We’ve got something a bit different this week, a great guest post from one of our Associate Consultants Mara Thorne, who shares her insights into some common misconceptions about what employers can and can’t do, so if you want to know more about her insights read her post below. They say that “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing” and …
What does your staff handbook say about you?
Over the last few months we seem to have spent an inordinate amount of time reviewing, rewriting and replacing staff handbook content for a number of our clients. One thing that always impresses us is those businesses who take the time to make sure their handbook has the same ‘tone of voice’ as the business. You know that what they …
What happened to those New Year resolutions?
According to research by BUPA, 66% of people admit to breaking their new year resolutions before January has even drawn to a close. Call us skeptical, but it’s important to note here that the figure only represents those who were brave enough to admit it. It would be easy to argue that whether it’s weight loss, a new exercise regime, …
How to avoid costly legal action against your business
As an HR consultant, you often find yourself having in-depth conversations about how business owners can avoid legal action. Of course, we offer services that go way beyond this. We can help to boost your profits, create a happier and more productive workforce, and achieve your big strategic goals. Still though, steering clear of expensive and potentially reputation-damaging legal action …
Four strategies for reducing absenteeism
According to research by PwC, the annual cost of sickness absence has rocketed to £29 billion for UK organisations. Simply put, your staff are calling in sick, and it’s having a severe impact on your bottom line. If you want to mitigate the impact, it’s time to think about how you can nip the problem in the bud. Now of …
Your guide to minimising conflict in a family business
Being part of a family business can seem like a dream come true for many people. The opportunity to work alongside your nearest and dearest to pursue your goals and create financial independence is something that can have huge appeal, so it’s no surprise that Harvard Business School has reported that family firms account for two thirds of businesses across …
Five critical actions for managing an employee grievance
If a member of your staff brought up a grievance, would you know how to handle it? Regardless of how good your people practices may be, and how capable your managers are, you might find yourself in a situation whereby you need to follow a formal grievance procedure. This procedure should be included in your staff handbook, and it should …
Make sure you’re ready for national living wage
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past six months, you’ll no doubt be more than aware that the new regulations regarding National Living Wage will soon be rolled out. From 1st April 2016, workers in the UK aged over 25 earning the current minimum wage of £6.70 per hour will be entitled to a 50p increase. It’s …
Statutory rates of pay 2016
The statutory rates of maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental pay and sick pay normally increase each April in line with the consumer price index. However, the Government has announced that there will be no increase in 2016 due to negative inflation. The rate of statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental pay will, therefore, remain at £139.58 per week (or …
Three ways to rocket your team’s performance in 2016
So when you take a look back at how your business performed in 2015, are you satisfied with what was achieved? A little reflection is always useful, but now’s the time to start thinking about the future. You no doubt have big plans for the next 12 months. You’ve got targets to meet and goals to smash, and if you …