HR Planning 2021: what your HR team need to know

Many HR teams across the UK this month are putting together their most difficult yearly plan ever… a strategy for 2021.

In this short planning guide, we’ll cover what we’ve learnt from last year, what the top companies are doing differently, and how HR teams can give themselves room for success this year.

Let’s start with a statement which many believe has been accelerated by 10 years due to the pandemic:

“Working from home isn’t going away”.

Even when the vaccine rollout is complete and we go back to some sort of ‘normal’ - WFH will remain an option at top companies in order for them to attract and retain the best talent.

2021 is the year that HR teams need to take home working issues more serious than ever before - but what should your HR team be planning for?

Company wellbeing

Company wellbeing sounds like an obvious initiative given the impact the pandemic is having on our teams. Numerous lockdowns and ever-changing restrictions are affecting individuals and their families mental wellbeing in a range of different ways.

However, not enough companies are planning company wellbeing effectively, and this means HR teams are having to be reactive instead of proactive.

To mitigate this risk and show your colleagues that the business cares for their wellbeing, you might want to consider planning in monthly wellbeing meetings for everyone at the organisation to attend. Bringing in a partner like Red Umbrella to help run these sessions taking the pressure of the HR team.

Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA)

HR has been taking on much of the burden for company wellbeing themselves in 2020 - often at a cost of not being as proactive in other areas.

It’s time to use your MHFA staff effectively. Here are some tips on how this can be achieved in 2021:

• Plan in biweekly meetings to hold them accountable for their role.
• Ensure they’re working together.
• Give them access to support platforms to track this highly important work.
• Show them you care - and in return, they’ll care for their colleagues.

If you’re yet to train internal Mental Health First Aiders - learn more about it here.

Avoid the Hobby Therapist

Don’t fall into the trap of becoming a hobby therapist - that one person in your organisation who tries to take on the most complex of wellbeing issues without the expertise. It’s not HR’s job. Sometimes the issue is too big for an MHFA and at this point, it’s time to bring in professional help.

Utilise a pay as you go platform such as Care Coins so you’re only spending your budget when your colleagues really need the help.

Recap

This is the year for HR teams to think smarter about how they’re spending their time and avoid taking on tasks which, handled by someone else, would be better for the wellbeing of the company. In short - don’t try to do everything.

• Plan in monthly company updates and bring in a wellbeing partner to support.
• Give your MHFA’s the support and motivation they need to do their job, so you don’t have to.
• Avoid taking on specialist issues when an expert is needed.

Top companies are investing the savings made on office space, travel, and expensive meeting rooms into services like these to support their most valuable resource - their staff.