If you work in the business realm, you know that it is not easy to manage Human Resources in any organization, regardless of the size. Employer regulations on the federal and state level are only growing, the workforce is much more dynamic, and managers’ and supervisors’ expectations are more complex than ever before. As a business owner, you are trying to do much more with much less.
Now is the time to get a better understanding of the reasons why mistakes may occur in your HR department. This helps ensure you can take steps to avoid these mistakes.
Follow effective hiring practices
Ensuring that you hire the right talent for the positions in your business is often an exercise in trial and error. When you implement processes for your hiring decisions based on best practices, it can positively impact the outcome.
When you are ready to hire new people for a job, your set hiring process should include coming up with a complete job description and an ideal candidate profile, and using effective recruiting sources to fill the position. You should also have interview questions in mind and be ready to answer questions from potential hires, such as how you meet the requirements of the California break law.
Evaluate your new hire onboarding process
Do you know the best way to assimilate your new employees into your business? This can seem like a difficult and daunting task. To deal with it, try breaking the process down into smaller steps to make an effective plan.
Take time to create a schedule, so your new hires know that you are prepared for their arrival and that they know what to expect during their first week with your company. It can help if you also allow time for your new hires to meet their new co-workers and their managers.
Consider employee classification carefully
There are a few different types of employee classifications. For example, is someone a regular worker or a temporary worker? Will new hires be working full-time or part-time? Will they be exempt or nonexempt? These definitions can be outlined in your handbook or use the definitions provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Many organizations make the mistake of classifying a position as being exempt when it does not meet the specific guidelines. Use the tools that are provided by the DOL to help better classify the position that you are offering.
Understand hour and wage rules
It is best to avoid making any assumptions related to the rules around what you pay someone. This error can be expensive if you happen to violate any laws.
Guidance on all types of hour and wage laws can be found at the Department of Labor. Make sure that you are careful and diligent about calculating overtime and comp time, rounding time for your hourly employees, and recording the number of hours that your workers have actually worked.
Keep the employee handbook current
You need to make sure that you keep your employee handbook updated and that any changes in your policies are recorded. This diligence can help you avoid conflict involving drugs and alcohol, leaves, harassment, discrimination, and more with regulatory policies. If you change something in your employee handbook, make sure you provide your workers with the updated version.
These policies are only going to be worth it if the handbook is given to your employees. It can help if you also gather acknowledgment from them that they received the book and that they fully understand it.
When it comes to avoiding common HR mistakes, keep in mind that these are some of the most common issues that may occur. If you take steps to avoid these missteps, you can feel more confident that your business will run smoothly and that no serious HR issues will arise. It also helps to ensure that your employees enjoy the work environment you have created.
Mikkie Mills is a freelance writer from Chicago, Illinois, US. She is also a mother of two who loves sharing her ideas on interior design, budgeting hacks and DIY. When she’s not writing, she’s chasing the little ones around or can be found rock climbing at the local climbing gym.
