Hot summer weather can turn up the heat on your HR department, be prepared.

1. Staff vacation planning. How will you track vacation time? What is your policy for receiving and granting vacation requests? Think about a few quick policies to publish to your staff. Having all requests sent via email, to create some documentation and prevent misunderstandings, can prove to be very useful.
2. Summer introduces the opportunity for employees to push the boundaries of the dress code. Revealing and/or inappropriate hot weather clothing may start to trickle into your workplace. Consider clear dress policies and a consistent application of them.
3. Temporary staffing whether it’s for increased business, or for intern programs come with their own HR concerns regarding how they are treated and compensated. Doublecheck that your policies are in compliance.
4. Employee safety is on the top of the list, especially for outdoor employees. Making sure they have the right resources to do their jobs safely can include things like access to water, spray sunscreen, eye protection and cover. Don’t get caught in a preventable injury or other medical situation involving the heat.
5. Local summer events can create an unusual number of morning “sick” calls. Try to prevent these situations through planning and being honest with your employees and their expectations. For example, your employees may be just as motivated as anyone to attend the big game, or concert that’s coming to town.