Tag: <span>small business</span>

It’s been a 15 months since the world locked down. The impact on the UK economy was such that many people lost jobs, and those who never were more than thankful to be in work. But even if you feel grateful just to have a job, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t consider asking for a pay rise if you think you deserve one.

We all want fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work, but what if you think your employer simply isn’t paying you enough? Or if you’re a freelancer who feels you’re being fleeced by low rates? Here’s how to ask for a pay rise.

Guides & How-Tos Inspiration Small business

Although it can sometimes seem impossible to avoid, no-one likes workplace conflict. Not only does it cause discomfort for everyone involved, and potentially to people who aren’t even directly involved, it can also lead to disciplinary measures and even job losses.

If your employees are becoming aggravated with you or other staff members, here are some ways to resolve workplace conflict.

Guides & How-Tos Small business

Since GDPR came into force just over a year ago, complaints to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) have almost doubled – up from 21,000 to 41,000. More than 14,000 data breaches have also been logged with the ICO.

Across all the EU countries which have implemented GDPR, there have been a total of 89,271 notifications of data breaches, and 144,376 complaints from the public.

The prevailing theory is that the number of data breach complaints are on the rise simply because GDPR has raised awareness around the importance of personal information.

Even so, no fines have yet been issued in the UK for a breach of the GDPR rules – so, has it really all been worth it?

News Small business Technology

How engaged are your employees? If your staff are kept motivated and challenged, either as part of the work itself or the culture your business is built upon, and feel valued, then there’s a good chance there will be high levels of employee engagement.

Similarly, if your product or service is something everyone believes in and can get behind, then it’s likely that engagement levels will be high and staff will work hard and pull in the same direction.

But what if employee engagement is low and staff appear to lack motivation? Here’s how to improve employee engagement.

Guides & How-Tos Small business Work from home

If business is booming, it’s down to the hard work of both you and your employees. And when things are going well, it’s always good to reward staff for their hard work, maybe with some extra time off, a bonus or even a pay rise.

But while it’s relatively straightforward to offer an employee a pay rise on your own terms, what if an employee comes to you asking for a pay rise, or even demanding one?

Last week, we showed you how to ask for a pay rise, here’s the flip-side – how to deal with a pay rise request.

Guides & How-Tos Small business

Cyber crime is on the increase. Almost two-thirds (60%) of businesses have reported an attack in 2019, compared to fewer than half (45%) last year, according to research from Hiscox.

If you think your business isn’t at risk, think again.

News Small business Technology

TSB has become the first major UK bank to refund to cyber crime victims who are tricked into parting with money from their bank accounts by fraudsters.

But will more banks follow suit?

News Technology