Employment Risk N1 Employment Risk

Employment Risk N1

Employment risk factors in the UK have proved to be a difficult question for consultants and employers alike. The reason for this is that employment regulations have increasingly changed to accommodate possible difficulties that might be encountered by employees. Employers are however seldom well prepared for the variety of employment risks that can result from such regulations. These employment risks can also prevent a company from achieving its goals, as employers and employees alike are distracted by elements such as law suits and employment claims. Improving a mutual understanding between employers and employees then is the aspect that I would want a consultant to address.

Aspects related to the above include improvements that can help reduce the risks faced by employers, and refocus the attention on company improvement. Thus, rather than facing problems resulting from existing policies, new policies and practices can be put in place in order to reduce such risks, and to increase both employers' and employees' understanding of the policies and issues involved. Training for example can focus employees' attention on company protocol and the need to face problems by means of teamwork rather than law suits. Formal policies for dealing with risk factors can also be put in place by management, as well as improved means for risk assessment.

The last-mentioned aspect above especially deserve attention. Employment risk has always been part of business. Yet this is an area receiving little attention. This is then also the area where businesses are most vulnerable, as employees are the most valuable asset of any business. It is therefore important to carefully monitor any employment risks that a company may be liable to. This is an area where a consultant would be very helpful, as it is difficult for employers to accurately monitor their own employment risks, especially in large companies.

Training sessions can also focus both on employers and employees, their understanding of the concept of employment risk, and their communication skills. When communication is improved, employment risk can also be reduced. Employees especially can learn to improve their communication skills, whereas employers can collaborate in this effort by creating an open environment, in which employees have the freedom to voice any concerns. During such training sessions the company protocol with regard to employment risk can also be drawn up for both employers and employees to discuss. In this way employment risk becomes an open issue rather than a hidden one behind which employees can hide whenever there is a chance of suing the company. The company's objectives can then be reached in a more focused manner, and both employers and employees can benefit.