With an uncertain 2021 ahead, here are our tips for getting your small business HR in order before the end of the year.
Review your contracts and procedures
Ideally this should be done every two years to keep up to speed with changes in legislation, such as changes to definitions in employment law. Make sure that the following in particular are up to date:
- Contracts of employment
- Policies:
- Pay
- Annual leave
- Personal & Compassionate leave
- Maternity and Paternity leave
- Bullying and Discrimination
- Termination
- Attendance and personal conduct
- Social media
Review your COVID procedures
Make sure your business has plans in place should you need to close your workplace, or if staff are required to work from different locations at short notice. We would also recommend that you conduct a homeworking risk assessment to make sure your staff have the correct set up.
Check all staff appraisals are complete
Before the end of the year make sure every member of your team has had an appraisal and their development reviewed. Set targets for the year ahead and discuss any concerns or issues from both sides.
Record all meetings so you can refer back if needed. This will also protect you legally should there ever be a dispute with an employee, and you have kept a full record of contact and discussions.
Check your training plan
Have your staff fulfilled their training objectives and needs this year? If not, you still have time to complete this before the end of the year.
Allocate funds and resources now for staff training in 2020 so that staff are clear on what’s available to them for the next twelve months.
Consider running a staff survey to guide the HR strategy and agenda for the year ahead
Conducting staff surveys can help you gain a better understanding of how your staff feel about working for your organisation. When implemented correctly and followed up with visible actions, they can also help boost morale and in turn your organisation’s productivity.
Review your employee benefits
The start of a new year is an ideal time to take stock of what you’re offering your employees in terms of benefits. What’s working and what’s not? If you’re surveying your staff you could use this opportunity to find out what they would really like, and what they are not using.
Conduct an information audit
You should conduct an audit now of the information your business holds on employees and job applicants to ensure ongoing compliance. Also make employees working from home aware of this too!
Be aware of employment law changes
2020 saw numerous reference points relevant to employment law altered due to COVID which business owners should now be aware of, including changes to national minimum wages and leave to name a few.