Category: Uncategorized

Any business owner who has been around the block a few times knows the importance of using the end of the year as a chance to return to their people policies, consider the achievements and challenges of the past 12 months, and do some careful planning for the future. Keeping on top of your human resources can be tricky, but it’s also essential if you want to run a successful company. Before getting stuck into any finer details, it’s wise to take a step back and think about the big…

While most people begin to look forward to a little rest and recuperation over the Christmas period, it’s around about now that managers and business owners start to think about the nitty gritty, practical issues that they’ll have to contend with to keep their workforce engaged, motivated, and problem-free. It’s likely that you’ve got some questions about how you should handle things. You’re in luck, because we’ve got the answers! Read on to get the lowdown on what you really need to know. We’ve cut away all the jargon and…

  Have you started to think about how you’ll maximise your profits this festive season? Savvy business owners are starting to pull together their plans and ensure that they’ve built some strong foundations for success. Of course though, some expert guidance can really make all the difference, and that’s what we’re here to provide. Perhaps you’re feeling confused at the prospect of receiving profit-boosting tips from an HR professional. Surely we just take care of the ‘people issues’, leaving the tasks like income generation and new client acquisition to the…

As your business grows, you might decide that the time is right to start working with an HR consultant. It’s certainly true that having a people professional on your side can bring huge benefits, and it could be exactly what you need to create steady and manageable growth. Before setting the wheels in motion, it might be useful to take a step back and think about what you can do to ensure that the relationship reaches its full potential. Let’s explore the practical steps you can take. Be open and…

The baubles and oversized biscuit tins are filling up the stores. Parents across the land are starting to encourage good behaviour by reminding their kids that Santa is paying close attention. According to research by VoucherCodes.co.uk, 16% of people had begun their shopping by the end of last month. Christmas is coming, and there’s nothing that anyone can do about it. This time of the year offers some wonderful opportunities for businesses, but if you aren’t prepared, you could find yourself hugely disappointed come January when you’re taking a look…

An article published by Financial Times this month suggested that those who work from home miss out on the important feeling that their lives and work have purpose. Unsurprisingly, the piece has caused a stir amongst the self-employed and business owners alike. If you keep up to date with management trends and the latest strategies for creating a productive and motivated workforce, you’ll know that homeworking is by no means a new phenomenon. Businesses including Amazon, IBM, Dell, and American Express are known for offering telecommuting opportunities, and it’s an…

The UK government has announced that from April 2016, a mandatory living wage for employees over the age of 25 will be introduced. It currently stands at £6.50 and will be increased to £7.20. Conservative First Secretary of State George Osborne said, ‘Britain deserves a pay rise and Britain is getting a pay rise’. Of course this issue is one that’s very likely to be causing concern amongst SME employers in particular. Though most businesses will welcome the changes, it’s understandable that leaders will be concerned about the impact that…

It’s inevitable that from time to time, your members of staff will get sick. It’s that time of year now when flu, coughs and colds and viruses start making the rounds, and it’s to be expected, and it’s something that you can’t really avoid as you grow your business and your workforce. As an employer though, you need to be sure that you’re managing your sickness policies and procedures in the right way. Without a robust approach, you could quickly find that sickness absence is seriously damaging productivity, and in…