Avoiding Common HR Mistakes

Human resources may sound and look like a straightforward topic, but it’s not one that should be taken lightly. HR mistakes can cost you time and money, and your reputation. Here are four common mistakes to be aware of. Companies of all sizes, from global corporations to mom-and-pop outfits, are prone to these potentially critical faults.

Rushing Through the Hiring Process

When you have an immediate need for a new hire, such as a marketing associate or perhaps even an HR manager, it’s tempting to accelerate the hiring process and skip seemingly less important steps. But in doing so, you are putting yourself at risk of hiring the wrong person for the job (while simultaneously missing out on other top talent). Resist the urge to rush a new hire.

Not Keeping an Updated Employee Handbook

The employee handbook may be something that your workers joke about and chuckle over, but it’s an extremely important mechanism for establishing rules, guidelines and parameters. For many companies, having an employee handbook at all is a perennial “to do.” That’s unfortunate, because not only should you have an employee handbook, but you also should update it regularly as the landscape of your business and industry evolves.

Providing Inadequate Training

In the same way you may want to rush the hiring process, it’s equally easy to fail to provide the necessary training for your new hire to succeed within your company. This is especially true in small businesses where there is plenty to do and new employees are expected to contribute from Day One. Make a conscious effort to offer all new employees sufficient tools, resources and support. Otherwise you are setting up both the employees and your business for failure.

Being Lax on Compliance Issues

Whether it’s violating wage standards, not paying your taxes correctly, failing to document an employee termination or anything in between, HR is full of complex issues that you may know “a little” but not enough about. To avoid these types of pitfalls, contact me today and I’ll be happy to communicate with any HR staff you already have in place to ensure that your business runs smoothly and efficiently. If you don’t have any HR staff, that’s even more reason to call me — it all starts with payroll!

Until next time…
Natalie Ivey, CEO | HR Consultant
Results Performance Consulting, Inc.