To some extent these will continue to pose a risk to businesses moving forward.
Many businesses will also be considering issues around vaccination and what their policies are in relation to it, Parson says.
Restrictions on overseas travel and quarantining are likely to continue to cause problems for both employees and employers for some time to come.
On the technology side, data protection and security around documents and computer systems will continue to be a key concern.
Another significant risk for employers, according to Palmer, is the increasing popularity of home-working, with the option to work both in the office and from home gaining a lot of traction as people look to the future. With this in mind, employers should carefully consider their approach to this with regards to retention.
“A blanket refusal to let staff work from home at all may result in them looking elsewhere for employment,” Palmer adds.
“It should be remembered that a permanent introduction of home-working, or hybrid working, will mean a change in the terms and conditions of employment for staff. To this end, employers will need to seek their signed agreement.”
Tim Morris, financial adviser at Russell and Co, says: “Being able to work effectively remotely is integral to the role now. I don’t think this is an issue for younger generations starting a career as a financial adviser. They can probably help use technology more effectively in the business."
But, he adds: “[An emerging risk is whether] we can continue to operate without disruptions from further lockdowns and not have to furlough staff or scale back again.
"And while remote working skills are important, we still work in a people business where many clients want to meet in person. This means people skills are still vitally important.”
Ima Jackson-Obot is deputy features editor at FTAdviser
