Workplace safety is paramount for any organisation as it safeguards the well-being of employees, but also contributes to a more efficient working environment. HR departments play an essential role in workplace safety in many different ways, including the following:

Developing and Implementing Safety Policies

HR professionals are instrumental in supporting implementing safety policies and procedures. The world of HR health and safety begins with creating a comprehensive policy that reflects the organisation’s commitment to the well-being of its employees. This should cover various aspects, for example, incident reporting, safety training, and emergency response. HR helps to ensure that these policies are not just followed, but effectively communicated throughout the organisation.

Training and Education

Many health and safety consulting services can help organisations facilitate training and education programs that cover all of the essential health and safety topics, such as emergency protocols, hazard identification, and so much more. HR departments can also outsource health and safety consulting services, or in the instances where an SME does not have an HR department, they can outsource to one.

Identifying Safety Risks

Health and safety professionals can identify safety risks within the workplace by conducting risk assessments and identifying potential hazards through regular workplace inspections. This will help pinpoint areas that demand attention, whether it’s ensuring fire extinguishers are working or addressing ergonomic issues that may result in injury. Health and safety covers so much, which is why the right health and safety consulting services should be front and centre of your people policy.

Employee Engagement

HR plays a critical role in fostering a culture of safety. This includes encouraging employees to actively participate in safety practices and safety committees, as well as the smaller, but just as essential, practices. HR can create platforms to allow employees to voice any concerns and ensure they are addressed properly for the sake of the organisation.

Incident Investigation

If there is a workplace accident or incident, HR health and safety support can be pivotal in gathering information, interviewing the associated parties, and analysing the root cause. Corrective actions should prevent any similar incidents in the future, which is why a robust investigation policy should be in place.

Complying With Regulations

Health and safety are ongoing lessons for businesses, and HR departments need to stay up to date with any health and safety changes in the rules and regulations to ensure the organisation avoids any legal ramifications and provides a safe working environment for everybody.

Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, HR will help to coordinate emergency response plans and evacuations, ensuring that employees know how to respond to various emergency scenarios to keep everybody safe. HR health and safety initiatives are essential to create a secure and productive workplace that remains efficient. Health and safety is not just about policies or training, but about a culture of safety. This is where HR companies can partner with health and safety consulting services so they can protect employees and contribute to a more effective working environment. If you feel that you need to make changes to your health and safety policy or you need some advice, you can contact Harwood HR Solutions today and we will help you.

Human Resources (HR) is an essential part of any organisation, and it can be a time-consuming and complex process. As businesses grow, the need for efficient HR management increases. Outsourcing certain HR tasks can help businesses save time and money while still providing quality services to employees. In this blog post, we’ll explore which HR tasks can be outsourced and the benefits of doing so.

The Benefits of Outsourcing HR Tasks

Outsourcing certain HR tasks can provide a number of benefits to businesses. First, it can help reduce costs associated with hiring and training new staff members. Additionally, outsourcing allows businesses to access specialised expertise that may not be available in-house. Finally, outsourcing can free up time for other important tasks such as developing strategies or managing projects.

Which Tasks Can Be Outsourced?

There are a variety of HR tasks that can be outsourced, including:

• Recruiting: Companies can outsource recruiting activities such as screening resumes, conducting interviews, and onboarding new hires.
• Payroll: Payroll processing is often outsourced to ensure accuracy and compliance with labour laws.
• Benefits Administration: Companies may outsource benefits administration activities such as enrolling employees in benefit plans or managing employee leave requests.
• Training & Development: Businesses may outsource training activities such as creating learning materials or delivering workshops to employees.
• Compliance: Companies may outsource compliance activities such as ensuring compliance with labour laws or monitoring safety regulations in the workplace.
• Performance Management: Performance management processes such as setting performance goals or conducting performance reviews may also be outsourced.

What to Consider When Outsourcing HR Tasks

When considering which HR tasks to outsource, there are a few key factors to consider:

• Cost: It’s important to compare the cost of outsourcing versus hiring an in-house team member for the task at hand.
• Expertise & Experience: It’s important to ensure that the company you choose has the necessary expertise and experience in the area you are outsourcing for best results.
• Security & Privacy: When outsourcing sensitive data such as payroll information or employee records, it’s important to ensure that your chosen provider has adequate security measures in place to protect this data from unauthorised access or misuse.
• Service Level Agreement (SLA): It’s important to have an SLA in place with your chosen provider outlining expectations for service delivery and response times for any issues that arise during the course of your agreement with them.

Outsourcing certain HR tasks can provide businesses with a number of benefits including cost savings, access to specialised expertise, and more time for other important activities within their organisation. When considering which tasks should be outsourced, it’s important to consider factors such as cost, expertise & experience, security & privacy measures, and service level agreements before making a decision on which provider is best suited for your needs

Harwood HR has a team of experts that can help your business with compliance. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help take your HR department to the next level.

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.

Know the length of time you may work without an employee contract

When you start a new job, it is important to have an employment contract in place.  In fact, it is now a legal requirement to provide an employment contract by no later than day one of employment. An employment contract outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the employer and employee and can help protect both parties in the event of a dispute. But what happens if you don’t have an employment contract?

The Risks of Not Having an Employment Contract

When you don’t have an employment contract, there are several risks that you may face. Firstly, without a written agreement in place, it can be difficult to prove the terms of your employment. This means that if there is ever a dispute between you and your employer, it will be difficult to prove what was agreed upon. Additionally, without an employment contract, your employer may be able to change your job duties or working conditions without consulting you first. This could leave you feeling powerless and vulnerable in your job. Finally, without a written agreement in place, it can be difficult for either party to terminate the employment relationship without facing legal consequences.

The Benefits of Having an Employment Contract

Having an employment contract in place can provide both employers and employees with peace of mind. For employers, having a written agreement helps ensure that employees understand their rights and responsibilities from the outset. It also helps protect employers from potential legal action should they need to terminate someone’s employment or make changes to their working conditions. For employees, having an employment contract provides clarity on their job duties and working conditions from day one. It also helps protect them from any potential changes made by their employer without consulting them first.

What You Can Do If You Don’t Have an Employment Contract

If you don’t have an employment contract when starting a new job, it is important to ask for one as soon as possible. If your employer refuses to provide one or does not respond to your request, then you must document any verbal agreements that were made regarding your job duties or working conditions. This will help protect both parties should there ever be a dispute down the line. Additionally, if possible try to get any changes made by your employer in writing so that there is proof of what was agreed upon should there ever be a disagreement later on down the line.

Have an Employment Contract In Place

Having an employment contract in place is essential for protecting both employers and employees alike when starting a new job. Without one in place, both parties may face risks such as difficulty proving any verbal agreements made or difficulty terminating the relationship without facing legal consequences later on down the line. Therefore both parties need to ensure they have all agreements documented properly before starting work together so that everyone knows where they stand should any disputes arise later on down the line.

At Harwood HR we are a reliable and experienced company that understands Employment Contracts Law and the importance of proper employment contracts. By having our experts draft and review these documents, both employers and employees can benefit from the peace of mind that comes with clearly stated agreements. Don’t leave your business at risk – trust Harwood HR to protect your interests and ensure a smooth working relationship.