A new year brings New Year’s Resolutions. The most common personal resolutions are to be more health conscious, work out more, and spend more time with friends and family. But what about your professional life?
As HR professionals, there are many aspects of the workplace that you are responsible for. HR is constantly growing and becoming more important to organizations. In keeping with this growth, the new year creates a great reason to do better this year than the last for not only the HR department, but the organization as a whole. Here are a few practices to consider.
1. A flexible work schedule.
According to a national survey administered in 2013, nearly one-third of employees indicated that they “do most of their work from a remote location.” Today, more and more employers are looking into options other than the typical 9-5. There are many options to a flexible work schedule, including compressed work weeks (i.e. allowing variable start and end times), job sharing and part-time schedules.
2. Give employees positive feedback on a regular basis: not just during performance reviews.
This one is crucial. Though a financial reward is great, many employees are looking for positive feedback more than once a year. Make sure the feedback is timely, appropriate, and genuine. This will go a long way with the employee and makes for a more positive workplace environment overall.
3. Review HR policies and procedures.
It’s important to be consistently up-to-date with all of the changes that happen in the HR community. You are the organization’s quarterback. If an employee has a question, they will come to you first. By staying on top of current changes, you will be an important asset to the organization.
4. Implement training programs.
Training programs are a great way to get everyone in your organization on the same page. Maybe you would like to get all of your managers together for a class on supervisory training. Or maybe you just want a refresher on employment law. Don’t forget to check out ERC’s full list of training offerings.
5. Update your LinkedIn profile.
This is one that constantly gets overlooked. Most people set up their LinkedIn account and then never think to update it again. It’s important to not only stay active on LinkedIn, but to make sure you have an updated profile. After all, your LinkedIn profile page is a representation of you – make it stand out! As such, consider a professional portrait photograph for your profile picture versus a ‘selfie’.
6. Meet with department heads and staff members to figure out how the HR department can improve.
This is a great way to make your employees feel like they have a voice within the company. It can be formal, with a scheduled meeting, or more casual with just a survey. Whatever way you prefer, make sure your employees feel like they are involved with the organization they work for.
7. Identify local vendors willing to offer discounts to your employees.
Preferred partner networks are a great way for your organization and employees to save money. Talk with your employees to see what kind of programs interest them, and then reach out to local vendors.
8. Read a blog post a day.
This one is simple. Just read. Find a website you enjoy, such as TLNT or the HR Bartender (and of course, the ERC Blog) and see what it has to say. Staying informed is the most important thing you can do for yourself and your organization.
9. Streamline the new hire paperwork packet and update the employee orientation packet.
It’s one of those jobs that sounds tedious, but once you do it, you will be glad you did.
10. Update your employee handbook.
This is another tedious and time consuming project – there’s no sugar coating that. However, it’s an easy way to answer employee questions and keepeveryone on the same page when it comes to employee benefits and expectations.
11. Earn your PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification.
Because the HR profession is constantly changing and evolving, it is important to be certified or recertified to continually update your HR competencies and knowledge.
12. Reorganize your personnel files.
With a new year comes new paperwork and files. Clean out your desk and filing cabinets.
13. Need HR resources, training, or consulting? ERC can help!
ERC helps organizations create great workplaces by providing HR Resources, Training, and Consulting services. ERC offers HR content and tools, compensation & benefit benchmarking data, experienced HR Advisors, and access to an exclusive partner network.
ERC Training provides customized learning and development solutions that enhance the skills of managers, supervisors, leaders and the general workforce. ERC Consulting helps organizations attract and retain talent through assessments, coaching, and consulting services, with a specialty in compensation & benefits.
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