Q
HR
It may be time to review and refresh your Employment Documents?
Over the last 12 months we’ve seen enormous changes to the world of work, and for most of us it has been extraordinarily challenging. Some organisations have coped well and have even been able to explore and create new opportunities, however, many have been trying to keep going in the face of adversity and sadly many haven’t made it through. Into 2021, we have renewed hope with the vaccination programme underway and gathering pace. Hopefully before too long we will see the impact of this and be able to start doing some of the things we used to again. There is a light at the end of this long tunnel and I’m certain there is a positive future to look forward to! Reflecting on the world of work over the last 12 months, and in particular the increase in remote working (mainly from home), there are many positives. Many organisations have now had time to reflect on what has worked well and what hasn’ and it’s probably a good time to review your employment documents (if you haven’t already), to see that they reflect current and new working arrangements.
WHAT TO THINK ABOUT The sorts of things I would advise thinking about are: • Whether your existing documents accurately reflect current and new working arrangements and requirements – particularly employment contracts and staff handbooks, employment policies, procedures and rules • Whether you need to amend, delete or introduce new documents • If you have staff working remotely, either temporarily or permanently, do you have sufficient guidance and information for them on working from home, including things like how they will be managed/ supervised, health and wellbeing, IT, data protection, risk assessments? • Whether staff need any other support to help them cope with the changes and challenges presented by the ongoing situation – line management is now probably more important than ever • How you communicate with staff remotely, to ensure they feel engaged and supported and are receiving timely information • Trying to introduce some fun and light-hearted communication where it’s appropriate CAN I HELP? I’ve worked with a number of clients over the last few years, helping them to get their ‘employment’ house in order! This has involved either reviewing and updating essential, basic employment documents or creating new ones for them to use. It’s not only important from an employment law perspective, but as important for organisations to engage 24