HR & Managerial Good Practice: Recent Episodes
Alison Colley
An update on the Law and best practice for managing and recruiting staff and for dealing with any issues that may arise. An easy to listen to legal and practical update.
Unfair Dismissal – When Words Between Family Go Too Far? In this episode 255 of the employment law and HR podcast I cover an employment tribunal decision where an employee who called their manager a derogatory name was found to have been unfairly dismissed. Although the language used was clearly inappropriate, the tribunal decided that […]
Practical Guidance for Managers When it comes to managing workplace issues, prevention is always better than cure. In this episode 253 of the Employment Law & HR Podcast, we dive into why early action matters, how to spot the signs of trouble, and practical steps you can take to stop minor issues from escalating into […]
We are often called upon by employers and managers to advise on situations where issues with performance arise with employees, and the manager/employer has reached the end of their patience with the individual. We are also regularly asked by employers about how to manage employees who do not do what is required or are not up to standards. Whilst we can advise and resolve issues using a formal performance management process it is much better to head off the issues at an early stage and avoid the formal process altogether. In this episode 230 of the podcast I bring you a run down of the key things you can do to set your employees up for success.
An introduction to the law regarding unfair dismissal. This is the first of a mini series that will focus on all of the key aspects of unfair dismissal, including everything you need to know to really get to grips with dismissals and what constitutes a fair dismissal.
In this episode 221 of the podcast I bring you my thoughts and reflections on the case of Bates v The Post Office and whilst not directly related to employment law there are lots of lessons that all employers and HR can take from the events that took place.
In this episode 220 of the podcast I bring you an interview with Fay Wallis who is a specialist career coach who helps HR and People Professionals.
Prevention of Sexual Harassment obligations for employers are changing in 2024. In this episode 218 of the podcast I bring you an update on the new sexual harassment laws in 2024, including all the information employers need to consider.
How employers can assist employees with sight or hearing loss to succeed at work. Interview with expert in this area Dan Williams.
A case that was decided by the Employment Tribunal in regards to the issue of whether an employer was treated less favourably due to menopause symptoms.
Workplace mediation is a critical tool for resolving disputes in the future of workIn this episode 212 of the podcast I bring you an interview and discussion with my colleague Jo Carley, who is an experienced workplace mediator and strong advocate for alternative dispute resolution in workplace disputes.
In this episode of the podcast we cover:
- What is workplace mediation.
- When workplace mediation is appropriate.
- When employers should be considering workplace mediation.
- Why it should be the starting point for any grievance formal or informal.
- Why there is always a loser in the grievance process.
- How workplace mediation works in practice.
- The steps employers should be considering to implement workplace mediation.
Workplace Mediation: How we can help youJo Carley and I are both fully trained and experienced workplace mediators having completed the ACAS Certificate in Workplace Mediation.
If you would like us to undertake a mediation within your workplace then we would be happy to do so and can start by a no-obligation initial telephone call.
Our charges for a workplace mediation are as follows:
£350 + VAT for a half-day, plus travel costs. There is an additional charge of £100 +VAT per hour for any additional time required .
A half a day is the minimum amount of time needed (including two individual meetings and a joint meeting), but it could run over half a day depending on the extent of the issues there is to work through.
Training for your TeamWould you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams.
Please drop me an email alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk
Fixed Price Advice from Real ExpertsAs part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour
Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006
We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents
We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE
What should employers consider when employing care leavers or care experienced people In this episode 210 of the podcast I am joined by Ali Steele from Wight Oak Youth Services to discuss the importance for employers to think purposefully about employing care leavers and to consider the individual requirements of those who are care experienced.
In this episode of the podcast we cover:
- Why it is important to consider care experienced employees.
- What steps you can take to show support for care experienced employees.
- The kinds of things that employers should be considering with regards to care leavers and care experienced persons.
- Why christmas celebrations and birthdays can be a trigger or particularly difficult for care leavers.
- Why young people from care often have higher resilience and better life skills and are more resourceful when compared to their peers.
- Small things that you can do to promote awareness and best practice.
Resource and information You can find more information about Wight Oak Youth here: Website and contact Ali Steele via hey@wightoakyouth.com
Care Leavers Covenant: https://mycovenant.org.uk/about/
In 2022 there were 82,170 children being looked after in England. Statistics can be found here: .GOV
Training for your Team Would you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams.
Please drop me an email alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk
Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts
As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour
Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006
We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents
We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE
Procedure and Tips for employers about disciplinary investigations In this episode 209 of the podcast I will explain why getting the disciplinary investigation process right is critical to successfully defending a claim for unfair dismissal and the steps that you need to take.
