The 2020 calendar year is finally nearing the finish line, which means it is time for merry-making, celebration, and creating your HR resolutions for the new year! This is a great time to start identifying all those projects that kept being pushed to the bottom of the list in lieu of the constant policy changes and adaptations that molded the year 2020. Once those projects are identified, you can then set realistic goals and timelines to set up your organization for success.
First and foremost, take the time to carefully review your employee handbook. Even if you just reviewed your handbook last year, chances are that the changes we have seen to our working environments because of COVID-19 are not yet reflected in your handbook. Also, since we are on the subject of COVID-19, make sure that you have a pandemic policy in place. Secondly, take the time to review your benefit packages in comparison to what your employees need and want by conducting a survey to assess your employees’ current needs. You may find that, while your benefit package appears to be competitive, it is not living up to your employees’ expectations and needs.
Next, if you found yourself getting frustrated with your managers this year due to constant questions or, worse, making hasty judgment calls that went against HR compliance, it may be time to conduct an HR training session to guide them on how to react to various situations and when it is vital to bring in HR for assistance. Implementing an annual management training on the legalities of interviewing, hiring, and performance management is a great place to start.
Finally, make the time to design and implement an HR Strategic Plan. It is easy for HR staff to get caught up in the day-to-day, but HR initiatives should be proactive and reflect the high-level vision of the organization. Has your turnover rate increased year-over-year? Strategize. Are candidates constantly turning down your offers in exchange for a bigger, better deal at another company? Strategize. Has your applicant pool for open positions yielded so few candidates that you feel like hiring managers are just selecting warm bodies? Strategize!
So, while you may feel discouraged by the tumultuous changes of this past year, take solace that a brand-new year is right around the corner and with it comes the opportunity to make great changes for your organization. Identify your resolutions now, and don’t forget, if that list starts looking too long, Rocket City HR Consulting is here to support you and your organization!
