Managing Hr in a Recession - Part 1
Is there or isn’t there a recession? We know things have slowed up a bit in some areas, but recession is a big word. Is it just a figment of the media’s over-active imagination? And can your business afford to take the chance that it is? Here are a number of HR tips to help keep your company recession proof.
Keep recruiting
Most of the time, economic downturns are short-lived so keep the bigger picture of long-term growth in sight. Keep your nerve. It’s easier to invest training time for new recruits during slower growth periods. It’s also worth remembering that if you dismiss employees during a recession, not only is there a cost, you will have to appoint someone to take their places when times get better — and that can cost a lot more money in the long run.
Don’t recruit a problem
In the first instance, it’s essential, in tough times, to ensure that you’ve got the right people working for you. The recruitment process should be conducted with rigorous thoroughness.
What to Expect From an Hr Consulting Service
An HR consulting service will study how your staff can be managed effectively, where you can save money (and where you need to spend it) and how changing systems can make you more productive. Consultants can help you comply with the law from the time you start the recruitment phase to the moment that an employee leaves your company. One key area that an HR consulting service can manage is creating employment contracts and staff handbooks that set out everyone’s rights and responsibilities, as well as procedures when things go wrong. It’s helpful to have a sound knowledge of UK employment law to prepare this paperwork and HR consultants will certainly be professionals in this area.
Employment law is changing all the time, imposing new obligations on employers. With an HR consulting company, you can be sure that your practices and procedures will be up to date and fully compliant with the law. You won’t be caught out by changes to the provisions for maternity leave and pay, the increase in the minimum wage or laws relating to discrimination. Instead of leaving yourself open to a costly court case, get the consultants in to make sure that you are meeting your obligations.