In this episode of the podcast I cover:
- Why assigning the right person to investigate is crucial.
- The steps that you need to take to set the scope of the investigation.
- When you should notify the 'accused' of the investigation.
- At what stage you should interview the 'accused'.
- Getting witness accounts of events.
- Whether employees have the right to be accompanied at an investigation meeting.
- Minute taking or audio recording of the meetings.
- Dealing with reluctant witnesses.
- The frequently asked questions about disciplinary investigations.
- Some example scenarios to consider.
Training for your Team Would you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams.
Please drop me an email alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk
Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts
As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour
Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006
We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents
We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE
Being a good manager means moving from being reactive to being proactive via regular dialogue with staff
In this episode 198 of the podcast I bring you my tips and ideas on how to have effective one to one and supervision meetings with staff.
One of the things that many managers struggle with when managing people is maintaining regular meaningful communications with staff.
In this episode of the podcast I cover:
- What is a one to one and supervision meeting.
- What is the difference between a one to one and a supervision meeting.
- Why it is important to incorporate in your management of staff.
- Why it does not have to be a complicated process.
- Why it is effective in improving performance.
- The steps needed to hold effective one to one and supervision meetings.
- What to include in your conversation.
- Why follow up is critical to success
- How it will save you time in the long run.
When preparing for one to one's or supervision meetings I strongly recommend you read the work by Gary Vaynerchuck on Kind Candour.
You can read a blog post on it here: https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/kind-candor-and-why-how-you-deliver-the-medicine-matters-road-to-twelve-and-a-half-series/
Alternatively his book, Twelve and a Half: Leveraging the Emotional Ingredients Necessary for Business Success is even better as a resource for managers.
You can purchase the book via Amazon HERE *
*please note that if you use this link it is an affiliate link which means whilst it will not cost you any more however we will receive a referral payment from Amazon.
Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts
As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour
Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006
We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents
We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE
The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.
The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.
Being a good manager means being able to speak to employees when issues arise
In this episode 190 of the podcast I bring you my tips and ideas on how to best handle having difficult conversations with employees.
One of the most difficult parts of managing people is having uncomfortable conversations particularly about performance and behaviour. But it can be an easier process and one that you do not have to dread.
In this episode of the podcast I cover:
- What is a difficult conversation?
- Examples of difficult conversations
- Reasons we avoid difficult conversations
- The dangers of avoiding difficult conversations
- What makes it easier to deal with
- My simple approach to difficult conversations
- Why 'Kind Candour' is key
- Why you should follow Gary Vaynerchuck's example when dealing with employee issues that arise
During the Podcast I referred to a blog post and book. You can read the blog post here: https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/kind-candor-and-why-how-you-deliver-the-medicine-matters-road-to-twelve-and-a-half-series/
The book is Twelve and a Half: Leveraging the Emotional Ingredients Necessary for Business Success – by Gary Vaynerchuk
You can purchase the book via Amazon HERE *
*please note that if you use this link it is an affiliate link which means whilst it will not cost you any more however we will receive a referral payment from Amazon.
Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts
As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour
Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006
We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents
We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE
The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.
The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.
Photo andrew-thornebrooke-WRAHkIAr2_E-unsplash
Recruitment guidance and what to consider
In this episode 189 of the podcast I bring you a detailed account of how to get your recruitment process right, and why a good process is important to ensure that you get the best candidate, conduct recruitment fairly and avoid any legal claims.
In this episode of the podcast I cover:
- What you should consider before you start a recruitment process.
- Best practice.
- Things to avoid.
- The importance of having objective selection criteria at every stage of the process.
- What you should include in your process and procedure.
- What to consider when making an offer of employment.
- How to prepare for a new starter.
- The importance of good record keeping.
Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts
As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour
Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006
We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents
We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE
The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.
The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.
Getting the best from a Probation Period for new & existing employees
In this episode 188 of the podcast I bring you a detailed account of the probation period at the start of employment or the start of a new job role. Probation periods are something that most employers use but rarely utilise in the correct manner.
In this episode of the podcast I cover:
- What a probation period is.
- Why you should have a probation period.
- What is the purpose of a probation period.
- When not to bother with a probation period.
- How it will set up the tone of the relationship between you and the employee for the future.
- What to do if you need to extend the probation period.
- What to do if you need to terminate someones employment during or at the end of the probation period.
- How to deal with a probation period for an existing employee starting a new role.
