HR (Human Resources) is often seen as something businesses have to do to survive – a box that is ticked, centred around recruitment and legalities. But the right HR strategy can do a lot more than that. It’s the secret sauce that can truly transform your business and have a real impact on your bottom line.
One of our main goals in modern HR is to drive employee engagement. Highly engaged employees feel more connected to your business, which means they are working harder at creating positive outcomes.
A recent study shared by Gallup shows that businesses investing in employee engagement (e.g. through strength-based development) see an 81% decrease in absenteeism, 19% higher sales and a 29% increase in profit. The study also shows that only 21% of survey participants in New Zealand felt engaged in their roles (vs 34% in the US), so there is significant potential in driving growth through HR here.
In this article, we will let you in on our Branngians HR best practice framework to help your business thrive (not just survive). Read on for clear insights on the HR basics and what else you can do to maintain employee engagement:
HR best practices to build engaged teams
1. Policies and procedures: Getting the basics right
To build a thriving organisation, the first step is to have your policies and procedures in order. These are the foundation for building an engaged team, ensuring smooth operations and creating a positive work environment.
Here are some key policies and procedures to consider:
- Health and Safety: Prioritise the well-being of your employees by implementing robust health and safety measures.
- Performance management: Set clear goals, provide regular feedback, and recognise achievements to drive employee performance.
- Disciplinary guidelines: Establish fair and transparent processes to address disciplinary issues effectively.
- Code of conduct: Define the values and ethical standards that guide behaviour within your organisation.
- Recruitment: Develop a strategic approach to attract top talent and build a diverse and skilled workforce.
- Employee agreements: Craft employment contracts that protect the interests of both your business and employees.
- Employee engagement surveys: Listen to your employees’ voices and gain insights to enhance their experience.
Are you unsure if you have all of these basics in place for your business? Our consultants can do full HR reviews of your practices and policies, help you identify gaps and support you in getting the fundamentals set up.
2. Onboarding and induction: Setting the stage for success
The onboarding process is your opportunity to set your team members up for success right from the start. Make sure you lay the groundwork for their seamless integration into the organisation with these key steps:
- Position description: Clearly communicate the roles and responsibilities to ensure alignment and clarity.
- Effective communication: Establish open lines of communication from day one, fostering collaboration and connection.
- Embrace your employer brand: Share your unique employer brand and demonstrate how new hires can contribute to it.
- Policy boundaries: Clearly outline the policies and expectations to ensure a smooth transition into the company culture.
- Continuous support: Create a plan for ongoing success, including regular feedback check-ins, individual development plans, and a robust communication strategy to keep everyone informed and engaged in your business’s journey.
3. Company DNA: Vision, Mission, and Values
Your organisation’s vision, mission, and values are the heartbeat that keeps your employees connected and engaged. When there is a shared culture and common goals, magic happens. HR plays a critical role in nurturing this sense of purpose and unity through effective communication, involvement, and consistent reinforcement of your organisation’s core principles and behaviours.
4. Training and people development: Unleashing potential
Unlock the potential within your organisation by investing in training and people development. HR consultants like Brannigans can help you identify the skillsets you currently have within your business, pinpoint the gaps, and design targeted training programs. By nurturing talent from within and providing opportunities for growth, you will cultivate a high-performing workforce that drives your business forward.
5. Team building and culture: Powering collaboration
An organisation thrives on a strong culture of feedback, openness, and equity. HR can spearhead initiatives to build a supportive and inclusive environment through team-building activities, promoting open communication channels, and championing a culture where employees can bring their whole selves to work. When people feel valued and empowered, the synergy among team members is unstoppable.
The Power of HR
HR should not be viewed as just a tickbox within organisations but a strategic partner that plays a pivotal role in driving business success. By implementing key HR elements such as comprehensive policies and procedures, effective onboarding and induction plans, a strong company DNA, and investment in training and people development, businesses can create an environment that fosters engagement, productivity, and growth. HR’s influence extends beyond compliance to shaping the entire employee lifecycle and contributing to a high-performance culture.
Wherever you are on your HR journey, we can be your partners in helping your business thrive. Reach out to our team.
