First published on Thursday, March 2, 2023
Last updated on Thursday, March 2, 2023
Thieving staff on the rise, 4-day working week trial results, and endometriosis. Read this week’s HR Heartbeat for your headlines in a hurry.
Have you heard the latest news?
Welcome to HR Heartbeat, where we give you a rundown of the week's top employment law stories. Stay on the pulse of current trends impacting your business. Plus get up-to-the-minute commentaries on all things HR and legal.
So, let’s check out this week’s headlines…
The four-day week trial results are in…
Following last year’s four-day week trial, a whopping 92% of participating employers have confirmed they will continue with a shorter working week whilst maintaining 100% pay for employees.
The companies involved have said they’ve seen multiple staff benefits like reduced burnout, anxiety, fatigue, and even less absence! And lots of employers are choosing to extend the trial to find out if it really works for their business beyond the trial.
But not all businesses suit this pattern of work or can afford to put it in place. If you’re one of them—don’t worry! Even when your team is on the clock 5 or more days a week—there are lots of other ways you can boost your employee’s wellbeing and reduce staff absence.
Endometriosis Action Month
March is Endometriosis Action Month. The month is dedicated to raising awareness for the condition and stopping your staff from suffering in silence. It’s important to brush up on your rights and responsibilities as an employer and get accurate sick leave advice so you can support your team effectively.
Staff stealing on the rise
Staff stealing is on the rise. And no, we’re not talking about your competitors pinching your best people. We’re talking theft.
Compared to last year the number of employees who have stolen items from work has risen by 1,000 more cases.
If your stock starts to go missing, you’ll need to have the right disciplinary procedures to avoid a messy disagreement with your staff.
Is theft a type of gross misconduct? Find out what to do if you catch your staff stealing at work.
Can being paid weekly save your staff money?
Over three quarters of the UK workforce are paid monthly, but some believe that a change to weekly pay might help them scrimp, save, and budget better in the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Employers may wish to switch to support their employee’s financial wellbeing. But before you go messing with your team’s T&Cs, get instant HR advice by asking BrightHR Lightning.
Can I change my employee’s terms and conditions? Ask BrightHR Lightning.
Women work for free
Did you know the average woman works the first 54 days of the year for free? That’s nearly 2 months! With International Women’s Day a week away, it’s important to address the pay gap that could be disengaging your female staff. Disengaged staff will affect your team and your performance, so learn more about gender equality in the workplace and how you can help to bridge the gap.
And that’s a wrap. Tune in next week for more headlines and make sure you stay ahead of major employment law changes!
