From interviews to wellness, your business's HR, or human resources, team handles all matters related to employees. Generally, if there's a problem in the office, they're the ones you get in touch with.
But what happens when HR is the cause of certain problems?
By holding onto outdated HR policies, businesses are creating an unwelcoming and stressful work environment. Here are a few signs you need to update your policies.
1. Treating All Employees the Same
Everyone is entitled to equal and fair treatment in the workplace, but treating employees as equals across the board isn't necessarily the best attitude. Every person in your workplace has their own unique challenges, and it's important to acknowledge that.
For example, after-work activities might seem like a great way to encourage bonding time between your employees, but a parent or guardian might struggle to attend. Instead, create equal opportunity programs that take everyone's situation into account.
A strong Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program can also help emphasize respect and support amongst all team members. Enhancing your company culture, hosting diversity trainings, providing unique mentorship programs and fair opportunities, and updating hiring processes are just a few ways to foster DEI.
2. You Use Phone Interviews as a First Contact
Phone interviews are a historically convenient way to contact potential employees. No one has to travel or get dressed up, and you can get through initial interviews at a faster rate.
With phone interviews, however, you aren't able to see how a person physically reacts to questions and handles a situation. This is why many employers have switched to video interviews.
Employers can conduct more personal interviews in this format, compared to a phone interview. They can also send candidates the interview questions in advance, and have them send in a recording with their responses. This eliminates the need for your team to even attend the initial interview.
3. Limited Sick Days
If the current pandemic has taught business owners anything, it's that their sick policies definitely need to be reviewed and updated. Everyone gets sick at some point in their lives, and employees can't control when they do, or how sick they end up getting. Allotting a specific number of sick days is becoming both inefficient and somewhat insensitive.
As employees push for more work/life balance, many businesses are introducing flexible paid time off (PTO) policies that combine sick and vacation days. Some employers are also factoring in time off for mental health.
The unlimited PTO model has increased in popularity as well, which lets employees take off as much time as they need, as long as their job requirements are fulfilled.
Help with HR Policies
Introducing and updating HR policies in your company can be hard work, especially for businesses with fewer resources.
But what if you didn't have to take on all the work yourself?
SynchronyHR is here to help! We offer a variety of human resources services that can create efficiencies, enhance workplace culture, and potentially reduce costs. We deliver the right solutions at the right time.
Give us a call to learn more about the serves we offer.