Experienced HR Professionals

Underperformance

Issue

A Five Star Hotel with an excellent reputation for their hospitality and fine dining in their restaurants was receiving poor reviews for their restaurants and had raised this with the Executive Chef who agreed to make improvements and restore the Hotel’s reputation. Despite re-assurances from the Executive Chef no significant progress was made.

Exact fix

Aware of the high profile of the Hotel at all times. We held confidential but difficult conversations with the employee to discuss the situation and all the options. This led to a mutual parting of the ways with a settlement agreement all duly signed. 

Don’t Rely on Google for HR

Issue

Employer searches for initial HR guidance on the internet. However, if one important detail is missed, this can lead to larger issues. Recent example was where a client intended to dismiss an employee who had less than 2 years service, for unsatisfactory performance.

Exact fix

The employee had a disability covered by the Equality Act 2010.  Although this employee had less than 2 years service, they had the automatic right to claim unfair dismissal. We discussed the issue with the employer, then held performance improvement meetings with the employee, which included making reasonable adjustments.

Manage Hybrid Working

Issue

Some employees were refusing to return to work in the office. The employer was asking all staff to return and work at least 2 days per week in the office. Their rationale is that 100% home working was having a negative impact on creativity, team working, organisation culture, employee engagement and less experienced employees were not able to obtain the required training and learn from those around them. 

Exact fix

We helped the client develop a plan to contact each employee to establish why they were unwilling to return to work or were not responding. We provided a variety of approaches to help the employer discuss the position fully with each employee, including highlighting the benefits of hybrid working. This resulted in a number of staff returning to the workplace A one size fits all approach was not appropriate in this situation.

Misconduct

Issue

One of the Directors in the Company had a number of grievances lodged by employees against her for bullying and discriminatory behaviour.

Exact fix

We supported the client and arranged for a full investigation of the complaints to be conducted. A disciplinary hearing was held by senior Board members and resulted in the Director exiting the business.

Downsizing

Issue

The client required to make some changes to operational structure and reduce number of employees following a downturn in business.

Exact fix

Exact HR worked with the client to reduce the size of a management structure and merged teams to improve operational efficiency and cost base. This included communications to staff, selection procedures and advising on redundancy process. Which led to the required objectives being met, on time and on budget.