6 Ways Preventative HR Saves You Time, Money & Stress
01 Apr 2025

Many business owners see HR as something to deal with only when problems arise. They wait until an issue becomes serious before calling in HR consultants (like us!) to fix things.

While that approach keeps us busy, it’s not great for you.

Reacting to HR problems as they arise is costly, time-consuming, and stressful. A preventative approach, on the other hand, helps you avoid problems before they start, saving you time, money, and hassle in the long run.

Within this guide, we'll guide you through 6 areas of your HR where being preventative pays for itself.

Let's get started...

1. Staying Legally Compliant

Ignoring compliance until an issue arises can lead to expensive tribunal claims and legal fees. Staying ahead of employment law keeps your business protected.

Proactive steps to take:
✅ Regularly review contracts and policies to reflect current laws and best practices.
✅ Stay updated on employment law changes, such as minimum wage increases and flexible working regulations.
✅ Conduct audits to spot and fix gaps before they become legal issues.
✅ Train managers and staff on key policies like harassment prevention and data protection.

 

2. Training Managers to Lead Effectively

You’ve heard it before: People don’t leave jobs; they leave bad managers. A great manager helps your business thrive, while a bad one can drive employees away.

Proactive steps to take:
✅ Train managers in communication skills so they can give clear feedback and navigate tough conversations.
✅ Provide conflict resolution training so disputes are handled professionally.
✅ Ensure managers understand employment law basics to avoid costly mistakes.
✅ Teach performance management techniques to set clear expectations and address issues fairly.

3. Prioritising Employee Wellbeing

A healthy, happy workforce is more productive, engaged, and less likely to leave. Supporting employee wellbeing isn’t just a perk, it’s a smart business move.

Proactive steps to take:

✅ Promote work-life balance—consider flexible working where possible.
✅ Provide mental health support, such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs).
✅ Create a positive workplace culture by recognising achievements and promoting inclusivity.
✅ Monitor workloads to prevent burnout before it happens.

 

4. Developing & Enforcing Clear Policies

Without clear policies, misunderstandings and inconsistencies can lead to disputes, grievances, and legal risks. A well-structured approach ensures fairness and clarity.

Proactive steps to take:
✅ Establish grievance and disciplinary procedures to handle issues consistently.
✅ Implement an equal opportunities policy to support diversity and avoid discrimination claims.
✅ Ensure health and safety policies meet legal requirements and keep employees safe.
✅ Define expectations for remote and hybrid working to avoid confusion.

 

5. Managing Performance Effectively

Waiting until performance issues spiral out of control can lead to lost productivity, poor morale, and difficult exits. Proactive performance management keeps your team on track.

Proactive steps to take:
✅ Set clear expectations so employees understand their roles from day one.
✅ Provide regular feedback—not just during annual reviews.
✅ Offer training and mentorship to support employee growth and retention.

 

6. Encouraging Open Communication

A culture of open, honest communication prevents minor concerns from turning into major issues. It also strengthens trust and engagement.

Proactive steps to take:
✅ Hold regular 1-2-1s so employees feel heard and supported.
✅ Use engagement surveys to gather honest feedback and insights.
✅ Ensure managers have an approachable, open-door policy.
✅ Act on feedback, show employees their input matters.

 

Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Preventative HR isn’t just about avoiding problems. it’s about creating a stronger, more resilient business.

By taking a proactive approach, you’ll build a workplace that’s compliant, productive, and engaged without the constant firefighting.

Not sure where to start? Let’s talk.  I work with a number of businesses in Thanet and the surrounding areas, helping them take a proactive approach to HR.