- The importance of good record keeping.
- Why communication is the key to a good start to the employment relationship.
Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts
As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour
Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006
We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents
We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE
The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.
The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.
Photo by https://unsplash.com/@rossf
In this episode 187 of the podcast I bring you an interview with Jeri Williams, an employer who has implemented a results only working environment within her business.
In this episode of the podcast we cover:
- What is results only working or ROWE?
- Why Jeri decided to implement results only working in her business?
- The practicalities of implementing results only working.
- The benefits to staff recruitment and retention.
- What are the teething problems or potential issues that can arise.
- How to set up results only working in your business.
- The importance of getting your contracts, policies and KPI's right before starting results only working.
Jeri Williams
Jeri is the Founder and CEO of Smooth Accounting and this is from Jeri's LinkedIn bio:
'I started an accountancy practice from my garage in 2016, won some awards, did a thing, have signed up over 600 clients, now have beautiful offices, a filming studio and employ a team of 14, boom! 💥 now I teach other business owners how to do the same! DM me to find out more about my 1-2-1 mentoring packages.
Bringing comedy to the very boring, grey, dull world of accountancy, firing shots all over the industry at the dino’s and abacus crew 🦖 🧮
You can usually find me ruffling feathers on LinkedIn or watching bunnies on Instagram ✌️
Running my business and my mouth 🤭
Help a girl out and subscribe to my YouTube channel pleeeeeaaaassse 👍 https://youtube.com/c/JeriWilliams_'
Smooth Accounting - https://smoothaccounting.co.uk/
You can connect with Jeri on LinkedIn HERE
Book Recommendation
Why work sucks and How to Fix it: The Results -Only Revolution by Cali Ressler and Jody Thompson
Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts
As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour
Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006
We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents
We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE
The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.
The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.
This page includes an affiliate link which means that if you purchase the book via this link I will receive a commission payment. It will not cost you any more but I will get a fee for your purchase.
Photo by Kevin Bhagat on Unsplash
In this episode 186 of the podcast I bring you information and ideas on how best to deal with issues of alcoholism and substance abuse at work.
In this episode of the podcast I cover:
- Why employers need to think purposefully about how to deal with alcohol and substance abuse among employees.
- Why alcohol and substance abuse issues may arise.
- Your legal duties as an employer.
- The impact of alcohol and substance abuse at work.
- How to deal with disciplinary issues that arise as a result of alcohol and substance abuse.
- Some practical tips for employers.
You may also find the following helpful.
Alcohol at work: What do you need to consider for your policy?
This episode was as a result request from a listener who asked to cover the issue of alcohol at work. If you have any questions or particular issues that you would like covered please do email me, alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk and I will ensure it is covered in a future episode.
Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts
As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour
Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006
We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents
We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE
The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.
The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.
Photo by Vinicius "amnx" Amano on Unsplash
Critical developments in the world of work
In this episode 185 of the podcast I bring you my observations of the critical things that employers and HR professionals should be considering and acting upon now. This is in light of things that we are seeing in practice and which I can foresee causing difficulties in the very near future.
In this episode of the podcast I cover:
- Why thinking about mental health and wellbeing of staff is critical at this time.
- At a very minimum you should be developing a wellbeing strategy for employees.
- Why you should be considering your staff who are/will be considered as the 'working poor'.
- Highlighting the issue that may arise with lower paid staff in your organisation as the cost of living continues to rise.
- Why you need to think carefully now about what you will do when the rules around self-isolation upon receipt of a positive covid test will change?
- Some suggestions on what you may wish to include in your policy/process.
- Why disputes are likely to arise if you do not consider it meaningfully now.
- If you are revisiting hybrid working and considering introducing long term, what you should consider.
You may also find the following helpful.
Top Tips for Managing Mental Health in the Workplace
Introducing Hybrid Working – what do employers need to consider: Part 2
Introducing Hybrid Working – what do employers need to consider: Part 1
Hybrid Working Checklist for Employers
Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts
As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour
Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006
We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents
We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE
The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.
The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
In this episode 183 of the podcast I bring you an interview with Nicola Green, a specialist in helping organisations with menopause support at work.
In this episode of the podcast we cover:
- Why it is important for employers to think meaningfully about menopause support.
- The benefits of putting in place good menopause support and strategy.
- The fact that menopausal women are the fastest growing demographic in the workplace.
- Why having mental health first aid in place is important.
- What wellbeing initiatives you can implement.
- How addressing this topic can help other staff and staff issues.
