It is always good to know that I have another happy client...

Managing the working hours of your team is a delicate balancing act! If you are interested in reading about how to find a middle way which works for everyone, then read my latest blog heartfelthr.com/why-long-worki…

This recent article in HR grapevine includes some useful reflection on the way we talk about redundancy and the language used (and some quotes from me are included!) hrgrapevine.com/content/articl…

How can you reconcile the members of your team who are workaholics with those who do the bare minimum? A good manager can work with all of these people and most teams have a mixture. But when does it become a problem? And what can you do about it?

I am feeling sad today. Some years ago, I remember discussing long working hours and no lunch break with a colleague. A few months later, I found myself at her funeral . Working long hours is not the right answer to a heavy workload.

If you have an issue with people working excessive hours, then it might be a good idea to look in the mirror. If the boss is seen to have long working hours, then people will follow that lead.

One team member may take 10 hours to do a piece of work, while another may only take 5.5 hours. So decide what you think is a reasonable result for the amount of time available - the end result is what matters, not the exact time taken to achieve that result.

Many managers confuse hours worked with being productive. A productive workforce is made up of people who are at all stages and work at a different pace. A good manager will recognise this and judge on results.

Is work-life balance about the hours you work?

heartfelthr.com/what-is-work-l…

Could work-life balance be about location? Or it might not be about where you work, but when you work… If you want to know more about work-life balance, then read my latest blog: heartfelthr.com/what-is-work-l…

When I managed other people, I tried hard to meet all their requirements and desires for flexible working. The team loved this freedom and flexibility and so did the customers. Now, of course, I work for myself and have true work-life balance.

What does work-life balance mean for employers? To find out, read my latest blog: heartfelthr.com/what-is-work-l…

If you want to know more about work-life balance, read my latest blog: heartfelthr.com/what-is-work-l…

Thought it was time to add a little reminder of what I do! Plus, it is always a pleasure to showcase the sketch notes produced by the talented Sam Warburton. Happy Friday!

Sign up to my mailing list and get a free copy of your 12 step guide to managing difficult conversations without damaging your business. heartfelthr.com/e-book/

If you are contemplating having to make redundancies in your business next year, or if you just want some good business pointers, then why not treat yourself to some Christmas reading? You can buy it direct from Heartfelt HR: heartfelthr.com/book-redundanc…

I am signing off soon and just wanted to wish all my connections a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and successful New Year.