Don’t Use WhatsApp To Manage Your HR!
"We'll just sort it out in the team WhatsApp group"
This is how many small businesses handle employee issues. And it's a HR disaster waiting to happen.
What I see in business WhatsApps:
- Holiday requests mixed with complaints
- Performance feedback given publicly
- Gossip disguised as "team updates"
- Important policies shared as casual messages
- Disciplinary matters discussed openly
Last week's reality check: A client's employee screenshot their WhatsApp complaints about a colleague and used it as evidence in a grievance. The informal "chat" became formal tribunal evidence.
The problem with WhatsApp HR:
❌ No confidentiality
❌ Creates paper trails you can't control
❌ Blurs professional boundaries
❌ Makes everything feel "unofficial"
❌ Can be screenshot and shared
What works better:
✅ Proper one-to-one meetings
✅ Clear policies about workplace communication
✅ Professional channels for different types of conversations
Your team WhatsApp should be for "who's bringing cake?" not "why is Sarah always late?"
Professional communication protects everyone - including you.
How do you handle workplace communication in your business?
HOW WE HELP
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Here at The People Consultancy, we help owner-managed businesses handle everything that comes with employing people—properly and professionally.
From £500 per month, our Fully Outsourced HR Service delivers expert support without the full-time cost.
Email us to discuss how we can support your growth journey.
