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Human capital risk - what is it and what do we do about it?

Paul Martin • Jun 09, 2015

When you are in the process of assessing your business risk and putting together your risk management plan, make human capital risk one of your focus areas. 

Human capital risk is a term which covers whatever arises out of not managing an organisation's human capital well. This includes:

  • catastrophic workplace events such as disabling illness, injury or death

  • losing staff to rapid turnover

  • a team member committing fraud or misappropriating assets

  • negligent hiring or retention, such as where an employer fails to complete necessary background checks on a new hire and, as a result, employs someone who is dangerous or untrustworthy

  • complacency, where the organisational culture is one of 'I don't know' and 'I don't care' and the business drifts or runs aground because of this 

Human Capital RiskWhen you review the risk management strategy for your business , assessing risk is not so much about analysing how likely or unlikely it may be for an event to occur. Over the last few years we've certainly witnessed that extreme and unlikely events occur far too often for comfort. It helps to analyse what the cost to the business would be if any of these risks occurred. Could the business take the hit or do you need to have strategies in place either to avoid them altogether or cushion the blow? And what sort of strategies might be appropriate?

Where catastrophic events pose a danger to the business through the loss of key people, an insurance package might cover funds to help cover shortfalls through the transition and replacement costs, as well as funding a shareholder's share of business debt, and purchase of the deceased or disabled partner's share of the business. Backup strategies might also include developing a leadership programme, more effective delegation of responsibilities, mentoring and training.

If staff turnover is an issue, is there something else going on? Are pay points far lower than those of competitors? Is morale an issue? Are the business' recruitment strategies just not finding the right fit for the firm? You might look at what your competitors are doing but you could retool recruitment and training processes to increase employee retention. If staff are leaving because for lack of a clear career path, could the organisational structure offer solutions? You might also look at organisational culture and introduce measures to improve morale, engagement and a positive outlook toward the business and customers.

The potential damage a fraudster could do to a business is truly horrifying. It's hard to come back from the direct costs to management, as well as the damage to the brand, team morale, and vital relationships with partners, suppliers and regulatory bodies. However, it is possible to create a climate which minimises the possibility. Strategies might include screening employees at pre-employment as well as screening suppliers and third parties, thorough internal controls and audit processes, as well as a clear code of conduct and awareness training for the whole team.

Whatever your assessment of business risk, a risk management strategy that meshes with every aspect of the business is crucial. Regular review and energetic follow through will help to minimise risk and create a stronger organisational culture alert to possibility and adaptive to change. For assistance with your business risk management, please contact us for an appointment.

How the new Government and coalition agreements might affect owners of residential rental properties

By Paul Martin • 04 Dec, 2023
There were some key takeouts of interest to many of our clients from the recently signed coalition agreements between National, ACT and New Zealand First and the formation of the new Government. In particular there are a number of policies which will likely benefit landlord clients who own residential rentals. I have summarised some of these below. 1. Return of Interest deductibility for residential rental properties Interest deductibility for residential rental property owners will return. It will be phased back in over three tax years: • 2023/24 tax year: 60% of interest cost will be deductible. • 2024/25 tax year: 80% of interest cost will be deductible. • 2025/26 tax year: 100% of interest cost will be deductible. 2. Reduction in bright-line period National signalled in their pre-election campaign that the bright-line period for residential rental property sales would reduce from 10-years to 2-years. While the exact implementation of this policy is not yet known, it is good news on the horizon for residential property investors. 3. Reinstatement of 90-day no-cause termination notices The new government will reinstate 90-day no-cause tenancy termination notices. This will avoid many unnecessary disputes in the Tenancy Tribunal and gives landlords more confidence in letting to possibly “marginal tenants". Many landlords have avoided what they considered to be risky tenants because eviction for anti-social behaviour was so difficult. With this reinstatement, landlords might be more inclined to give a marginal tenant a chance because they know that if the tenant misbehaves, they won’t be stuck with them. If you would like more information on how these changes might affect your personal circumstances, please feel free to contact us to discuss further.

How does provisional tax work, especially in an economic downturn?

By Paul Martin • 18 Jul, 2023
If you had to pay tax of more than $5,000 in your last income tax return, you may have to pay provisional tax for the following year. Provisional tax is like making progress payments on next year's income tax.

How to handle inflation as a sole trader

By Paul Martin • 18 Jul, 2023
Sole traders have had an especially difficult few years as inflation surges. We have got three tips to help lighten the load for your sole trader business. 
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