Preparing for the Year Ahead

As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time for SME business owners to reflect, reset, and plan for the months ahead. At P2HR, we understand the unique challenges SMEs face, and we’re here to support you in creating a strong foundation for your business’s growth and success.

Here are five key people areas to focus on as you prepare for the year ahead:

1. Audit your current policies and procedures

An annual review of your HR policies and procedures is essential to ensure compliance with the latest legislation. Address any gaps or outdated practices to reduce risks and maintain a legally compliant and supportive workplace.

Quick Tip: Create a checklist of core HR and health and safety protocols. At P2HR, we carry out an annual review for a lot of our clients so if you're unsure about compliance, consider an external HR audit for peace of mind.

2. Revisit Your Workforce Plan

Take a proactive approach to workforce planning by analysing your current and future needs. Do you anticipate growth, requiring new hires? Are there skills gaps that need addressing? Having a clear plan helps you align your team with your business goals.

Quick Tip: Use tools like skills matrices and performance reviews to assess your team’s strengths and areas for development. In our experience, succession planning is key but important not to promise everyone promotions.

3. Focus on Employee Wellbeing and Engagement

Happy and engaged employees are the backbone of any successful business. Start the year by prioritising wellbeing initiatives and build on this for the remainder of the year. Whether it’s introducing flexible working arrangements, mental health support, or team-building activities, fostering a positive workplace culture leads to increased productivity and retention.

Quick Tip: Conduct an anonymous employee survey to gauge morale and identify areas for improvement. If you want to assess this as a standalone piece, Survey Monkey is commonly used; if however, you would prefer a ‘full-blown’ employee survey, please get in touch as we can help.

4. Invest in Learning and Development

Upskilling your team is crucial for staying competitive. Identify training opportunities that align with both employee aspirations and business objectives. A well-trained team is more adaptable and capable of tackling new challenges.

Quick Tip: Set up a professional development budget and encourage employees to take ownership of their growth by proposing training opportunities that interest them. If your managers have fallen into management and have not been formally trained, you may want to consider a line manager training programme for them.  Based on feedback from managers we have trained, they have found this invaluable and given them to the tools to do their jobs.  Please contact us to talk through your options.

5. Prepare for Uncertainty

The past few years have shown us the importance of resilience and adaptability. Whether it’s economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, or unforeseen crises, having a contingency plan can make all the difference.

Quick Tip: Develop or update your business continuity plan, including clear communication strategies for your team during times of change.

Partner with P2HR for Expert Support

At P2HR, we specialise in helping SMEs navigate the complexities of HR, offering tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. Whether you need support with compliance, workforce planning, or employee engagement, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s make this year a success together. Contact us today to find out how we can help your business thrive.