HR: Summer Challenges for Employers
Officially, summer began this past Monday- June 21st. For most, the start of summer is a time for family trips, barbecues and the pool/beach. For employers and HR managers, it can be a season of challenges. Dealing with vacation requests, lean staff, sick days and summer fashions in the workplace can all cause HR headaches if not proactively addressed.
So what should employers/managers do to ensure the summer months continue to be a productive and compliant time for their business? The following are a few tips for employers:
Sick Days - Perfect beach weather seems to bring an increase of sick days for employees during the summer months. Employers should evaluate their sick day policy and consider such questions as: What documentation will you require for employees for sick days? Will employees be paid for holidays if they are absent the day before or after? Having a sound policy and enforcing it in a consistent manner is key in dealing with these challenges
Vacation Requests -To avoid lean staffs and a dip in productivity during the summer months, it's important for employers to proactively manage their summer vacation requests. Policies should clearly state that vacation requests are required to be submitted and approved by management in advance.
Dress Codes - Summer typically brings more revealing fashions to the workplace. Many employers relax their dress codes during the warm weather months. Regardless of the dress code established, it's important for employers to outline their company policy and to clearly communicate the violations and consequences to all employees. Anti- harassment and employee conduct rules should also be reviewed and communicated to employees.
No matter if you're a small or large business, communicating what employees can expect from you and what you expect from them can be critical to the success of any organization. Creating and keeping an up to date employee handbook can help clearly communicate company policy and procedures to employees.