Month: September 2023

In today’s business world, health and safety have become critical priorities for companies of all sizes. Ensuring the safety and well-being of employees is a legal and moral obligation that can secure a company’s reputation and be a vital contributor to its success. And that’s where outsourced HR comes into play. HR health and safety support services can help businesses create comprehensive health and safety policies and training programmes to ensure the well-being of employees. It is important to have a robust HR health and safety programme in place to minimise workplace accidents and preventable illnesses. HR and management teams can help promote health and well-being theories that directly impact the state of mental health. In this blog post, we will explore how HR plays an important role in ensuring health and safety in the workplace.

Creating a Safe Work Environment

One of the primary roles of HR health and safety support services is to create a safe working environment. HR professionals work closely with management teams to establish policies and practices that help prevent workplace accidents and injuries. For instance, HR can provide support in conducting safety audits and inspections, identifying hazardous areas, and developing emergency response plans. These measures are necessary to prevent employees from getting hurt on the job.

Providing Adequate Training

Providing adequate training is another essential element of an effective HR health and safety programme. HR support services can help businesses create training programmes that cover a wide range of health and safety topics, such as accident prevention, first aid procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE), and ergonomic best practices. These training programmes aim to educate employees on the importance of health and safety and how to avoid potential hazards in the workplace.

Complying with Health and Safety Regulations

The broadest health and safety regulation is the Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) 1974 in which employers are obliged to ensure, as far as is feasible, the health, safety and welfare of their employees at work. This establishes a ‘duty of care’ that all employers have. One way in which a business can support employers in the duty of care is an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). These beneficial support services cover many topics that may otherwise damage an employee’s health and wellbeing such as debt counselling, stress therapy or bereavement.

EAPs offer employees a confidential support service where they can access mental health and emotional support, amongst other things. EAP services are designed to support employees who may be struggling with personal challenges that may affect their health and safety in the workplace. HR professionals can help businesses understand these regulations and implement appropriate policies and practices to comply with them.

Supporting Health and Safety Initiatives

Such HR services provide ongoing support in the implementation of health and safety policies and initiatives. These initiatives can include promoting healthy work practices, such as proper nutrition and exercise, monitoring employee health, and providing access to counselling and other mental health resources when needed. HR professionals can work closely with management teams to create a culture of health and safety in the workplace. HR support also provides safety training that educates employees on the best practices when it comes to workplace safety. Employees are taught how to stay safe in their work environment and how to identify the signs of a potential threat to their health and safety.

Reducing the Risk of Legal Liability

A critical role of HR is conducting risk assessments in the workplace. HR monitors potential safety hazards and identifies areas of risk. They conduct risk assessments to determine any risks that employees may encounter while fulfilling their job responsibilities and suggest changes to how tasks are carried out to minimise these risks. Implementing a robust HR health and safety support service can significantly reduce the risk of legal liability for a business. If an employee is injured or becomes ill as a result of a workplace hazard, the business may be held responsible. However, with proper training and policies in place, a business can minimise the risk of accidents or illnesses occurring, which can, in turn, reduce the risk of legal liability.

Develop and Implement Safety Policies

Developing and implementing safety policies and procedures that are aligned with the relevant health and safety legislation ensures that your organisation complies with its duties. HR also works with teams across the organisation to ensure that safety policies are understood, well-communicated, and effectively enforced.

Facilitates Communication and Support

HR plays a vital role in creating an open and supportive culture in the workplace. They need to facilitate communication and support both amongst employees and between employees and HR. Employees need to feel comfortable coming forward with any concerns they have regarding their health and safety, and HR needs to be responsive to these concerns. A culture of open communication and support helps employees feel heard and understood and ensures that any problems are addressed promptly and adequately.

How To Take Care of Workplace Health and Safety For Your Business?

Health and safety support services are crucial to any business, regardless of size or structure. Outsourcing HR health and safety support services creates a safe and healthy work environment for employees by providing adequate training, complying with relevant regulations, supporting initiatives, and reducing the risk of legal liability. Having a strong HR health and safety programme in place is critical for the well-being of employees and the success of any business.  So, if you are a business owner, make sure to invest in your HR health and safety programme with Harwood HR Solutions today to ensure a safe and secure work environment for your employees.

