Adverse weather – were you prepared?
With the recent artic weather causing travel disruptions across the country – did it cause disruptions for your business too with people not knowing what to do?
If so, now is a good opportunity to refer back to any polices you’ve got relating to Adverse Weather Conditions, to make sure they’re up to date and that everyone is clear on what the process is for getting into work (or not as the case was for many last week!)
This, and other travel disruptions such as rail strikes, are covered in our Employee Handbook. If you have one, do check it contains up to date guidance as your business needs may have changed.
If you don’t have an Adverse Weather policy, get in touch with Mint today to get the (snow)ball rolling. Email tracy@mint-hr.com
Does salary sacrifice mean you’re paying below National Minimum Wage?
Salary sacrifice schemes are a common cause of NMW underpayments as it’s the reduced pay they receive that the calculations are based on.
Therefore, If you operate a salary sacrifice scheme in exchange for some form of benefit, you need to check this doesn’t take workers’ pay below NWM for each pay reference period.
If the reduced contractual pay takes workers rates below National Minimum Wage rates, your workers will be underpaid and you could be charged.
Is it time to review your performance reviews?
Are you guilty of never getting round to holding 121s/appraisal meetings with your team members? Or, if you do, treating it as a box-ticking exercise only?
If so, you’re missing a huge opportunity to engage and inspire your people as well as discover and remedy any productivity or workplace relationships concerns.
Job satisfaction, career development opportunities and appreciation are some of the top reasons people stay with an employer. So, if you want to retain your team, you have to foster open communication.
Tips for effective performance reviews:
✅ Set clear objectives: Define the purpose of the meeting and what you aim to achieve
✅ Prepare in advance: Gather necessary information and encourage employees to do the same
✅ Active listening: Focus on understanding the employee’s perspective and provide constructive feedback
✅ Consistency: Hold meetings regularly to maintain momentum and trust
✅ Follow-up: Ensure action are tracked and revisited in future meetings
Mint HR can help you get your performance reviews performing better for you. From helping you create a bespoke process for your company and training line managers to coming onsite and attending the reviews with you.
To discuss, email tracy@mint-hr.com
AI in the workplace
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is well and truly here.
Businesses are already on board with using AI to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve understanding of customer behaviours and market trends.
However, it’s crucial to address the many ethical concerns and ensure transparency among employees and customers – and now is the time ask questions (do you even know if team members are using AI for their job right now?) and get an AI Policy in place to regulate AI usage in your company.
Please read our article ‘Happy New Year’ which features a recent article our Director Tracy Carpenter wrote on this subject for the Yorkshire Post.
