The HR Dept - South East London and North Kent

Let’s be honest: many people struggle with the return to work after Christmas. A slight case of the January Blues is normal - especially when coping with the early mornings, chilly weather or an annoying cold! But sometimes low spirits in the office are indicative of something much more serious: poor employee well-being. Many business owners believe that the personal lives of their employees should stay separate from the workplace. Whilst this is true to an extent, research shows that high employee well-being increases performance and productivity. This means that employee well-being isn’t just a personal issue, it’s something that can impact your entire company – and its success. Check out our latest blog to learn more about employee well-being in your business: https://lnkd.in/eUaXzYkm

The stage has been set, managing HR in your business is about to get tougher. The first few months of the Labour administration have seen them present their Employment Rights Bill, and it is packed full of measures which will make life more complicated for you as a typical SME business owner. It will not be an impossible landscape to navigate though, once the Bill is enacted. With the right knowledge and insight, you will be able to steer clear of the pitfalls and focus on running your business. Bringing in outsourced HR could be the perfect solution for you. Read our full blog to learn how outsourcing your HR could fit the needs of your business: https://lnkd.in/e7f7vePF

At the end of every year, forward thinking businesses will be looking ahead to next year to anticipate what’s on the horizon. And in employment law terms, after a change of government this year, 2025 will be the start of some drastic changes for employers. As we have reported for months, it is time for SMEs to brace themselves, as announcements made in the King’s Speech and first Labour Budget start to be implemented. Our latest blog reveals what to expect in 2025: https://lnkd.in/e75uDbz4

The turn of the year is often a trigger for reflection on the past 12 months, not to mention planning for the 12 months ahead. While many companies may focus on a business plan, marketing strategy or financial forecasting, putting your company culture under the spotlight could be a useful exercise at this time. Why is this the case? Our latest blog reveals all: https://lnkd.in/ectKh8Yy

If your business is in the retail or hospitality sector, you may be in peak season, with everyone rushed off their feet. The average UK household spends an additional £713 extra in December, 29% up on other months according to the Bank of England. Spending on food, drink, clothes and electrical goods is all well up, which means more work for you. Many other sectors, though, may experience a quieter time, as demand tails off. Whichever is true for you, there is a particular range of HR challenges around Christmas which you may have to deal with. Here are seven of the most common festive HR challenges along with tips on how to avoid them, or deal with the fallout: https://lnkd.in/ezhMx7Vs

Worried about employee behaviour at your Christmas party?

For many businesses, the office Christmas party is one of the dates most looked forward to in the calendar. As an employer it is a way for you to thank your team for their efforts over the year, nurture team-building as you bring everyone together, and have fun yourself. And for your employees, they look forward to a night out with work chums, normally paid for by the company. For all the fun that is had though, one survey conducted a few years ago found that one in ten people had been disciplined or even dismissed for misbehaving at the office Christmas party. Another 8% had handed in their notice after feeling they could no longer work with their colleagues (whether that was due to their own behaviour or a co-worker’s is unclear!). Read our latest blog to learn how you can reduce the risk of any ill-discipline at this year's Christmas party: https://lnkd.in/e2jiRKCD

Some top tips on performance management...