When you are starting up a new company, there is a lot to consider. You will start by setting things in motion and registering your business. Things get exciting after that, and you can start thinking about hiring employees and renting office space. However, it is important to think about the rules and regulations regarding employees in the workplace. How will this affect your company in its early days of trading and beyond? Here are a few pointers to get you started on the right track.
Building an excellent level of communication and rapport with employees can be tricky to start off with. If you know what you are doing, there are a few simple tips and tricks that can help you get your staff on side from the start though.
Providing a safe and secure workplace for your employees is a good place to start. Compensation lawyers may be involved if your staff suffer any workplace-related accidents. They want to feel safe in their surroundings and as their employer, this is your responsibility.
You should ensure that the entire building is up to scratch. There should be a clear and concise plan of action in the event of a fire. Ensure that you have an alarm system, fire extinguishers and exit signs clearly marked and that everyone knows where they are located. It can be handy to draw up a manual with all of this information and give it to every employee. Ensure that they have five minutes at their desk to read it and that it can be kept to hand. Think about having a sprinkler system installed if your offices are large. You should also ensure that there is easy access to a medical kit at all times and that it is always stocked with enough supplies for every staff member. That will be crucial in the event of an accident.
Keeping your workplace, and yourself open to discussion is another key factor. Your staff should feel comfortable to approach you with any problems or concerns that they might have. This will ensure that you are the first to know about any potentially damaging or dangerous situations, and they can be dealt with asap. As their employer, your staff will look to you for advice and guidance. Lead by example and show them that you are capable of living up to the high workplace standards that you set.
This is reflected in work uniforms. As the company director, you should always arrive to work looking smart and tidy. Encourage the use of a basic staff uniform or dress code. That helps to keep things looking neat and tidy and will also give your company an added air of professionalism to it.
Building checks and health and safety checks should be carried out in the entire office space and in any areas that staff have access to. That includes office equipment, parking lots, and stock rooms. If you fine tune the elements of safety during the early days of your companies activity, then you are safeguarding it for the future.