It's All About People - 7th November 2024

READ TIME - 3 minute read

Welcome Back

This week’s It’s All About People covers:

💷 What the budget means to employers (in brief as we know you know)
📋 Helping you to control the “controllables”
🗓️ Events coming up

Last week we had a much needed week off, and enjoyed a week of long dog walks, reading, good food and relaxing in a hot tub.

This year has been a challenging year for many of us, and after the budget last week then for employers it just got harder - hence this week’s email.

Let’s go…

With last week’s budget, many business owners are bracing for changes that will impact their bottom line. 📉 Between the increase in the minimum wage, changes in employer national insurance contributions, and other rising costs, it can feel like the pressure is on from all sides. But while we may not be able to avoid these costs, we can focus on what’s within our control to make our teams and businesses more resilient. 🧘‍♀️✨

When we take a step back and look at our teams, there’s a lot we can do to make sure we’re running as effectively and efficiently as possible. Here are some practical steps to consider:

1. Role Clarity 🤔 

Ensure everyone has a clear understanding of their role and the impact it has on the business. Knowing what success looks like for their specific role can keep your team focused and engaged. Sometimes, a quick role review or a team discussion can bring that needed clarity and help people feel more connected to the company’s goals. 🌟

2. Providing the Right Tools and Resources 🛠️

The right tools can make all the difference. Take a moment to consider whether your team has everything they need to perform at their best. By providing all the tools people need (whether that is IT equipment, software or literally tools) will ensure they can perform at their best.

A small investment here can lead to big gains in productivity and satisfaction.

3. Supporting Development 📈 

It’s not just about pointing out weaknesses but also about nurturing strengths. If a team member could reach new levels of productivity or creativity with the right training or mentorship, it’s worth exploring.

Development opportunities can pay off by increasing both capability and morale, helping your team face challenges with confidence.

4. Seeking Efficiencies 🔄 

Take a look at routines and workflows. Are there areas where processes could be streamlined or automated? A small tweak in an everyday process might save time, reduce costs, and even lift the team’s spirits as they see positive changes in how things get done.

This may also mean that less roles are needed, and if so a look at the structure of your organisation and potentially redundancies.

5. Assessing Value Contribution 💪 

Every team member should feel like they’re making a meaningful impact. Are your people playing to their strengths? Can they see the value they’re adding? This isn’t just about ‘managing performance’ but ensuring everyone is in the best possible position to succeed and contribute.

🌱💼 So while changes to national minimum wage rates, National Insurance, and costs may be out of our hands, how we shape our teams and manage our resources is firmly within our control – and that’s where we can make the biggest difference.

Until next time, have a great week.

Emma

P.S. If you're a member of our HR Hub, there are LOADS of resources to help you with all of the above topics.

 P.P.S.  If you are not a Hub member why not give it a try for only £7 for 7 days membership. You can do that here.

P.P.P.S If we have not connected on LinkedIn yet, I would love to connect

Events to Join in the coming weeks (click on the links to join us)

Lunch & Learn - Managing Conflict (free to all clients, £35+VAT for non-clients) - 12th November 12 - 1pm

Make Work Pay – Labour’s 100 Day Plan for HR & Leaders (Free Webinar) - 13th November 12-1pm

HR Clinic (free to all, come and ask your HR questions) - 19th November 12-1pm