Human resources are one of the least understood aspects of business operations. It’s more than just a personnel department. There are a lot of factors that have to be considered when setting up HR support for your business.
One of their primary roles is to develop strategies to help businesses build and retain talent. ; HR professionals don’t just interview applicants and manage payroll, although they are also responsible for that.
However, small businesses might not have the resources to support a dedicated HR department. If your business is struggling to stay afloat, it can be tempting to redirect resources to other things instead. But any business should understand early on that people are your greatest asset. That’s why HR professionals utilize tools such as job verification services to ensure you hire only the best talent.
1. Know labor laws
A good HR specialist should know and understand federal and state labor laws. Businesses have to comply with a laundry list of regulations that cover every aspect of labor and employment, such as hiring and termination practices, benefits, compensation, and occupational safety. An HR specialist will help you stay on top of all these things.
If you don’t know where to begin, you might want to consult a labor lawyer to prepare your business for matters such as employment contracts and regulatory compliance.
2. Manage payroll properly
A poorly managed payroll can lead to loss of employee trust and even possible litigation down the line. HR specialists make sure that the business follows pertinent compensation regulations. They know the rules surrounding employee classifications, which affects the way they calculate compensation.
On the practical side, they also manage employee payroll and ensure that everyone gets paid on time.
3. Ensure data security
HR specialists are responsible for maintaining employee files and ensuring they are kept confidential. Some documents are a part of the public record, but others can only be shared or divulged in select circumstances.
Also, laws regarding data privacy and security differ from state to state, and it’s their job to know the best data security practices.
4. Develop house rules
Every organization needs to establish their house rules, also known as the company handbook. Think of it as your constitution. If questions or disputes should arise, the manual should help clarify things.
The manual should contain your company’s rules and operating procedures. It also details expectations surrounding employee conduct as well as any specific provisions your business might require. Make sure every employee receives a copy of the handbook and have them sign it when they get hired.
5. Recognize good performance
HR specialists can also help you formulate management strategies to track and develop the performance of your employees. Providing your employees a track for success gives them a barometer to measure their performance. If you recognize and reward good work, employees are more likely to produce better results. Similarly, it also helps you identify and train underperformers.
These are just some of the best HR practices every small business should be familiar with. Familiarity with labor laws and payroll management are two basic tenets of HR support. You should also know how to maintain employee records and develop company rules. Finally, good performance management helps in improving employee efficiency and morale.
