‘Tis the season of giving back
It may be harder to celebrate Christmas with a party at work this year, but one festive tradition you can still embrace is charitable giving. In fact, in this of all years there is probably more need than ever.
Whether it is as grand as a component of a social responsibility plan, or something more spontaneous, it is such a neat fit for companies to instigate charity work. The benefits go far beyond just what the recipient charity gains.
Done well, it can help staff develop an extra sense of purpose and teamwork. And you as a business get the opportunity to promote your charitable work for positive PR. Given the situation in 2020, if you have furloughed employees, it’s okay to get them involved too – as long as they are not providing services or profit for the company. It’s a way to reconnect with them and potentially boost their mental well-being.
We’d recommend thinking charitable activity through and even drafting a policy so that everyone in your business knows what to expect. A well written policy will ensure that there is focus to people’s effort, that it is conducted in an orderly way, and also that it is inclusive. For instance in more normal times, if a charity pub-style quiz was arranged, that soft drinks were available to those who don’t touch alcohol.
Even if you are not initiating anything yourself, it is sensible to be prepared. This will help you manage any employee requests appropriately. For example, an employee may suggest that they are entitled to time off to perform voluntary work. The Employment Rights Act 1996 does have some provision in this area, but it is unlikely to be relevant to SMEs, as it relates to certain public sector bodies. Of course, check that your own contracts don’t grant this entitlement directly.
The good news is that despite the pandemic still raging, there is plenty of opportunity for online and distance volunteering. But if you do manage to get any physical activities going, don’t forget to ensure they are COVID-secure.
Rocking around the bins
? ? “Boooooogie, boooogie, boogie round the bins at Christmas time.” ? ? That’s how three chirpy binmen in Wolverhampton have raised spirits during the lockdown and are even hoping for a Christmas No. 1.
Like so many keyworkers, they have continued working through this pandemic, and as well as performing an essential service have raised money for charity. Lego even recognised them, alongside Captain Tom and others, with personalised Lego figures. One of the striking elements of the story is the simplicity of their actions and the impact they had.
You don’t need your team singing at the photocopier or jigging with the stapler, but look out for ways to get a smile on their faces; because happy employees perform better at work. And as the singing binmen show, it’s also possible to get some great PR.
A healthy new year
With news of vaccines and improved treatments on the way, 2021 is already looking to be more healthy than 2020. Putting pandemics aside though, a health push within your company also comes with many benefits for you and your staff.
Offering a health element within your employee benefits package may be just what the doctor ordered. First of all, it is a highly desirable perk – health insurance has even been ranked the No. 1 benefit in some surveys (and that was before the pandemic). This means that it can help you attract and keep the best talent.
Access to extra medical care also means it’s easier to keep staff fit, healthy, happy and productive. It’s a good remedy for absenteeism and for improving workplace atmosphere.
If you have been put off by cost, know that health benefit offerings come in all shapes and sizes. There’s pretty much one for every budget, large or small, so we can find one that delivers value to you.
People planning for 2021
Figures from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) show that EU workers applying for UK jobs dropped by 99% in 2020. Obviously, coronavirus will have played a significant part; but BREXIT looms large. The EU labour pool traditionally drawn upon will not be so easily available once the new points-based immigration system is introduced.
Of course, there will be new opportunity too, so now is the time to be planning – many predict a skills shortage. Sectors of particular concern include manufacturing, logistics and construction.
If you are not up to speed with the new points-based immigration system, talk to us to find out how it works. There are sponsoring licenses which take several weeks to obtain. Another strategy to consider is upskilling your existing workforce to help meet your recruitment needs and skills gaps. There are a number of interesting avenues to consider here.
First, you could look at skills training to cover specific functions. There’s a huge range of training courses available, including many eLearning courses from The HR Dept.
Another option is to look at the government’s Apprenticeship Scheme. This is not just for taking on new recruits. You can actually use it to upskill and retrain your existing workforce. Many SMEs can have the majority of training and assessment costs paid by the government, and for new hires there are further financial incentives.
Another attractive option right now is the Kick Start Scheme, introduced to counter some of the economic impact of coronavirus. This sees the government pay national minimum/living wage for new job placements aged 16-24, for 25 hours per week for six months, as well as other employment costs. What a great way to introduce the necessary skills into your business!
For advice on your people planning in 2021, contact us.
Seasonal staffing
Christmas is a busy time in retail in the best of years. In 2020 though, recognising the pent-up demand following lockdowns, the government has allowed councils to temporarily relax opening hour restrictions for shops in England (up to 24-hour shopping). Shoppers get more opportunity to buy presents whilst adhering to social distancing. Businesses, meanwhile, have the chance to catch up on sales targets if they wish.
But despite the relaxation in one set of rules, note that working hour regulations still apply. This means that staff cannot work more than 48 hours a week on average unless they agree to opt out. One solution turned to each year to deal with extra demand is seasonal workers. If you do this, it is essential to have contracts in place for them when they start.
Although 24-hour shopping has not been announced in Scotland or Wales, it’s still important to review your Christmas staffing situation if you’re based in these areas.
National minimum wage to increase
A significant change to the national minimum wage (NMW) was announced in November: Next April, the full national living wage will become available to 23- and 24-year olds. Previously, it was only available to those aged 25 and older. The rate is increasing too, by 2.2% to £8.91 per hour.
For those aged 21 and 22 the NMW will go up to £8.36. For 18- and 20-year olds it will be £6.56 and for 16- and 17-year olds it will be £4.62. The apprentice rate rises to £4.30. While good news for low paid workers, ensure you budget for the increases to payroll from 1 April 2021.