Polly Rathbone Ward's 2021 Summer Business Plans

Today we're talking to Polly Rathbone Ward who is founder of people-focused HR consultancy, Rathbone HR Solutions which is based in Bath.

May is the last month of Spring – how has Spring been for you so far? 

Spring has been positive and optimistic. Despite the lockdown and cold weather, it has been a pleasure to support businesses with their HR queries and needs. I have had many conversations with businesses about planning for the future, re-engaging teams that have not worked together for a long time, bringing people back from furlough leave, and many other queries around day-to-day HR, such as performance management, absence management, recruitment, recognising staff for their hard work, etc.  I have even had a few meetings in person recently, which has been a joy!

What are your plans for the Summer – for your business and for you? 

I am looking forward to getting out and about to meet with new clients face to face, having some small trips away again, spending time with family after a long time apart and catching up with friends!   

What are you most looking forward to this summer which you had to step away from last summer?

I really enjoy attending business events and also speaking at events, so I’m very much looking forward to doing more of this in the near future. 

On a personal note, I’m really looking forward to being able to watch my children play team sports again. The pandemic has definitely taught me not to take these things for granted!

May is National Walking Month, and walking was an activity which was one thing we could do over the last 12 months.  Please share your walking experiences in recent years. 

I have loved walking (and running) over the last 12 months. I am very aware of the importance of physical and mental health, so when the children were at home over lockdowns, it was paramount that we got outside and had a walk at some point during daylight hours. Walking and physical exercise is something that I often have conversations about with my clients as it plays a big role in employee wellbeing. 

Where is your favourite place to walk? 

We are so lucky here in Bath to have so many lovely walks within easy reach. One of our go-to places is Bathwick fields. The views over the city are just stunning, especially on a sunny day and when the sun sets. 

Can you name one day in May which is important for you in your business or in your personal life? Why is that date important? 

I’m so pleased to have been asked to be a judge again at this year’s National Employee Experience Awards, taking place on 13th May 2021. 

These prestigious awards are the world’s premier celebration of the organisations, people and initiatives that are improving the world of work. I’m looking forward to being involved again this year as we celebrate and recognise the achievements of those businesses putting employee experience at the heart of their business decisions. 

Have you got any events planned for the coming months which you’d like to mention – where you and/or your business will take a leading role? 

I’m delighted to be speaking at the Heywood House lunch time talk on 27th May, entitled, ‘Lead your team into a post-pandemic World’. 

I’m looking forward to discussing the changes and challenges that businesses have faced as a result of the pandemic and how to plan for a modern, people-focused future workplace as we ease out of lockdown.  

What’s your one top business tips to help others be positive about their business in May?

Staying positive is really important at a time of crisis, when we could experience many different emotions. However, the weather is getting nicer and lockdown restrictions are easing, so there is a feeling of hope and transition from lockdown to a better future.  Planning for the future, setting goals and encouraging healthy working habits are some of the ways I have seen businesses stay focused and positive during May. 

Have you got any Spring services or special offers you’d like to mention? 

To stay up to date with the latest news from Rathbone HR Solutions, email me directly to join our mailing list [email protected] or sign up via our website. 

And finally:

We are extremely keen to support as many businesses as possible during the transition period back into the office/world of work, so to anyone who feels that their business could possibly benefit from some ad-hoc or longer-term support with their HR function, please do get in touch to arrange a call or a coffee over zoom, we are extremely friendly and are always delighted to speak to anyone that may benefit from our help. 

For more information visit https://www.rathbonehrsolutions.co.uk