As restrictions have eased, many businesses are taking steps to get back to a more normal way of working after the disruption caused by COVID-19. Unfortunately the after effects are likely to be felt for many years and this will impact employers and how they approach wellbeing going forward. Why is that the case though?
More than 18 months on since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of employees raising a formal grievance is increasing. So what has caused this unprecedented ‘rise of the grievance’? There are a number of factors contributing towards post-pandemic disgruntlement, so what can an employer do and how should they deal with the grievances?
As we approach the end of the year, many managers and employees prepare themselves for end-of-year appraisals. However, these reviews are increasingly being regarded as an outdated and unpopular way to assess and manage performance. Should employers now rethink their approach?
Being ‘pinged’ is becoming part of everyday language as large numbers of people have been contacted by the NHS Covid-19 app. With employees returning to the office, how can an employer effectively manage staff who are contacted to self-isolate?
There are no doubt pros to working from home for staff – the commute is shorter and cheaper, staff don’t need to worry about parking, and they can have a homemade lunch every day. However, if staff are remote working all the time, is there a risk they could feel disadvantaged and be treated less favourably at home? Could you lose valuable staff who become isolated or feel undervalued at home?
When an employee leaves a business, it’s not always as harmonious as we would like it to be. When it goes wrong, a contentious exit can result in unnecessary cost, stress and high emotions for both parties which can have a damaging effect on the businesses reputation and the remaining team.
We all know how costly employee absence can be but the opposite, presenteeism, can be equally damaging and it’s on the rise, exacerbated by the Covid pandemic.
One thing that has definitely reduced for most businesses during Covid are expense claims. It remains a thorny issue though. The refurbishment of Boris Johnson’s flat at No10 at certainly caused some heated debate about expenses. So, how will things work though when we have a full return to the workplace for some but remote working for others?
It’s important that employers have a considered, consistent and strategic approach on how to manage these requests and any quarantine periods. To help you manage your way through, Loch Associates Group have put together a Q&A.
Loch Associates Group are currently working hard to help clients prepare their workforces for returning to the workplace post Covid-19. Our recent work with SIP Speciality Oils and Fluids provides an interesting insight into the most successful methods to gauge staff attitudes towards the future of the workplace, hybrid working and a shift back to the office.
GPs recognise the importance of mental wellbeing and value of mental health first aid training but this should be applied to staff too.
Fact: The rules on taxation of consultants changed on 6 April 2021. But there are a lot of myths out there. Myth 1: ‘I now need to treat all consultants as employees for tax purposes’. Myth 2: ‘IR35 no longer applies’ OR ‘IR35 now always applies’. Myth 3: ‘I can rely on the HMRC tool to determine employment status’. This guide aims to bust the myths and give you the simple facts.
