Getting back to business: seize this HR opportunity

ADAM CLARK MYHRONLINE

From a Human Resource perspective, the recent shut down has taught us the importance of being prepared and protected for the unexpected.

As we prepare to get back to business, a great opportunity exists for businesses to make changes now to ensure protection and remain a step ahead, through HR compliance and best practice processes. Your people are your greatest asset, especially in a time when you need them to double down, think outside the square, remain flexible and profitable all at the same time.

Now is a great time to consider introducing changes, as we all get back to business.

At a minimum, you should consider:

Employment Contacts

It is critical your employees and contractors have been issued with current, written and legally compliant contracts. This not only provides transparency for both you and your employees around the terms and conditions associated with their employment, employment contracts also protect the company both from a financial and legal perspective and will make it easier to manage employee issues in the future.

Well written Employment Contracts can also assist with driving productivity and cost efficiency.

Human Resource Policies

HR policies provide generalised guidance on the approach adopted by the organisation, concerning various aspects of employment. Well-documented policies and procedures help staff to understand how an organisation works and is managed.

HR policies are important not only to meet Fair Work compliance requirements, but also assist with basic day to day management of the company. Having strong and well communicated HR policies and procedures is critical to maintaining consistent standards and protecting your business.

In particular, consider HR policies around Alcohol and Drugs, Use of Social Media, Managing Performance, Issue Management Resolution and Managing Leave as these are areas often causing frustration within the workplace.

HR Forms and Letters

Compliant pro-forma HR forms and letter templates should be kept on file to meet compliance, and basic day to day management requirements of the company. Examples include a Written Warning template, a Termination Letter template, Confidentiality Agreement, Record of a Meeting template, Agreement to Vary Work Hours, and Probation Review template.

Position Descriptions and Performance Feedback Processes

Reviewing individual performance is critical in providing employees with feedback and ensuring transparency around expected performance. We recommend regular performance reviews based on key role requirements.

Now is the time to set performance objectives for your employees, and to put in place a process for managing this.

Seize this time for change!! There is no greater opportunity to implement changes to your business than right now. This is especially true for re-setting expectations of your greatest asset – your employees.

Need help getting started?

Our HR Essentials Packs provide a range of compliant and best practice HR documents required to manage your business including templates of Employment Contracts, HR Policies and HR Forms and Letters. Follow the link https://myhronline.com.au/hr-essentials/

If you require assistance in determining which documents are relevant to your circumstances, please contact Adam Clark on 1300 123 081 or aclark@myhronline.com.