REWARD
W orking in the payroll and reward industry is both rewarding and challenging. Most of the time, we have people around who will support us and help us get through those challenging times. However, sometimes it can be difficult to balance home and work life. When there are so many different things that need to be done simultaneously, it’s important to consider what we can do to help others and look after ourselves. Working in pay and reward has been difficult over the past few months as there has been year-end to deal with. Ensuring that everything is in place for the start of the financial year, with the statutory changes and possibly implementing pay awards, is always a challenge. Additionally, managing to keep up with legislative changes which can be complex and require a lot of understanding, as well as taking in the financial statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, will affect everyone in the industry. So, it’s important to look after yourself and your team. Taking time out One of the first things I like to do – and would advise others to do – is to make sure I have my leave booked in for the year. Doing this means you have something to look forward to, and it also ensures you have regular breaks to spend time with family and friends, or to not do much at all. I constantly remind my team to book leave as it means you can relax away from the everyday work pressures. Taking lunch breaks is also important as it allows your brain to rest and recuperate, which in the longer term will enhance productivity. I also like to take a break and walk away from my desk when I have finished “I always find that around the busy payroll processing times, the team will pull together and get the work done. There’s always a great sense of camaraderie”
Mind over matter
Karen Beckett BA (Hons) ChFCIPP, head of payroll and benefits, Dorset HealthCare University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust , sets out some coping strategies to help busy payroll and reward professionals keep a clear head
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | September 2024 | Issue 103 46
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker