “My employee has been off sick, hasn’t provided a Fit Note, and won’t respond to any calls or emails. What should I do?” In this edition…
As World Mental Health Day 2024 approaches (10th October 2024) this year’s theme, “It’s Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace”, carries a particularly important message for small and medium-sized business. In today’s fast-paced business environment, workplace mental health and wellbeing are no longer just a “nice-to-have” but a strategic imperative that can directly impact productivity, employee engagement, and overall business success. The conversation around mental health in the workplace is evolving rapidly. In the UK alone, mental health…
Navigating the balance between work and family responsibilities can be particularly challenging for employees during school holidays. Employers who understand and support their staff during these periods not only foster a positive work environment but also enhance productivity and employee loyalty. We’ve gathered some expert insights to help employers manage this balancing act effectively. Why is supporting employees during school holidays important? We asked our advisor, Heather Butler, for advice on this question, and here’s what she had to say:…
For 40 years, HR:4UK has been a trusted partner, offering expert advice on a wide range of HR issues, both big and small. Lately, we have received numerous inquiries about managing sporadic absences in the workplace. Many employers encounter issues with poor attendance and/or sporadic absences from time to time, the best way to encourage regular attendance is to promote communication. So, how can employers tackle this issue effectively? To ensure effective management of employee attendance, it is essential…
Imagine walking into your office on a typical Monday morning. The air feels thick with tension, but you can’t quite put your finger on why. The team, usually bustling with energy, seems subdued. There are whispers and uneasy glances exchanged across the room. As a manager, you are confident in your leadership and believe you’ve cultivated a positive work environment. Yet, something feels off. Later in the day, an email notification pops up on your screen with the subject line:…
Imagine this scenario: Jane, a valued member of your team, approaches you with the exciting news that she is expecting a baby. As you congratulate her, she brings up a topic that many employers might not be fully prepared for: Keeping in Touch (KIT) days. Jane explains that she will be taking her full maternity leave entitlement of 52 weeks. She mentions that she has heard about KIT days and is curious about how they can be used during her…
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, the 23rd of its kind, kicks off today May 13th. It serves as a touch point on the Mental Health Foundation’s yearly calendar. Recently the week’s focus has shifted from awareness to prevention. As mental health issues continue to be de-stigmatised, more and more people are realising the effect that mental health issues can have on their lives, and there is now much more interest in what can be done to prevent them occurring.…
33% of employees quit in their first 90 days. Why? Poor employee onboarding1. What is employee onboarding? Put simply, onboarding is the process of bringing newly hired employees into an organisation and integrating them into the current set-up as painlessly as possible. Starting a new job can be a stressful experience for many, and, as an employer, the best way to maximise your new colleague’s potential is to ensure that their needs are met from the get-go. Note that onboarding differs from, but…
Whether it’s resistance to teamwork, defiance of company policies, or a general lack of team spirit, addressing uncooperative behaviour is vital for maintaining a positive and productive work environment. In the latest of our Difficult Employee Series, we’ll explore different types of uncooperative behaviour and provide strategies for managing it effectively. “When you don’t respond to bad behaviour, you get more of it.” Understanding Uncooperative Behaviour Uncooperative behaviour can manifest in various ways. But what is uncooperative behaviour? Uncooperative behaviour…
With Ramadan having started on 10 March, the most important month in the Islamic calendar is already underway. It is important for employers to be aware of appropriate ways to accommodate Muslim employees during this religious festival. The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate against employees on the grounds of their religion or belief. This could be in the form of direct discrimination, such as treating an individual less favourably than someone with a different religion…
Neurodivergent individuals can bring distinctive and invaluable skills to businesses, yet many face difficulties in employment due to the various challenges that traditional recruitment processes and work environments pose. For this reason, many employers are choosing to take proactive steps to make their organisations more welcoming and appealing to neurodivergent employees. This article will discuss how embracing neurodiversity will not only help your business stay competitive but also ensure that you continue to foster an open and inclusive work environment…