Here,
we’re going to take a look at a few HR horror stories from the summer months,
and explain how you can avoid the fallout in your business.
A key member of staff gets stuck in a
foreign country
Millions
of British holidaymakers fly out to sunnier climes every summer, and most
journeys are without any glitches. But what would happen if your member of
staff got stuck in a different country due to a cancelled flight, and they’re
due to meet a very important client or deliver a big presentation? Back in
2010, the ash cloud from a volcanic eruption in Iceland caused massive travel
chaos.
The
reality here is that if a similar situation struck, there’s very little that
you can do about it. The key is making sure that you’re not putting your
business in a situation whereby one member of staff is irreplaceable. There
should always be someone who can step up and make sure that the job still gets
done.
You see a ‘sick’ member of staff
enjoying a holiday on social media
You
think that your employee is absent due to illness. But then you see them tagged
in a photo on Facebook, looking very well and enjoying some beach time in an
exotic resort. What do you do next? Well first of all, it’s wise to resist
jumping to conclusions. The picture could have been taken a long time ago, and
you might have simply got the wrong end of the stick.
If
you suspect though that your policies aren’t being adhered to, then it’s vital
that you follow your own rules and investigate the situation before making a
decision about the best course of action. This is why having robust and up to
date policies is absolutely essential.
Productivity drops through the floor,
and targets aren’t being met
Many
workplaces face a productivity slump over the summer season. Staff are out of
the office, looking forward to holidays, and their social lives might step up a
level while they enjoy beer gardens and barbecues and festivals. It’s normal
for output levels to vary depending on the time of the year, but you can’t just
let the situation continue.
As
we head towards the end of the summer season, it’s a great time to consider how
you’ll ensure that your business and your staff are fully prepared for a big
push towards achieving your goals in the final quarter.
Maybe you have an HR horror story of your own that you know you
need to deal with before it spirals out of control? We can help you at The
Human Resource. Get in touch today on 07884 475303 to arrange a no-obligation
consultation, and we can discuss how we might be able to work together to
overcome your people management challenges.