- The key things that flow through menopause support, domestic violence and childless women among many other issues.
Some useful links for you
Domestic Violence and Abuse: what do employers need to know
Childless women in the workplace: What employers should consider.
Nicola Green
Nicola Green Consultancy helps organisations address menopause in their workplace by providing practical advice and support in the form of bespoke presentations and training sessions to employees, managers and business owners of all ages and genders.
Nicola Green Consultancy 07795655507 www.nicolagreenconsultancy.co.uk
You can connect with Nicola on LinkedIn HERE
Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts
As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour
Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006
We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents
We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE
The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.
The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.
Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash
In this episode 181 of the podcast I bring you my thoughts on the main changes to the world of work that employers need to be aware of.
These are my views on what has caused the change and what employers have to consider moving into 2022.
I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on this? Have I missed something? What do you think will be the biggest change in 2022? Please leave a comment below or email me alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk.
In this episode of the podcast I cover:
- The issue of recruitment and retention.
- Why recruitment and the shortage of staff and skills is critical to business and business growth.
- Why, in my view, there has been a 'perfect storm' of factors coming together at the same time.
- The 'shift in power' that has come about as a result of the recruitment and retention crisis.
- What employers can do on a practical basis to resolve and reduce the impact.
- Why hybrid working is changing the world of work.
- The importance of planning properly in advance of implementing a long term hybrid working policy.
- Contractual changes required by law and good practice.
- Legislative changes that have been made or are pending.
- Future possible changes being led by legislation.
- Why the pace of real time practical change in HR and the working environment far exceeds that of legislative change.
You may also find the following helpful.
Bring your pet to work considerations
Hybrid Working Podcast
Hybrid Working Checklist
Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts
As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour
Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006
We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents
We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE
The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.
The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.
Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash
In this episode 177 of the podcast I bring you my practical tips for managing home working. This follows episodes 174 and 175 about the introduction of hybrid working.
As many employers will be continuing with home working arrangements in the long term it is important to ensure that arrangements are made for the health, safety and wellbeing of the employee, and to ensure that supervision of the employee is effective and works for the business and employee.
At Real Employment Law Advice we have been home working from the start which made it much easier for us to continue working smoothly when lockdown happened, but it also means that we have several years experience to draw from on what works and what does not work.
In this episode of the podcast I cover:
- The importance of setting up home working arrangements correctly at the outset.
- Why you should have clear expectations of staff who work from home.
- The importance of a good quality job description and set of objectives or targets that are measurable.
- Why I recommend that you visit the employees home office for health and safety and security purposes.
- Some considerations when deciding on equipment and home office furnishings.
- How to ensure team spirit and working amongst a team who only work remotely.
- The importance of regular and purposeful communication with home workers.
- Some ideas on how you can recreate some of the conversations and connections that would normally happen if everyone worked together in an office.
You may also find it helpful to listen to episodes 174 and 175 if you are implementing hybrid working or a mixture of hybrid and full home working.
Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts
As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour
Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006
We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents
We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE
The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.
The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.
Picture by vadim-kaipov-OPep4JA-jn8-unsplash
In this episode 175 of the podcast I am following on from the last episode on Hybrid Working and this time bring you my list of practical considerations that employers should be working through when preparing to introduce Hybrid Working.
In this episode of the podcast I cover:
- Why it is important to consult with staff before you finalise your policy and introduce Hybrid Working.
- Why you should give serious consideration to having a trial period for Hybrid Working before making it a permanent change.
- Why stipulating the frequency of days employees can work from the office is important.
- How to consider what days of the week employees must work from the office and why it is important to set this as a requirement of staff.
- Why you should think seriously at the early stages about office space and how it will work with employees coming to the office.
- Whether you need to change employee contracts or merely issue a letter detailing the change.
- What you need to consider if the change to Hybrid Working is not agreed by some staff.
- Why serious consideration needs to be given to the potential impact Hybrid Working could have on equality, diversity and inclusion in your business.
- Why I would not advise allowing Hybrid meetings to take place, and would recommend that all staff are either present in the meeting or everyone attends virtually, regardless of their location.
- Why work life balance needs to be part of your consideration when introducing Hybrid Working.
Free Checklist for Employers who are considering Hybrid Working
I have created a check list of all of the things that I recommend you include in your considerations, discussions and policy when introducing Hybrid Working.
You can download your free copy here: FREE CHECKLIST
Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts
As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour
Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006
We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents
We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE
The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.
The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.
Photo by Jake Weirick on Unsplash