THE VELVET HAMMER

by joan berkman

Q: As a small business owner, I’ve been grappling with a number of human resource issues recently. With plans to expand in the very near future, should I hire a full time HR professional? A: Although a small business doesn’t necessarily need to employ a dedicated HR manager, it’s important that someone in your organization be responsible for HR needs. The fact is that if you have employees, you need to be thinking about human resources. It’s that simple. Regardless of the size of your company, certain employees can be a liability and with someone managing your HR, this liability can be mitigated. Getting Started

Compiling an employee handbook of your company’s policies and practices is a good first step. HR includes understanding all of the laws and regulations so you know how to handle everything from benefits and hiring practices to managing difficult employee issues. With training, an office manager could handle the daily oversight.

However, if your immediate plans are to expand and you’re already dealing with employee problems, you may want to consider hiring a full time HR person. Until then, HR consultants can fill the gap to support your business and provide training to your staff.

Whatever approach you decide on, HR needs to be an integral part of your strategic plan. This will not only ensure compliance with respective labor laws, but it also will provide a solid tool to communicate and implement best workplace practices. HR Manager Qualities

There are a number of qualities you should look for when hiring an HR manager in order for them to provide effective oversight for your business. It is essential that you look for someone who not only has the skills but who also knows how to effectively encourage staff to be their best.

Those skill sets should include possessing knowledge and expertise in HR as well as having engaging presentation skills and the ability to multitask. There may be times when an HR manager must deal with one employee’s personal complaint one minute and then answer a family leave question the next and then develop a recruitment strategy for a difficult-to-fill position.

They also need to know how to deal with “gray” areas such as how to make decisions with “best available” information and have the wisdom to know when to get advice from a lawyer or other HR experts. In addition, and most importantly, they need to display a strong sense of ethics, leadership skills, the ability to motivate others, strong conflict resolution skills and a sympathetic attitude.

A human resources manager who possesses these skill sets and qualities can ultimately be a major ingredient to pave the way for your organization’s success. &

PHOTO: COLIN MILLER OF STRAUSS PEYTON PHOTOGRAPHY

GET IGNITED GET IGNITED

EVERY THURSDAY, 5 PM CENTRAL IGNITEMETHODCOACH.COM

Mastercoach Beth Chesteron invites you to weekly inspirational interviews with today’s change-agents. Each episode features a wealth of practical, actionable advice to raise your spirits and accelerate change.

Give the gift of Animals Always and be remembered forever.

When you become a member of the Saint Louis Zoo’s Heritage Society, your future gift creates a legacy for you while guaranteeing that our Zoo continues to be one of the finest in the world—leading in animal care and providing unforgettable guest experiences for years.

Be remembered forever by considering the Saint Louis Zoo in your estate plans. Contact Lori A. Sullivan at (314) 646-4509 or visit stlzoo.org/plannedgiving for more information.

FINANCIAL EXPERT ADVICE

Michael S. Weisman, CFP® Financial Adviser VICUS FINANCIAL ADVISORS

Why should I have a written financial plan? A written plan is essential to accomplishing financial goals and can be compared to using a map on a vacation road trip. Some people spend more time planning a vacation than planning their retirement! Where, when, whom and money are all factors in planning a successful vacation, same for financial planning.

8025 BONHOMME AVE., STE. 105 314.931.1996 VICUSFA.COM Lori A. Sullivan Director of Planned Gifts SAINT LOUIS ZOO Will my family get less if I name charities in my will? Not necessarily! When giving from an IRA, tax savings often provide more for family. The zoo offers a complimentary service to help people figure out their taxable estate, put their family first and support places they love.

ONE GOVERNMENT DRIVE 314.646.4509 STLZOO.ORG/PLANNEDGIVING

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

FINANCIAL ADVISORS

Guiding Clients Thru A Lifetime of Financial Planning

Michael S. Weisman, CFP®

5 Reasons Clients Hire Us

1.Financial Planning – Retirement, Estate, College,

Insurance and Investments 2.Investment Experience – Risk based, goals based, need based 3.Collaborative – We work with you and your other professionals for your benefit 4.Extra Pair of Hands – Assist you in getting your financial affairs in order 5.Implementation – We work with you to implement action items

Who does all of this for you?

Give Michael a call, he would be glad to discuss your needs and our services. 314.931.1996 • mweisman@vicusfa.com

Investment Advisor Representative offering securities and advisory services though Cetera Advisor Networks LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and a Registered Investment Advisor. Some advisory services and financial planning offered through Vicus Capital, Inc., a Federally Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. 8025 Bonhomme Avenue | Clayton, MO 63105 | 314.504.6000

WE’RE HOMEGROWN,[

a completely independent st. louis publication » connecting our community.

314.657.2100 | townandstyle.com