As a business owner, you have enough on your plate—from meeting client demands to handling administrative duties and managing finances. The last thing any business owner wants to add to your list is dealing with human resource management challenges. Small and medium-sized businesses often lack the resources to have an entire HR department. This is why it may make sense to hire an HR consultant like Harwood HR Solutions. An HR consultant is a professional who helps businesses with everything from hiring and developing employees to developing benefit packages and creating employment policies. But, before you jump into hiring an HR services firm, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of outsourcing HR services. Let’s explore the reasons why hiring an HR consultant might be beneficial for your business.

Increased Compliance and Legal Protection

A qualified HR consultant has the knowledge and experience to handle complex HR issues. They can provide guidance and advice on a variety of topics such as employment laws, employee relations, recruitment, and training. Their expertise can help you make informed decisions in all legal aspects that will benefit your business in the long run.

Mitigate Risk

Employment laws and regulations are constantly changing. Failing to comply can result in tribunal claims, fines, and costly penalties. An HR consultant can ensure that your business is following all legal requirements and avoid any potential legal troubles. Additionally, they can mitigate risk by creating policies and procedures that reduce the likelihood of disputes or grievances.

Cost-effective and Saves Time  

Outsourced HR services can save your company valuable time and money. You only pay for the services you need when you need them, such as onboarding, training, or employee relations. By handling redundant HR tasks, such as administration, employee benefits, and regulatory compliance, your staff can focus on core business processes that are essential for growth and profitability. An HR consultant will ensure that your business is running smoothly, so you can focus on growing your business. This can also reduce the need for a full-time HR professional, which can save you a considerable amount in payroll expenses. 

Performance Management At Work

Performance Management is a strategy that focuses on identifying areas of employee improvement and recognizing their strengths. By outsourcing HR services to a consultant, your business can get an expert perspective on performance management. HR consultants possess the knowledge to identify what strategies work and what do not, which will enable your business to implement optimal practices. A consultant will work with your company to create tailor-made performance management plans that fit your requirements and ensure that your employees reach their full potential.

Improve Employee Relations

A dedicated HR consultant can help improve employee relations through effective communication, training, and support. They can work with you to create a positive corporate culture that values feedback, recognition, and growth. This can lead to increased employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity.

Customised Training and Development

Employee training and development policies are essential, but many small to medium-sized businesses neglect them due to a lack of expertise and resources. However, outsourcing HR services to a consultant can help your company obtain these services cost-effectively. A consultant can identify skill gaps, create tailor-made training programs, and provide ongoing support to ensure that your employees grow professionally. Your business can save time, offset costs, and learn best practices for managing employee development.

Advising on the Recruitment Process

Recruitment is one of the most crucial aspects of any business. The process of sourcing, screening, and selecting candidates who fit your organisation’s culture and requirements is essential to your growth. Having a trusted advisor can help in making sure this runs smoothly. An HR consultant can advise on the process of onboarding your new team member to help you make sure the process is well-structured and legally compliant

Flexibility and Scalability

Your business needs will change, and your HR services should change accordingly. Whether you’re hiring for the first time or expanding your workforce, outsourcing to an HR consultant can provide the flexibility you need to adapt to any situation. Unlike in-house HR staff, HR services can be scaled up or down depending on your requirements. They can provide customised solutions that fit your unique requirements, whether it is recruiting new employees, conducting performance evaluations, or implementing employee engagement initiatives.

Should You Hire a Human Resource Consultant or Not?

In conclusion, outsourcing HR services to an HR consultant can provide many benefits for your business. From increased legal protection and flexibility to the ability to focus on core business functions, there are many compelling reasons why you should consider outsourcing your HR needs. By doing so, you can free up valuable resources, streamline HR processes, and gain access to technology and expertise that can help your business thrive. However, before you engage any HR services firm, it is vital to evaluate what you need, your budget, and your goals to ensure that the consultant fits your requirements. To find out how Harwood HR can help your business, contact us today.