Staff Management
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…
National Sickie Day falls on the first Monday of February. It’s an unofficial occasion marked by a notably high number of employees calling in sick. Originally identified by research in 2011, National Sickie Day sees upwards of 375,000 employees call in sick, citing reasons ranging from genuine illness to more dubious excuses. The term has sparked debates about why employees might feel compelled to take unplanned days off, including workplace culture, mental health, and work-life balance concerns. It presents an opportunity for…
As Valentine’s Day draws near, employers must thoughtfully address the dynamics of workplace romances. Balancing employee privacy with organisational interests is delicate, especially when personal relationships in the office lead to complex situations. Workplaces are social hubs where friendships form, and on occasions for the relationship to evolve into romantic relationships. While many of these don’t disrupt the work environment, they may create challenges for businesses. Embracing the upside of workplace romances Workplace romances are often viewed through a…
Employers play a critical role in fostering a healthy and productive work environment. Understanding and implementing occupational health measures benefits both employees and the organisation. The following action points offer a structured pathway for employers to maximise the benefits of occupational health services, ensure a supportive workplace, and maintain a resilient and thriving business. Adopting these practices, employers can proactively manage health in the workplace, leading to reduced absenteeism, enhanced productivity, and a positive organisational reputation. Recognise the Value of…
Navigating the complexities of occupational health can be a daunting task for employers, particularly in the dynamic sphere of small businesses where the well-being of every employee is crucial to the company’s success. Our “They Ask, We Answer” blog aims to demystify the concept of occupational health, providing clear, concise answers to common questions. From understanding its significance and adopting a proactive approach to recognising the benefits and knowing when to make referrals, this blog is designed to guide employers…
In today’s fast-paced work environment, impulsive resignations have become a more frequent challenge for employers. Such decisions, often made in the heat of the moment, can leave a business in a difficult position, both operationally and culturally. Recognising the complexity and sensitivity of these situations is essential. In response, we have compiled a comprehensive guide aimed at helping employers handle these delicate scenarios. Pause and Reflect: Resist the urge to accept the resignation immediately. Allow a cooling-off period for both…
In the high-stress environment of the modern workplace, it’s not uncommon for emotions to run high, leading to impulsive decisions. One such critical moment is when an employee resigns abruptly during a contentious or stressful situation. These ‘heat of the moment’ resignations can leave employers in a tricky position, balancing the need for stability and order with understanding and legal compliance. In this quick guide, we delve into the common questions employers face during these tense moments, providing clear, actionable…
Divorce in the workplace can be a tumultuous period for employees, impacting their performance and well-being. As an employer, it’s essential to offer appropriate support and ensure a compassionate, legally compliant work environment. Here are key action points to consider: Acknowledge the Issue: Understand that divorce is a significant life event that can impact an employee’s work. Furthermore be prepared to address it sensitively. Respect Privacy: Always handle discussions about an employee’s divorce with sensitivity. Ensure confidentiality and let the…
Divorce is a deeply personal and often stressful experience, yet it doesn’t just stay within the confines of home—it spills over into work, affecting performance, mental health, and team dynamics. As employers, it’s crucial to recognise the impact of divorce on employees and understand the best practices in offering support. This is not just about legal compliance; it’s about fostering a compassionate workplace culture that aids both the individual and the organisation. In our “They Ask, We Answer” blog, we’ll…
The modern workplace is fraught with complexities. It’s an ecosystem where individuals with different backgrounds, talents, and challenges come together to achieve common goals. However, amidst this diversity, certain challenges can arise, such as the presence of problem employees who are struggling with substance abuse issues. Alcohol and drug abuse not only have detrimental effects on individual wellbeing but also significantly impact colleagues and overall performance. In this country, a strong emphasis is placed on both mental health and employment…
The weather outside is frightful, but the fire’s not delightful – just yet. That’s right, Christmas is just around the corner, and although nobody’s bells are quite jingled at the moment, they soon will be! As such, it’s the perfect time to discuss that cornerstone of office life, the work Christmas party. These gatherings can be a source of joy, festivity and camaraderie, but they are also rife with potential pitfalls and challenges when it comes to maintaining professionalism and…