When starting your own small business, it is unlikely that you will take staff on straight away. You’re testing the waters and working out whether your brand could work. Most of the time you will start out online, as this is a simpler and more cost effective way to start out. However, if things do take off and your company starts to expand, you’re more likely to take on the responsibility of opening up a brick and mortar business and becoming an employer. There are so many benefits to having your own staff. The workload can be spread across numerous individuals, taking pressure off your shoulders and allowing you to focus on more executive decisions like developing new stock and services. But an important thing to remember is that by becoming an employer, you take on all sorts of new responsibilities in regards to your employees. Here are a few for you to bear in mind to keep a content and happy staff base.
Health and Safety
Safety first! Your top priority as soon as you take on staff should be their health, safety, and wellbeing. This involves so many more aspects than you might initially consider. But it’s worth putting in the time and effort to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Not only will it encourage loyalty and a better work ethic among your staff base, but it will also help to reduce the number of days that are taken off sick and potential claims being taken out against you down the line. A good place to start is ensuring that the workplace is a risk and hazard free space. This means making sure that it is devoid of trip hazards (this can be loose carpets, rugs or uneven floors), electrical hazards (there should be no exposed wiring or wires trailing across the floors), or chemical hazards (this means ensuring that cleaning products are locked away when not in use). You should also take note of less obvious dangers. Invest in ergonomically designed seating, desks, and computer equipment. This reduces the chances of your staff developing repetitive strain injuries. These aren’t immediately apparent but can have health repercussions as the year’s pass. Check out Work Active for some effectively designed office furniture. This will help to prevent any harm coming to your employees. A final note: you should fully train all staff in your store health and safety procedure before they begin. This can include fire procedures, using the correct signage to indicate wet floors and basic first aid.
Contracts
You will need to draw up contracts for each member of staff that you employ. This ensures that everyone is aware of their job roles, expectations and various other important factors like their wage, holiday pay, sick pay, and maternity or paternity leave. Once you and your staff have signed the contract, it indicates that you are in agreement regarding the terms of their employment. Remember to update this each time their job role changes or they receive a promotion of some sort.
