Spring clean your HR department
Spring is an ideal time to revamp and streamline your HR department. If you’re unsure where to start, we’ve compiled a list of six essential steps for a thorough HR spring clean.
HR spring clean
Office Redesign
Clearing the clutter in the workplace instantly boosts employee productivity. After tidying up and removing dust and cobwebs, consider rethinking your office layout. A fresh coat of paint can showcase your company’s personality, and don’t underestimate the power of natural light. Research suggests that just 30 minutes of exposure to natural light per day improves mood, productivity, and overall health. Rearrange the office space so that desks are near windows, and as the weather warms up, open the windows to let in fresh air for a rejuvenated mindset. Adding plants to the workplace also enhances employee concentration and relaxation, as studies show that having plants in the office reduces the number of sick days and absences.
Your Organisation
While it may seem obvious, decluttering your workspace can lead to a clearer mind. Sorting through piles of paperwork may feel like a never-ending task, but efficient filing methods and formatting can make retrieving personal files easier and more time efficient.
Consider storing hard copies in chronological order, in a secure space. However, we recommend going paperless for documents. This not only benefits the environment but also your business. Adopting an electronic file management system frees up time and space, and don’t forget to back up your files to ensure they’re never misplaced or lost.
Training Plans
Employee training programs provide essential knowledge and tools for your staff to perform at their best. Did you know that a *76% of employees say that a company would be more appealing if it offered additional skills training to its staff. Organisations with inadequate training processes are twice as likely to experience employee turnover. To strengthen your employee relationships and benefit your business, implementing a well-established training program is crucial. Tick HR’s Evolve Hub offers a range of cost-effective training courses that can be completed on site or remotely. For more information, click here.
Employee Handbook
Updating your employee handbook annually is a good rule of thumb to keep it relevant. Employee handbooks serve as crucial communication tools between you and your team. They help employees understand expectations and navigate various situations, while also protecting you, the employer, against potential legal disputes. Take this opportunity to review your employee policies, ensuring they align with any legal, technological, or company changes. Double-check for any missing information and ensure policies are clear and understandable for everyone.
Employee Rewards and Recognition
Show appreciation for your employees’ hard work throughout the year by sending them a handwritten note or a small gift. Ensure your calendar is up to date with employee birthdays and work anniversaries so that you can acknowledge and celebrate their successes this spring.
Get Ready for Summer
To prepare for the upcoming summer and manage time-off requests year-round, it is essential to have a well-structured leave management system in place. This involves effectively planning and tracking employee time off requests using digital platforms or software. It is important to distinguish between planned leave, which is scheduled in advance and authorised by HR managers, and traditional leave plans, which are calendar-based policies for vacations and holidays.
With these six essential steps, you can give your HR department a thorough spring cleaning and set the stage for a productive and successful year ahead.
*Lorman
