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Just as bad and useless as the last article written by this contributor. Please AW publish content which is of use and interest not this type of topical space filler.
Thanks for your comment. We don't expect every article on the site to appeal to every reader.
As editor of the site I value Della's experience and know-how, and will continue to run her articles for as long as she's willing to write them.
All the best,
Tom
I think this is a great article written by Della Hudson focussing on all the key points to keep the employees happy - Brian Mcculloch Glasgow.
Easier said than done when you get the troops in on a Saturday and all the HMRC systems are broken!
A few good general pointers and reminders there, which should be applied to all staff (tax and non-tax alike) throughout the year.
I always thought though that the reward for the tax department being “busy” in January was being “not busy” for the other 11 months of the year!! :-)
If you reward people for completing X tax returns, then you are asking for trouble. They will either concentrate on the quick and easy returns, or rush the more complicated ones. £X fee value of returns instead (assuming the tougher returns come with the higher bills) might be better, though that even that risks stuff being rushed out to meet the quota.
Empowered and trusted staff don't need their hands holding. That is very old school management. Talent, ability and training gives a team easily the capability to cope with January. The team are not as stretched as the practice management part of the firm as the power of many small contributions helps. So it does not all fall on one person. The work allocation is key. The clients who do not play ball, we have to be philosophical and not create stress from what is out of our sphere of influence. Refreshments all year round rather than just Jan? Why not. Owner making the coffee? Why not encourage the team to take small breaks and have coffees. An owner would usually be involved in the doing to some extent and not just sat with their feet up staring at CCTV and dealing with new orders.