The Business Owner’s 2026 HR Checklist

A new year brings new opportunities – but also new HR risks if you’re not prepared. With employment law changes, growing teams and increasing pressure on leaders, 2026 is not the year to take a “hope for the best” approach to HR.

That’s why we’ve created The Business Owner’s 2026 HR Checklist – a practical, no-nonsense guide to help you focus on what really matters and build strong foundations for the year ahead.

Inside the checklist, we cover five key areas:

✅ Legal foundations – making sure your contracts, policies and HR decisions actually protect your business
✅ Smart systems – cutting down admin, ditching spreadsheets and saving hours every week
✅ People performance – attracting good people, getting them productive quickly and keeping them engaged
✅ Wellbeing and culture – spotting burnout early and creating a healthy, sustainable workplace
✅ Growth readiness – planning ahead so your business can grow without people problems holding it back

Each section includes simple self-check questions and practical next steps, so you can prioritise what needs attention now – without feeling overwhelmed.

✨ Ideal for SME owners who want a clear, confident HR plan for 2026.

Download your free checklist and start the year with clarity, structure and a people strategy that supports your business goals.