Top HR Practices
In the past few years, the recession has changed the way that Human Resources works. Priorities of the past have ceased to be as important as a company’s need to survive and earn a profit has become paramount. Here are ten best practices for the way HR does business in 2011.
Recruiting
Recruiting new employees is completely different than it was 10 years ago. Before company’s would have to search and search to find the right fit, now they are receiving an overwhelming response for each open position. The best practices include recruiting from within first, utilizing the right assessment and testing to narrow down options, outsourcing to third parties for administrative needs, embracing today’s online recruiting options, and ensuring the hire is for fit.
Benefits & Healthcare
The recession has caused many companies to reduce costs, especially in the area of benefits. Unfortunately, healthcare reform and costs are increased costing more and taking up more HR time. Implementing wellness programs to reduce healthcare cost and finding creative benefits for employees that don’t break the bank.
Performance Reviews
The best way to encourage efficiency and productivity is to retain performance driven employees. In this economy, many employees are fearful and weary and are working hard to keep their jobs instead of excelling at their work. Encourage a performance driven workforce with regular reviews and by rewarding performance regularly.
Cross Training / Knowledge Sharing
A small workforce is commonly place today. Where a company once had hundreds of employees, they may be down to 50 or less. This means sharing responsibilities and knowledge. Employees who are cross-trained in several areas are also more valuable.
Improved Morale
Morale has taken the hardest hit as employees see more and more co-workers being laid off and let go. This creates a fearful work environment which his not good for morale at all. Frequently highlight performances, offer appropriate performance reviews, and deliver creative and unexpected perks to keep spirits up.
Open Management
Being open with employees can help to ease their fears and suspicious, automatically improving morale and trust. Keeping secrets breeds more fear, gossip and suspicion and is an unhealthy work situation. Keep employees informed and open the floor for discussion and ideas from the workforce.
Outsourcing
Smart HR professionals are becoming more involved with strategic business decisions. Many HR departments have little staff and are overworked. Creative outsourcing is essential for basic administrative tasks.
Flexible Work Environment
A flexible workplace offers not only benefits for employees but cost savings for employers. With cloud computing, work can be offered easily and securely over an Internet connection. Employees who work from home are more content and cost less in overhead costs such as office space.
Compensation
In a performance driven workplace, top performers need to be more highly compensated for work well done. Rewarding for seniority or any other reason is counter productive.
Immigration
Immigration is a hot HR topic and the government continues to enlist and enforce new compliance regulations. The government run e-Verify system can help to ensure that your workforce is legal and compliant.
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