"I can't find motivated employees!" “It is difficult to retain good staff"... These are the most common complaints from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
We are all aware of the ongoing 'war for talent' and it is widely understood that motivated employees are invalubale. Yet, I often notice that in some SMEs HR management is still limited to timely and correct payment of wages, processing personnel administration, and policy compliance... Of course, paying fair wages is essential, but there is much more involved. This is a call to recognize the importance of effective HR Management, even - and especially, for SMEs.
Attract new employees
To attract motivated and skilled employees, you need a thoughtful recruitment plan. A well-prepared plan answers the following questions:
Who am I looking for? What competencies and skills are needed? What type of personallity will fit well withing my company and team?
How will candidates find the vacancy? Which recruitment channels will I use? Do I need to be on social media?
What is the job description? What will be expected of the employee? What tasks will they perform?
What does the company offer? What are our strenghts? What salary and benefits can we provide?
Starting your search with a strong plan sets you on the right path. A good start is half the battle!
And... retaining good employees
In this 'war for talent' it is crucial to set yourself apart from the competitors. This is where employer branding or creating 'a strong employer identity' comes in. Many associate employer branding with costly campaigns, but you can accomplish a lot even on a modest budget.
The first step toward building a strong brand is to have happy employees! Employees who take pride in working for the company are more likely to stay and become your best advocates, attracting new talent through their own enthusiasm! They become real ambassadors of your company!
How to ensure happy employees?
Initially, you might think of increasing salaries, offering more time off or adding benefits,... While these play a role, other factors often matter more in fostering a motivated, productive, loyal and HAPPY workforce.
Each employee has their own intrinsic motivation for working, and this often matters more then financial incentives.
Here are some tips to help make your employees happy
Give your employees responsibilities
When employees take ownershiop of specific tasks, they feel more engaged and valued. It is a way of showing that you have confidence in your employees.
Let employees do what they're good at
Invest in your employees
Show appreciation
Create a pleasant work environment
Involve employees in decision-making
Where to begin?
Create a recruitment plan tailored to your company's needs.
Map your organization in an organizational chart and provide clear job descriptions for all employees.
Establish a competitivef salary policy.
Develop comprehensive HR policies, such as car policy, telework policy,...
Know what is going on in your company by organizing performance and/or evaluation interviews.
Ensure a good welcome for new employees so that they can add value as quickly as possible. A welcome brochure and a buddy system can be very valuable.
Improve internal communication and work on make sure your leadershipteam is trained.
What does it cost?
Many business owners hesitate due to perceived costs, but have you considred the expenses tied to unecessary training of new employees who leave in no time, absenteeism due to work pressure, costs for interim workers and not to mention your own time?
Have you ever considered that you can also hire an external HR Manager? With an external expert, you can focus on your company's cre operations while the expert handles people manamgent and HR policies. An experienced HR Manager can implement a strong HR framework more quickly, delivering results that benefit your organization sooner.
A company with only a few employees does not need to hire a full-time HR manager. That's why bringing in an expert on a part-time basis, even just a few days per month, can be highly valuable.
HR is not a luxury; let us help you with guidance and support , so we can achieve success together!