Exercise More
Training has become one of the most important functions of an HR department. Companies that have effective harassment and discrimination policies will not only prevent claims but also establish defenses that could avoid legal liability or high damage awards. Thus, training is a cost-effective method of controlling labor and employment disputes. If you take the time to train managers, supervisors, and employees to do their jobs correctly in the first place, you won''t have to spend time and money with lawyers later on when misunderstandings erupt into lawsuits.
Lose Weight
Just because you''ve always done something one way doesn''t mean you''re doing it the best way. It makes sense to periodically review your policies and procedures to see how you can make them more effective. An audit of your practices can help you identify areas in which you can do better and even save time and money. Review your job application, handbook, orientation process, Family and Medical Leave Act procedures, and so forth. What can you streamline and still get the same benefit?
Keep A Diary
When you call your lawyer to ask for advice on a particularly difficult personnel matter, one of the questions you will invariably be asked is "What kind of documentation do you have?" If you document early and often, you stand a much better chance of being able to take the employment action that''s necessary. Remember to train your supervisors in how to document issues and retain that documentation. The documentation should be clear, concise, and as objective as possible.
Learn A Foreign Language
The workforce is becoming increasingly diverse. The influx of workers from other countries increases the chance of miscommunication and misunderstanding. If you have employees for whom English is a second language, you need to figure out how your key policies will be communicated to them. For example, if you have Spanish-speaking employees in the workplace, it would be wise to have your key policies, such as your sexual harassment policy, translated into Spanish and posted for them.
Learn A New Technology Skill
If you haven''t yet come to grips with the use of computers in your workplace, now is the time to do so. You need to have an electronic communication policy that explains to employees that they have no expectation of privacy in the use of company computers. Your policy should lay out clear expectations for the use of the Internet and e-mail systems.
Make New Friends
The HR department shouldn''t be viewed as the enemy. Take time each day to walk through your facility and talk with employees. Train your supervisors so they''ll view you as a resource that they can use and not a roadblock that prevents them from doing what they want to do.
Bottom Line
Just as you need to take care of your body and mind, your HR department can use a little maintenance to keep it trim and fit.