First published on Thursday, January 8, 2026
Last updated on Thursday, January 8, 2026
Welcome to the first HR Heartbeat of 2026, where we take a look at the week’s most pressing HR and employment law stories. With over 18 years’ experience in employee relations, I'm giving my take on current trends impacting your business, as well as my own personal commentary on all things HR and legal.
What has 2026 got in store for small businesses?
The new year brings a chance to not only reflect but prepare for what’s ahead. 2025 brought with it a new level of employment law chaos. With the Employment Rights Act 2025 finally receiving approval at the 11th hour, 2026 is the year when businesses will have to get their ducks in a row.
So how can a small business owner prepare for what’s ahead? First of all, get familiar with the confirmed changes coming this April, later in October, and then throughout 2027. A great place to start is by diving into our Employment Rights Act 2025 Guide for business owners. It breaks down all the coming changes, with expert tips on how to prepare.
And you don’t have to do it alone. BrightHR’s integrated HR systems, comprehensive documentation and 24/7 expert advice will help you navigate even the most complex compliance challenges.
Weathering the ice and storms
Icy weather has been hitting the headlines this January, with the first storm of the year, Storm Goretti, hitting the UK this week.
Snow, ice, and wind are bringing school and travel chaos, plus spikes in last-minute absences, and lateness. These can disrupt your business operations if you aren’t adequately prepared, so, what’s the best way to handle this as a business owner?
I know it can be tricky as it’s not the kind of weather we get very often. However, it’s important that your employees know what your procedures are when this happens, and ideally before it happens. You can do this by introducing a severe weather policy – and luckily, you can get a free template here. A severe weather policy ensures your staff are aware of their responsibilities, as well as yours, whenever adverse weather conditions arise.
Work-related stress on the rise
January is known as the time of year when mental health takes a dive. We all know about Blue Monday… But it often goes further than the winter season.
Stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 52% of work-related ill health in 2024/25 according to the Health and Safety Executive, and the number of cases has grown since the prior year. Now, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has warned that work-related stress crisis could hit workplaces.
It’s important that you look after your employees' mental health and wellbeing, and there are plenty of ways to do that. I always advise investing in an Employee Assistant Programme (EAP), devising proactive policies, crafting meaningful wellbeing strategies, and building an open culture where employees aren’t working under stressful conditions.
Our EAP is available 24/7 for employees, as well as their families. And if your staff are worried about confidentiality, reassure them it all remains completely confidential, so the employer doesn’t know who has accessed the service.
And that’s a wrap from me. Tune in next time for my take on the latest headlines and employment law stories, helping keep your business ahead!
