Snow Warning: HR, But Make It Fabulous

iPhones pinging*, laptops dinging…..you can almost hear the nation collectively gasp as the Met Office pushes that little yellow triangle our way.

The great British obsession with weather always hits new heights the moment someone whispers snow.

Suddenly half the country is panic-buying milk, and the other half is Googling “am I entitled to work from home if it’s slippy?”

Sure, we could give you a dreary HR memo about adverse weather policies and “encouraging employees to take extra caution when travelling.”

But at Silver Star HR, we don’t do boring. We do commercial, common-sense, straight-talking HR that actually helps you run your organisation (and keeps the drama to a healthy minimum).

So here are our sparkly but practical tips for navigating Snowmageddon 2025:

1. Communication is key

Before the first flake hits the ground, decide how you’ll update staff: WhatsApp groups? Email? Smoke signals? (We recommend the first two.)

Clear, early communication keeps people safe and stops the “are we open??” chaos that spreads faster than frost on a windscreen.

2. Be Flexible, Not Frostbitten

If someone can work from home, it is practical and will not impact business, then let them. No medals are awarded for heroic commutes on icy B-roads.

And if they can’t work remotely? Consider reassigning tasks, adjusting hours, or allowing them to make up time. Practicality over rigidity always wins.

3. Don’t Let “Snow Day” Become “No-Show Day”

Make sure your team knows the deal. Is it paid? Unpaid? Annual leave? TOIL (Time Off In Lieu)?

You don’t need a 14-page blizzard-proof policy. Just a simple, fair approach that you’ve actually told people about before the weather hits.

4. Think Ahead

Grit your paths. Check your heating. Make sure your lone workers aren’t out battling the Arctic alone.

A sprinkle of planning now can save you a sleigh-load of problems later.

5. Keep the Culture Warm

Snow days can be fun. Encourage team camaraderie - share photos of igloos in front gardens, hold a virtual “cosy cuppa” check-in and get out for a snow walk at lunchtime if you can.

When the weather is icy, your culture doesn’t have to be. Enjoy it!

And let’s be honest, we’ll probably end up with just a few flakes on the M1.

*other smartphone options available