Managing the HR needs of a growing workforce is challenging, especially when resources and headcount are limited. For organizations without a dedicated HR professional, these responsibilities are oftentimes left to individuals who wear several hats and hold countless responsibilities.
They may feel overwhelmed having to navigate numerous systems and tackle endless tasks including managing employee information, processing payroll, keeping track of time and attendance, onboarding, recruiting, and more. When you factor in maintaining compliance, these accidental HR professionals may find themselves asking “Where do I start?”
Luckily, there are best practices every small to mid-sized business can follow to make their HR workload more manageable.
Review the Employee Handbook
The employee handbook is something that is often overlooked, but immensely important for clear internal communication and appropriate employee relations. At the very least, it should be updated annually.
It serves as a rulebook that addresses all things related to the employee/employer relationship and provides legal protection against employment claims. A well-written one should integrate company policy, answer common workplace questions, and most importantly, be in accordance and up to date with employment law.
What to include in an employee handbook? At a minimum, it should cover:
- Company mission, vision and values
- Anti-harassment and non-discrimination policy
- Standards of conduct
- Dress code
- Communication policy
- Compensation and benefits Information
- Discipline processes
- New hire and separation procedures
- A confidentiality policy
Leverage an HR Information System
An HR information system (HRIS) should solve your problems, not add to them. Multiple, disconnected systems are a thing of the past. Your HRIS should centralize all important HR tasks in one place.
If you already have a solution in place, take the time to evaluate it and see what is working and what isn’t. Your HRIS should work for you, not the other way around. Automated workflows, configurable forms and reports, and real-time access to accurate and consistent employee information enable a reduction in administrative workload and a minimized compliance risk.
Your HRIS should streamline all facets of the employee life cycle including:
- Onboarding
- Benefits administration
- Job and salary management
- Training management
- Certification tracking
- Performance management
- Compliance reporting
- Statement of total compensation
- Separation
Conduct Management Training
You’ve reviewed the handbook, found an HRIS that works for your organization and streamlined processes, what’s next? Training.
Training through an intuitive learning management system ensures alignment and that management is on the same page. Not only does training teach new and even experienced managers the fundamentals of being successful, but it also promotes a compliant workplace.
A comprehensive training program should cover these topics:
- Inclusivity and diversity in the workplace
- Conflict resolution
- Workplace security
- Hiring and termination processes
- Employee retention
- Emergency procedures
- Accessibility requirements
- Problem-solving
- Management skills
- Workplace changes
- Company goals
Staying current on all things HR can be a daunting task. That’s why it’s important to not only look over employment laws, but also ensure the technology and solutions you have in place can keep up with the demands of your workforce. To learn more about HR best practices and how Counter Point HCM can play a role in helping your business succeed and thrive, request a call today.
