Here we are in March already and what a year it has been so far.
In December last year, Anne Aitken, a well known and respected practitioner in the HR community, retired and we warmly welcome her clients to HR Connect. Over the next few months I look forward to meeting you all.
This week the World Health Organisation has declared the coronavirus a 'pandemic', with the implications of the virus becoming more and more widespread and affecting most of us in one way or another. We have been fielding calls the last few weeks from clients who are in all likelihood, needing to make some changes to their staffing levels to see them through this challenging time. We are exploring options such as reduction in hours and days of work; asking employees to take annual leave, time in lieu or leave without pay; and reducing opening hours. In New Zealand we still don't know how far reaching the effect of the virus will be and that uncertainty is making it difficult to make decisions. I am encouraging clients to talk to your employees openly and get their ideas and suggestions on how to manage and hopefully mitigate the impact as an interim measure. We know how difficult it is to attract and retain key talent in our companies, so I am dissuading clients from making more permanent decisions re job losses at this time. If you wish to discuss your business and needs, please do give us a call.
Speaking of staff changes we have had a few of our own this year. In late January we said goodbye to our HR Advisor Shannon Garrick. Shannon has accepted a role as an HR Advisor with one of our clients who she has been onsite with for the past year. We would like to thank Shannon for her contribution to HR Connect and wish her all the best in her new role.
We have also said goodbye to our Administrator Rose Dillon. After five years with us, Rose has moved back to the education sector, a sector she enjoyed in the past. Rose has been a fantastic team member and contributor to HR Connect and we will miss her and wish her well.
The Administration role will now be covered by two familiar faces - Bronwyn Su’a and Lee Powell. Bronwyn is our Recruitment Advisor and Lee is our H&S Consultant. Lee loves us so much she wanted to be in the office more!
Rest assured though, Brownyn and Lee will continue to work for HR Connect as Recruitment Advisor and H&S Consultant.As always your feedback and comments are important to us so please call us on 0800 131 557 or email: admin@hrconnect.co.nz
View our March Newsletter in full HERE
