HR Tips #15-18 of our 24 HR Tips for 2024

We are moving on to Tips #15 – 18 of our 24 HR Tips for 2024 covering the topics of policies and compliance, DEI, onboarding, and flexibility.

Tip #15: Ensure compliance with clear and easy to read policies!

In our engagements with small to mid-size employers, we frequently encounter outdated and non-compliant policies—or worse, no policies at all! As your team grows, the importance of well-crafted policies cannot be overstated. They serve as the compass guiding your team through the complexities of the professional landscape.

Regularly review and update your policies to keep pace with the evolving work landscape. Involve your team in the process to foster a sense of ownership and inclusion. Implement training on your policies annually with an opportunity for your team to review them and ask questions, prior to acknowledging their understanding. Remember, policies are not just about rules and regulations; they’re about creating the practices where everyone can thrive.

Tip #16: Invest in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We all need to be able to show up to work as our authentic selves and feel that we belong. A workplace that values and celebrates diversity, and promotes internal equity, is a must.

Research shows that inclusion leads to higher employee engagement and retention rates, ultimately contributing to a positive company culture and a healthy bottom line.  Research also shows that diverse teams are more innovative and profitable.

DEI Programs should include equitable practices, policies, and employee training, but promoting inclusivity involves more than just checking these boxes. It involves vulnerability and discussing the things we don’t normally discuss.

Tip #17 of our 24 HR Tips for 2024: Do not underestimate the power of effective Onboarding for new employees.

New employee onboarding is the last phase of the recruitment process. After investing time and effort in hiring the right person for the job, onboarding will ensure a successful start for the new employee. More than just an orientation session to complete new hire paperwork, onboarding is a long-term process which leads to employee engagement and retention. It involves integrating the new employee to the organization by fostering connections, and demonstrating how the mission and values of the organization are lived day to day.

Tip #18 of our 24 HR Tips for 2024: Provide your team with flexibility in any way possible.

For some jobs and organizations, that may mean remote working opportunities. For others, it may mean differing start and end times, or embracing different ways of performing work.

In today’s dynamic work landscape, the traditional 9-to-5 model is undergoing a significant transformation, and flexibility in the workplace is more crucial than ever. Here’s why employers should consider embracing flexibility as a cornerstone of their organizational culture:

1️⃣ Enhanced Work-Life Balance: Offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours, enables employees to better balance their personal and professional lives. This fosters greater job satisfaction, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being.

2️⃣ Increased Productivity: Numerous studies have shown that flexible work arrangements actually boost employee productivity. Better results will be achieved by allowing employees to work where and when they are most productive.

3️⃣ Expanded Talent Pool: Flexibility in work arrangements opens up opportunities for employers to tap into a wider talent pool, fostering innovation and creativity within the workforce.

4️⃣ Cost Savings: Embracing flexibility can lead to significant cost savings for employers. Reduced office space requirements, lower overhead costs, and decreased employee turnover contribute to a more efficient and cost-effective operation.

5️⃣ Enhanced Employee Retention: Offering flexibility is a powerful retention tool.

Employees are more likely to stay with an employer who values their work-life balance and accommodates their individual needs. In conclusion, flexibility in the workplace isn’t just a perk—it’s a strategic imperative that benefits both employers and employees alike.

Stay tuned to our blog page for HR Tips #19 – 21 coming next!