As we approach the end of 2015, it is a good time for employers to think about what HR issues they want to address and get prepared for the individual challenges that the oncoming festive period offers up. Here are our top things for an end of year checklist:
- Do you need new staff? Now is a good time to think about your organisational needs and decide whether or not you will be looking to recruit new employees in the New Year. It is important to devise a plan which looks at the skills you need within the organisation, what person you need to fill this vacancy and where you are likely to advertise.
- Have grievances been addressed? All employers are faced with employees raising issues both formally and informally. Although it is hoped that matters can be addressed informally in the first instance, an individual may choose to make a formal complaint. It is important that these are addressed promptly and that any necessary investigations are carried out to establish the facts of the grievance.
- Are your policies up to date? Now might be a good time to take stock of any policies and procedures and carry out a review of these. Are they fit for purpose? Are they compliant with employment law and best practice? It is a good idea to get these tidied up, ensuring that you start 2016 on the right foot.
- Are your staff aware of policies? It is one thing having policies in place, but it is important that staff are aware of these. Putting in place a training programme, or even bringing to staffs? attention various policies will ensure that employers are comfortable that the issues within policies have been highlighted.
- Are you having a Christmas do? Beware of any fall-out from the office Christmas dinner or lunch by offering a gentle reminder to staff that they are still employees and representatives of the organisation and accordingly are still subject to the policies and procedures, and any issues will be addressed in line with these policies.
- Dealing with winter weather. Although it has been unseasonably mild lately, it is important that employers have thought about will you manage if there's a frost or heavy snowfall. How will you cope if there are high employee absences, will you allow employees to work from home, will any time off be paid? Although it might not seem relevant just now, it is important that these questions are considered, with a plan in place to deal with these.
By thinking through the end of year checklist just now, employers will be ready to head into 2016 on a high note.
