Welcome to your August edition of The HR Team Newsletter, where we bring you timely updates, practical advice, and strategic guidance to help you support your people and protect your business. As summer winds down and Q4 planning begins, now’s the time to get ahead of the curve.

Manager Burnout – The Hidden Risk in Small Teams

In SMEs, managers often juggle operational duties, people management, and strategic planning – without the support structures found in larger organisations. This multitasking can lead to chronic stress and, ultimately, burnout. A recent CIPD survey found that over 60% of UK managers report feeling overwhelmed, with many citing lack of time, unclear expectations, and emotional strain from managing people.

Burnout doesn’t just affect the individual – it can lead to poor decision-making, increased absence, and higher staff turnover. In small teams, where relationships are close-knit and roles are interdependent, the ripple effect is significant.

What can SMEs do?

• Recognise the signs early: Irritability, disengagement, and frequent mistakes may signal burnout.
• Create space for reflection: Encourage managers to take regular breaks and use annual leave meaningfully.
• Invest in development: Bite-sized training on resilience, delegation, and communication can make a big difference.
• Foster peer support: Informal manager networks or mentoring can reduce isolation and build confidence.

If you’d like help designing a manager wellbeing programme or delivering resilience workshops, The HR Team can create something bespoke for your business.

Employment Law Changes – What SMEs Need to Know Now

The upcoming Employment Rights Bill is set to reshape the legal landscape for UK employers. While many provisions won’t take effect until 2026, SMEs should start preparing now to avoid compliance risks and costly surprises.

Key changes include:

• Day-one rights to unfair dismissal, sick pay, and flexible working requests
• Mandatory probation periods with structured reviews
• Extended tribunal claim windows, increasing exposure to legal challenges
• Pay gap reporting for businesses with 50+ employees, including action plans to address disparities

These reforms aim to improve fairness and transparency—but they also require SMEs to tighten up their documentation and processes. Contracts, handbooks, and policies will need to reflect the new rights and obligations.

What should you do now?

• Review your employment contracts and ensure probation clauses are clear and compliant.
• Update your policies on flexible working, sickness absence, and disciplinary procedures.
• Consider an HR audit to identify gaps and prepare for future reporting requirements.

For our retained HR support clients, The HR Team will conduct documentation reviews and tailored policy updates as part of your retainer package, to help you stay ahead of the curve. 

Post-Summer Resignation Season – How to Boost Retention

August and September often bring a spike in resignations. After a summer break, employees return with fresh perspectives – and if they feel undervalued, stagnant, or disconnected, they may start looking elsewhere. For SMEs, even one resignation can disrupt operations and morale.

Why do people leave post-summer?

• Reflection during holidays prompts career reassessment.
• Lack of progression or recognition becomes more apparent.
• Burnout or unresolved issues resurface after time away.

Retention strategies that work:

• Meaningful one-to-ones: Use these to explore career goals, wellbeing, and feedback.
• Visible development pathways: Even in small teams, showing how someone can grow makes a difference.
• Flexible working options: Whether it’s hybrid models or adjusted hours, flexibility is now a key retention tool.
• Recognition and reward: Celebrate achievements, even informally, to boost morale and loyalty.

 If you’re concerned about turnover this autumn, The HR Team can help you design a retention strategy that fits your culture and budget – from engagement surveys to stay interviews and development planning.

Let’s Talk

Whether you need support with policy reviews, manager training, or retention planning, The HR Team is here to help. We offer practical, compliant, and empathetic HR solutions designed for small businesses.