By now, it’s highly likely that you’ll have asked yourself the big, important, and very obvious questions about how your business measured up during 2015. You’ll know how much you increased your turnover, how many new staff you recruited, and what your goals are moving forward. Planning and reflection sessions can be hugely useful, but sometimes, it can be …
How to nail your 2016 HR planning
Any business owner who has been around the block a few times knows the importance of using the end of the year as a chance to return to their people policies, consider the achievements and challenges of the past 12 months, and do some careful planning for the future. Keeping on top of your human resources can be tricky, but …
All the answers you need to your Christmas HR questions
While most people begin to look forward to a little rest and recuperation over the Christmas period, it’s around about now that managers and business owners start to think about the nitty gritty, practical issues that they’ll have to contend with to keep their workforce engaged, motivated and problem-free. It’s likely that you’ve got some questions about how you should …
Three signs your business isn’t ready for the Christmas rush
The baubles and oversized biscuit tins are filling up the stores. Parents across the land are starting to encourage good behaviour by reminding their kids that Father Christmas is paying close attention. According to research by VoucherCodes.co.uk, 16% of people had begun their shopping by the end of last month. Christmas is coming, and there’s nothing that anyone can do …
Do homeworkers have pointless lives?
An article published by Financial Times this month suggested homeworkers miss out on the important feeling that their lives and work have purpose. Unsurprisingly, the piece has caused a stir amongst the self-employed and business owners alike. If you keep up to date with management trends and the latest strategies for creating a productive and motivated workforce, you’ll know that …
Why everything you think you know about team building is wrong
We’re all pretty clued up these days when it comes to the importance of building teams that work together to drive a business forward. No one is questioning the benefits, but there is a great deal of confusion around what it actually means to develop a team that operates at its full potential. There are some common misconceptions that are …
How to welcome new staff into existing teams
Recruiting a new member of staff for your growing business can be a really exciting time, but it’s something that you should definitely consider carefully before you rush into taking action. One of the key challenges that you’re going to face is ensuring that your new recruit is welcomed into your existing team without any significant teething problems. Now of …
No-brainer ways to improve your HR practices by the end of the year
As we quickly roll into the final quarter of 2015, most business owners will be focusing on a couple of things. If you still have some big goals that you haven’t quite smashed, now’s the time to pull your socks up and make that final push. There should also be plenty of time for reflection though, so you can work …
It’s time to rethink your appraisals
Recent research from PwC revealed that two thirds of larger companies are thinking about revamping their appraisals processes. The 2015 Performance Management Research found that businesses are becoming increasingly eager to ditch the once-a-year approach and instead concentrate on developing practices that create a continuous feedback culture. It’s often suggested that it’s time for appraisals to be scrapped in …
Are your HR practices in desperate need of an overhaul?
You probably started your own business because you’re passionate about bringing your product or service into the world, and providing a much-needed solution for your customers and clients. This people management malarkey though – it’s not necessarily what you signed up for. Call it a necessary evil if you like, but the fact remains that if you want to grow …