Employee Management

Tracking performance, handling disputes, ensuring wellbeing – read our advice on staff management

Employee management can be challenging, and as a small business owner you probably don't have the same time or resources of a large employer to be as effective as you'd like. Yet it's essential to productivity that you track employee performance, offer training and know how to handle sensitive issues. Another key aspect is ensuring people are happy – this defines how well they work and how long they stay. Read our advice to help you develop crucial employee management skills.

Does Your SME Need a Lone Working Policy?

Does Your SME Need a Lone Working Policy?

— Read More — Does Your SME Need a Lone Working Policy?

Does Your SME Need a Lone Working Policy?

We explore why lone working policies are an important component of every SME's Health & Safety process, and how to go about writing one that's tailored to your employees

The Psychology Behind Leading a Successful Team

The Psychology Behind Leading a Successful Team

— Read More — The Psychology Behind Leading a Successful Team

The Psychology Behind Leading a Successful Team

Having reliable employees that work well together is crucial to the success of any SME. Here are ten actionable changes you can make to ensure your teams are efficient and motivated

Establishing a Social Media Policy for Your SME

Establishing a Social Media Policy for Your SME

— Read More — Establishing a Social Media Policy for Your SME

Establishing a Social Media Policy for Your SME

Here's why every SME should have a watertight social media policy, along with a four-step guide on how to create one that your employees will abide by

How to Build a Feedback Culture That Works

How to Build a Feedback Culture That Works

— Read More — How to Build a Feedback Culture That Works

How to Build a Feedback Culture That Works

CharlieHR's Rob O'Donovan explains how an effective feedback culture can transform working processes and talks us through the seven pillars of sharing constructive feedback

AI and Automation Technology for SMEs

AI and Automation Technology for SMEs

— Read More — AI and Automation Technology for SMEs

AI and Automation Technology for SMEs

Artificial intelligence and automation are transforming how large businesses operate, but they also offer huge opportunities for small businesses. Here's our guide

FedEx’s HR Approach: What Can Businesses Learn?

FedEx’s HR Approach: What Can Businesses Learn?

— Read More — FedEx’s HR Approach: What Can Businesses Learn?

FedEx’s HR Approach: What Can Businesses Learn?

HR is a function often overlooked in a business, particularly SMEs. Jonathan Richards of breatheHR explores what we can learn from FedEx's approach to HR

Simplifying HR: How to Make Work Less Complicated

Simplifying HR: How to Make Work Less Complicated

— Read More — Simplifying HR: How to Make Work Less Complicated

Simplifying HR: How to Make Work Less Complicated

A complex HR function can impair company performance and weaken employee morale. Here’s how to simplify it for the good of your business

How to Improve Staff Morale Cost-Effectively

How to Improve Staff Morale Cost-Effectively

— Read More — How to Improve Staff Morale Cost-Effectively

How to Improve Staff Morale Cost-Effectively

Evidence shows that happy employees are more productive and generate higher profits. But how can you improve staff morale on a small business budget?

What Could Replace Annual Appraisals?

What Could Replace Annual Appraisals?

— Read More — What Could Replace Annual Appraisals?

What Could Replace Annual Appraisals?

Companies are beginning to move away from annual appraisals towards continuous performance management. But what does this mean for employee pay and bonuses?

The Business Case for Flexible Working

The Business Case for Flexible Working

— Read More — The Business Case for Flexible Working

The Business Case for Flexible Working

Many employers are wary of flexible working, but it presents far more opportunities than threats. So, why and how should you implement it in your business?

Employee Wellbeing: How to Keep Your Staff Healthy

Employee Wellbeing: How to Keep Your Staff Healthy

— Read More — Employee Wellbeing: How to Keep Your Staff Healthy

Employee Wellbeing: How to Keep Your Staff Healthy

Looking after the health of your employees can deliver tangible benefits to your business, but what steps can you take to improve employee wellbeing?

Shared Parental Leave: a Guide for Employers

Shared Parental Leave: a Guide for Employers

— Read More — Shared Parental Leave: a Guide for Employers

Shared Parental Leave: a Guide for Employers

The UK government introduced shared parental leave in 2015, offering parents a more flexible childcare arrangement. But what does it all mean for employers?

Tackling Changes to Reporting Lines

Tackling Changes to Reporting Lines

— Read More — Tackling Changes to Reporting Lines

Tackling Changes to Reporting Lines

With more and more businesses changing their reporting lines, how can you avoid employee conflict when you change your business structure?

Probationary Periods: What Employers Need to Know

Probationary Periods: What Employers Need to Know

— Read More — Probationary Periods: What Employers Need to Know

Probationary Periods: What Employers Need to Know

Probationary periods can protect employers when a new employee doesn’t make the grade. But how can an employer implement one effectively and responsibly?

Apprenticeships: Learn From England's Last Master Cooper

Apprenticeships: Learn From England's Last Master Cooper

— Read More — Apprenticeships: Learn From England's Last Master Cooper

Apprenticeships: Learn From England's Last Master Cooper

What your business can learn from this inspiring story of how a niche business found the perfect apprentice.

Why Apprenticeships are Great News for Small Businesses

Why Apprenticeships are Great News for Small Businesses

— Read More — Why Apprenticeships are Great News for Small Businesses

Why Apprenticeships are Great News for Small Businesses

Savvy SMEs know apprenticeships benefit their employees and business growth. From funded training to low employment costs, here's the lowdown.

5 Ways for Small Businesses to Keep Staff Happy

5 Ways for Small Businesses to Keep Staff Happy

— Read More — 5 Ways for Small Businesses to Keep Staff Happy

5 Ways for Small Businesses to Keep Staff Happy

Employee engagement experts, Best Companies, provide advice on the ways SMEs can build a loyal workforce

Motivating Employees to Achieve Business Goals

Motivating Employees to Achieve Business Goals

— Read More — Motivating Employees to Achieve Business Goals

Motivating Employees to Achieve Business Goals

Inspiring a motivated workforce improves productivity, brand reputation and staff retention. Read our tips for enhancing your employee engagement strategy

An Employee's Not Just for Christmas

An Employee's Not Just for Christmas

— Read More — An Employee's Not Just for Christmas

An Employee's Not Just for Christmas

Staff satisfaction and retention should be of concern for employers all year round. Perkbox shares why and how to reward your workforce to keep them happy

5 Tips for Surviving the Office Christmas Party

5 Tips for Surviving the Office Christmas Party

— Read More — 5 Tips for Surviving the Office Christmas Party

5 Tips for Surviving the Office Christmas Party

With the festive season upon us, we've got the ultimate guide to surviving the office Christmas party, and avoiding disciplinary or legal action.