HR professionals have a lot on their plates these days, now more than ever. There are the usual day-to-day activities and a lot of fly by the seat of your pants duties that come up daily, if not hourly. What are the three key components that drive you to efficiency and empowerment? Here are three traits that every sharp HR professional should possess and focus to improve.
- Walk the Talk.
To be the best in your game and make sure your company is the best it can be, you must be proactive on identifying company needs and boosting employee morale with the best HR practices. Organizational problems arise and it is up to you to take the bull by the horns to fix or alleviate these situations. When an issue arises, sharp professionals take it head-on before it grows into a major embarrassment or loss for your company. The best HR professionals stay ahead of the game, cutting bad habits before they are integrated into the company culture.
This is true for major compliance issues as well. Be sure to stay in compliance with Title VII, FMLA, EEO, FSLA , ADA and ADDAA to name a few, as they keep you and your operations on course. Knowledge is power; you must be resourceful and know where to go to find answers, as we are in a time of constant change and revision.
- Be Proactive.
Andy Warhol said it best, “They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” HR professionals have to stay in front of the storm or face the consequences. FMLA protocol changed on March 8 and I-9 form pending timeframe of May 8, 2013 will soon change as well, but it is you, the HR professional that must implement those changes. Looking ahead at what’s to come is important. What are our compliance requirements? What’s next with technology? How can technology assist and keep us current? What’s next with proper communication tactics? Go out and be a trendsetter!
- Empower others.
Give your employees a human voice by spending less time behind the computer monitor and more time with your company’s biggest asset – the employees. It may sound hard, but empowering is actually simple. Employees want their information at their fingertips. Give them access to Employee Self-Service where they can access W-2s, paystubs, check their benefits and look at time-off accrued. Not only should you communicate with employees, but you should build a strong communication with your company leaders. Educate and support your supervisors and leaders on policies and procedures, in addition to laws and regulation changes. Again, knowledge is power. To succeed you must pass it on as communication is key.
