A is for ACAS – HR A-Z

I can’t tell you how many conversations I have with businesses about people management problems that make my hair stand on end! They usually start with something like “we’ve got this member of staff….” and following some probing establish that a long-standing problem hasn’t been addressed, it’s festered and become a major issue, management have got to the end of their tether and taken action. It then emerges that they’ve taken action prompted by their frustration and without taking to trouble to consider the consequences of their actions. So a couple of thoughts: (1) Don’t take action when you’re feeling angry, desperate or frustrated (2) Refer to policies and procedures before acting (3) Check that you’re approaching things in the right way. And by far the best way for any small business to do this unless you have a legal service available to you is to check with ACAS. Keep the ACAS Helpline number permanently pinned to your notice board as a constant reminder to check first, then act.