Return to the Office But Are You Prepared?

Now that things are starting to develop into a new normal (whatever that may be?) after a very trying year, now is the time to get into the office and begin preparing for the new challenges ahead by finding the best bookkeeping practices for small business. But are you as prepared as you think you are?

Working from home for a good portion of 2020 has no doubt had a major effect in the way you work and balance your lifestyle. In fact, how you used to operate may now feel so alien to you it’s like hitting restart. Readjusting back into an office environment may not be as simple as showing up and making it business as usual. There are now extra concerns for yourself and any employees to consider.

All in all, you will find yourself having to adapt to new challenges not present before, which can take up even more of your day than you initially would expect.

If you employ a staff, are you adequately prepared for their safe return? Also, you may have to face the possibility that those staff members you had may not be able to return to their positions due to high-risk health concerns that were not a major factor before as they are today. Upon returning to work, some employees may find it hard to get back into the swing of things, a lot could need retraining.

This will be a transitional period that will require you as an employer to be flexible. There may not be options for childcare issues today with some employees and some may not be able to come to work how they previously have with transport issues.

You may opt for a gradual return and still have a majority work from home. If you have furloughed your staff, they have had a period where they have not worked for the better part of 6 months. It may not be as simple as you feel it is. You may need to manage your expectations and above all else, reducing your workload to be able to deal with this delicate transition is one of the best bookkeeping practices for small business.

You may need to unload some aspects of your own work in the office to better handle the return to work. You may choose to employ bookkeeping services to better handle the vast amounts of business invoices and accounts that need to be rebalanced after this period, or utilise payroll outsourcing services to ensure that your employees pay is received on time and you don’t extend your working hours late after the office closes.

At Pebbles Bookkeeping and HR we specialise in helping business owners with a range of small business bookkeeping solutions and payroll services in Manchester to your business. For easier money management for your business, contact us today to help yourself get your business back in the green with bookkeeping services in Manchester.

Don't just take our word for it...

Sam Phillips, Sam Phillips Builders

“Sean and the team at Pebbles provide bookkeeping services and do everything from processing invoices to payroll and then final accounts to trial balance.  They have put processes and systems in place that have helped the company track our projects and see if they are profitable and to help us generate better profitability and cash flow.  I highly recommend Pebbles Bookkeeping and often pass their details onto my contacts.”

Steve Price, BWP Inspire

“We have now been working alongside you with various clients. In some cases, we have introduced you to our clients and in other cases you have worked as part of our team. Every time we have brought you in you have done a great job. We now see you as an extended part of our team. You have proved to be professional, flexible and above all competent in getting the work done. We would not have any hesitation in recommending you again, and we look forward to working with you more in the future.”

Mark Gray, Taylor Made Finance Ltd

“Pebbles Bookkeeping have been doing our bookkeeping for the past 2 years. Our Accountant recommended them to us and they are very professional, approachable and knowledgeble in the work they do. We send them our paperwork electronically and manually and they process it all efficiently in a timely manner.

I would not hesitate to recommend Sean and the team at Pebbles Bookkeeping – they do a fantastic job.”
Robert Flinn, Director, The Drawing Room

“Pebbles have provided professional and personal approach to all our accounts needs from processing invoices to management accounts. Based in-house they have become a valuable asset to the business and have given us a more strategic and analytical approach to our finances.”

 

Anne-Marie Armstrong, Amberry Marketing

I just wanted to thank you both for the help you’ve given me thus far in setting up my new cloud-based bookkeeping system ‘Clearbooks’.

Having used Microsoft Excel for more years than I care to admit, I had more than a few reservations when considering changing the way I managed my books, yet understood that I had to make the change sooner or later.

After an intense training session with Sean, (where I probably asked 101 questions), my fears quickly dissipated and I can honestly say that although it’s likely to take me a little while to really get to grips with the new interface, I’ve no doubt that this simple system will save me so much time and hassle in future.

And less time spent doing my books, almost certainly means more time with the family and an end to rushing around like a mad woman at quarter-end!

Thanks again and I’m looking forward to working with you again soon.