Harwood HR

Hi from Harwood HR. Need a better reason to proactively reduce absence in your business? Here are some shocking stats that will scare you into action: 💷 £100 billion annually: In 2023, sickness and absence cost UK businesses over £100 billion, marking a £30 billion rise since 2018. This includes costs from lost productivity and sickness presenteeism. 📉 44 days of productivity lost per employee: On average, UK employees lost 44 days of productivity in 2023 due to illness, compared to 35 days in 2018. That’s more than 12% of the working year! 🧠 Over 50% of all long-term absences are caused by stress and anxiety, highlighting the critical need for improved mental health support in the workplace. 📈 55% increase in sickness absence rates since 2019: Each business recorded an average of 128 sick leave days in 2023, up 6% compared to 120 in 2022. Absence is a huge hidden cost for business, and that's why we highly recommend putting measures in place to ensure that your employees are happy, healthy and able to work. Get in touch for some help. For any HR or recruitment queries or concerns, get in touch with Harwood HR on 0117 439 0119 or at: info@harwood-hr.co.uk.

Hi from Harwood HR. How good are you at onboarding new employees? Onboarding new employees in the right way is essential for their long-term engagement and success in your business. Here are the 5 different areas of onboarding that you need to focus on. For any HR or recruitment queries or concerns, get in touch with Harwood HR on 0117 439 0119 or at: info@harwood-hr.co.uk.

Seasons Greetings from Harwood HR! Some ground rules to lay down before the Christmas party ⬇️🎅🎄 Christmas is a great excuse for everyone to let their hair down and have some fun 🎉 Whether you’re in your usual working environment or at a party you’ve organised. It’s your responsibility to keep everyone safe. And you’re also liable for any acts of discrimination, harassment or victimisation your employees commit So, before any festivities, it’s essential to consider the following: ✅ Remind employees that the party is a time for fun and for you to say thank you for their hard work this year. ✅ Explain that any social event you organise is technically an ‘extension of the workplace.’ ✅ Reinforce that appropriate workplace behaviour still applies and anything inappropriate won’t be tolerated. ✅ Give examples of unacceptable behaviour, such as sexual harassment, and clearly outline what constitutes such behaviour. ✅ Remind employees about alcohol use and ensure they don’t drive or come to work intoxicated the next day! For any HR or recruitment queries or concerns, get in touch with Harwood HR on 0117 439 0119 or at: info@harwood-hr.co.uk.

Hi from Harwood HR. A lot of people think inclusivity is just a tick-box exercise. But it’s so much more than that, and directly impacts your bottom line Inclusivity means making sure your employees feel welcome and valued regardless of their ethnicity, identity, religion or sexual preference. When employees feel truly included, they’re more engaged, have better job satisfaction and become more productive as a result. That’s why working on inclusion isn’t just important, it's business critical. Here’s how you can improve inclusion in your workplace. For any HR or recruitment queries or concerns, get in touch with Harwood HR on 0117 439 0119 or at: info@harwood-hr.co.uk.

Hi from Harwood HR. Did you know there are different types of company culture? Let’s take a look at the four types of company culture, along with their pros and cons: Clan Culture Clan culture thrives in start-ups, where a nurturing and supportive environment is highly valued. Employees are like family and prioritise maintaining strong interpersonal relationships. The risk? Too much freedom and fun can lead to a lack of focus. Adhocracy culture Here, there's a strong emphasis on flexibility and innovation, often seen in modern tech companies where creativity and new ideas flourish. There’s a downside though, as it can become chaotic with undefined roles. Market culture A market culture is driven by performance and results, emphasising profit and market share over community. A little warning: it can lead to burnout, potential conflicts between competitive employees and dishonesty. Hierarchy culture This is the most traditional type of business culture, centred around a clear hierarchical structure with defined processes. It comes with strict rules though, plus close supervision and multiple layers of management, which can feel a little rigid. As a business owner, taking a serious look at your company culture and its alignment isn't just a theoretical exercise—it delivers tangible benefits that propel your business to success. Need some help refining your company culture? Get in touch! For any HR or recruitment queries or concerns, get in touch with Harwood HR on 0117 439 0119 or at: info@harwood-hr.co.uk

Hi from Harwood HR. Are you making these common recruitment mistakes? Recruitment can be a nightmare... Sorting through endless CVs, dealing with no-shows, or hiring the wrong fit. It can be exhausting and time-consuming. And that's why we're here to help. Whether that's by guiding you in the right direction, or managing the entire process for you. The first thing we'll look at is if you're making the most common recruitment mistakes, and go from there... For any HR or recruitment queries or concerns, get in touch with Harwood HR on 0117 439 0119 or at: info@harwood-hr.co.uk.

Hi from Harwood HR. As business owners, we have juggle a lot of things... Strategies, budgets, people issues and ever-evolving employment laws. With the general election behind us and a new Labour government potentially bringing big changes, your HR policies might be outdated and in need of an overhaul. Employment law is a moving target. What’s set in stone today might shift with the new leadership, and upcoming laws expected might change again. So, why gamble with outdated policies when an HR Consultant can help keep you up to date and out of trouble? Here's why consulting with an HR expert is a smart move: Navigate Changes with Ease - An HR consultant helps you interpret and implement new laws swiftly, ensuring your policies reflect the latest requirements. Avoid Costly Mistakes - Outdated policies can lead to compliance issues, fines or disputes. Regular reviews with an expert minimises the risks. Focus on What You Do Best - Let the experts handle the complexities of employment law - so you can focus on growing your business. Don’t wait for legislation to catch you off guard. Let’s ensure your business is safe, compliant and ready for whatever comes next! Reach out for a quick chat and get your policies reviewed today. For any HR queries or concerns, get in touch with Harwood HR on 0117 439 0119 or at: info@harwood-hr.co.uk.

Hi from Harwood HR. Here are some top tips to keep your team happy and motivated… For any HR queries or concerns, get in touch with Harwood HR on 0117 439 0119 or at: info@harwood-hr.co.uk.

Hi from Harwood HR. New law on tip allocation: Here’s everything you need to know… From 1 October 2024, tips must be distributed fairly, transparently and promptly to all workers, including agency staff, under the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023. What does the new law mean? - You’ll need to ensure that all qualifying tips are allocated fairly to workers. - Tips must be paid in full by the end of the month following the month in which they’re received. - You’ll need to keep detailed records of tips received and how you’ve allocated them to employees. What do you need to do now? To ensure you’re legally compliant, you’ll need to review your current tip allocation processes, develop a clear written policy on tips and train your team to make sure everyone understands the changes. Failure to do so could cost you a lot more than keeping hold of the tips in the first place! We’re here to help. If you’re feeling stuck, or don’t have the time to figure this out for yourself, we can help. For any HR queries or concerns, get in touch with Harwood HR on 0117 439 0119 or at: info@harwood-hr.co.uk.

Hi from Harwood HR. Heard about the US banker fired for ‘mouse jiggling’? It’s a cautionary tale for business owners and their teams alike! Flexible working is crucial for business success, but balancing trust and productivity, especially in remote work, can be tricky. How do you keep an eye on things (no mouse jiggling or marathon lunch breaks!) without micromanaging or feeling like Big Brother? Uncover the dos and don’ts of checking in with your remote worker without overstepping boundaries… For any HR queries or concerns, get in touch with Harwood HR on 0117 439 0119 or at: info@harwood-hr.co.uk.