For the most part, almost every business is looking to increase their efficiency in the workplace in any way they can. This can lead to greater output, increased revenue streams and better client-customer relationships.
This task is often assigned to human resources, which handles not only recruiting and hiring but all company-focused planning. From creating standards and practices to recruiting and hiring the best candidates to better support the business, HR carries a wide spectrum of responsibilities.
That being said, every HR department would benefit if things continuously ran smoothly and employees are able to work advantageously. Doing everything possible to provide the best accommodations and implementing tactics to maximize productivity will go a long way.
The following are ways in which HR representatives can improve the everyday workflow processes that may be holding your staff and company’s success back.
Consider Flexible Work Schedules
Allowing employees the ability to make their own schedules to fit their busy lives can go a long way in improving company morale and gaining trust from your staff. Additionally, flexible work hours put more responsibility on employees and will give them a sense of independence while on the job.
Feeling as if you’re being micromanaged is one of the most common complaints of today’s office workers, so having the freedom to work when and even where they want will help to combat this mentality. Studies have shown that absenteeism also declines when employees are given the option to work from the office or at home.
Modern attendance management software is able to support flexible work schedules by allowing remote clock in/out and flexible work hours. Consider implementing this benefit for your staff, even if only for a trial period, and you will notice a difference almost immediately.
Reward Team and Individual Accomplishments
Giving recognition to those within the company who have reached a major milestone or accomplished a difficult task has become a standard practice for most mid- to large-scale companies. Even having small celebrations for employee anniversaries or company outings after reaching quarterly/annual sales goals can give your staff a more positive and driven attitude.
Small gatherings in or out of the office also allow more cross-department employee interaction that would not occur otherwise. Giving workers the opportunity to co-mingle and gain knowledge on other areas of the business will have a significantly positive impact on the company vision and overall workflow.
Simplify Work Processes Where Possible
Giving employees the advantage of streamlined work processes will allow them to be more productive and accomplish tasks more meticulously.
Many types of workflow software can be integrated seamlessly to support a variety of back-end business efforts. These automated process operating systems can do everything from form filling to advanced analytics capabilities that can be beneficial for a number of industries.
Although many believe artificial intelligence to be too complicated or a threat to modern business practices, automation and other workflow software are meant to be used in tandem with a human workforce. Consider implementing programs such as these to ease the workload of any staff.
Promote Openmindedness
Always being open to an ongoing dialogue within the workplace, whether it be suggestions on how to better the day-to-day operations or the long-term planning of the company can be extremely advantageous.
Although many upper-level management teams may not take it into consideration, middle- and lower-level employees are the backbone of a business. Letting these men and women have a voice when making significant business decisions will not only give a better insight into the mindset of employees at all levels but will also help reach a more accepted, majority decision as well.
At the same time, allowing for open and honest dialogue with your HR representative can be effective in ensuring little-to-no hostility within the workplace. Having someone who will listen without judgment and attempt to make amends between two parties when needed is truly an underappreciated company attribute.
Provide Unified Communication Systems
Although it may seem like a simple notion, having one or very few channels of communication internally will make many day-to-day workflows easier. By integrating a standard, unified communication platform, you will not only cut down on the number of miscommunications that occur within the office, but the average project completion time should drop considerably as well.
It will also save the company thousands of dollars each year if there is no need to subscribe to several expensive platforms that all staff must be trained in. Communication internally should be simple and prevent information silos from being created across departments. Mainstream corporate practices such as these whenever possible.
