Summer brings sunshine, longer days, and… the annual scramble for employee holiday time. At this time of year, some employees may be planning adventures abroad, while others will seek relaxation closer to home. But how can you ensure your business keeps running smoothly while your team enjoys some well-deserved rest and relaxation? Here are some tips:
Planning is Key: Embrace the Power of Policies and Transparency
- Clear Leave Policy: A well-defined leave policy is your foundation. Outline procedures for requesting time off, deadlines for submission (consider setting an earlier deadline for summer months) and any blackout periods (if applicable).
- Transparency is Key: Share a company calendar where employees can see planned holidays and deadlines. Consider using shared leave management software to give employees real-time updates on their remaining leave allowance and avoid last-minute surprises.
Fairness and Flexibility: Striking the Right Balance
- First-Come, First-Served with Flexibility: While a first-come, first-served approach ensures fairness, consider offering some flexibility for urgent requests or situations requiring team collaboration. Open communication is key here.
- Part-Time Options: For roles that require consistent staffing, explore offering part-time leave options to spread out absences and minimise disruption.
Staffing Solutions for Peak Periods
- Cross-Training: Invest in cross-training programs. Empowering employees with skills beyond their immediate roles allows for smoother coverage during peak leave periods.
- Temporary Staff: Consider utilising temporary staffing agencies to fill short-term gaps, especially for administrative or customer service roles.
Remember, Happy Employees are Productive Employees
- Promote Work-Life Balance: Summer is a time for rejuvenation. Encourage employees to truly disconnect while on leave. This leads to a more focused and productive workforce upon their return. According to Timetastic, in 2023, just under 61% of UK workers didn’t take all of their annual leave, which highlights the importance of actively encouraging employees to use their allocated time off.
- Stress and Sick Leave: A 2023 study by the Chartered Institute for Professional Development found that UK employees were absent for an average of 7.8 days over the past year, with stress playing a significant role. Promoting healthy leave usage can help reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing, which is good for business.
Navigating the Numbers: The Role of Finance Teams
Summer leave can have a significant impact on finance teams. With potential staff shortages and disruptions to regular workflows, ensuring smooth financial operations becomes even more crucial. Here’s how finance teams can leverage their systems to navigate the summer:
- Early Planning and Visibility: Finance teams should work closely with HR to get a clear picture of staff leave schedules well in advance. Utilise financial management software with robust reporting tools to identify potential workload peaks and areas that might require additional support.
- Automation is Your Ally: Automate as many routine tasks as possible. This could involve setting up automated payments, generating reports and scheduling recurring tasks. This frees up valuable time for finance team members to focus on more complex tasks and minimise disruptions caused by staff absences.
- Cross-Training Considerations: While cross-training benefits all departments, it’s particularly valuable for finance teams. Consider training key personnel on essential tasks like accounts payable and receivable to ensure coverage during peak leave periods.
With all of these tips, you can ensure a smooth-sailing summer for your business while allowing your employees to recharge and return refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges. Remember, a happy and well-rested team is a productive one!