Human resource (HR) department is one of the most essential parts of an organization. But aside from being something that builds a harmonious relationship between the company and the employees, it also helpful in implementing policies and making strategies which would lead the company to its goals and eventually to its success.
Well, aside from its traditional function which involves recruitment and policing employees, studies also shows that its role should also include transparency which it can show through its policies which give structure, control, consistency, and fairness to organizational procedures and activities.
Some of the essential functions that HR policies should be able to serve include empowering the company, promoting compliance to laws and communicating values and expectations for activities within the organization. HR serves as a bridge which connects the stakeholders and the components of an organization. It is responsible in maintaining balance and harmony between the members of the company from the employees to the higher ups.
Effective policies including its management and implementation are crucial so it must be well taken care of. Owners as well as administrative officials should strategize and plan well in order to achieve it. Also, there should be a vision as well as standards set to determine whether the formulated policies will serve its purpose. This includes the desired work culture, the result that you want to achieve, its relevance to company values and your capability to monitor and implement them. You might also want to think whether your policies would limit or enable your managers to work efficiently or if these policies help attract assets and top talents.
Most importantly, think whether it would be easy to implement and if it will be welcomed and embraced by your employees. This will help you predetermine its impact to the working environment as well as the possible feedback of your workforce.
In short, HR policies must, at all time, complement with the distinct culture of your organization. Failing to secure this can result to policies being unacceptable to employees giving them an impression of you being unfair or ineffective.
Not that you will rely everything on what they feel, but what it will do to them is a big factor in knowing what will be effective or not because they are the frontline in the operations thus they are the first ones to be affected so at some point, they will sense and experience firsthand the polices you will imposing. To smaller organizations, it is more likely that creating a more conducive work environment for employees is easier compared when you are already an established company with hundreds of members. It is much easier for them to resolve issues as it is still possible to have one-on-one interactions with people working in the organization.
In general, allocating time and resources in making and developing policies which are effective is the key to success. Being able to plan and do this ahead of time gives you an advantage even before crucial times come. By implementing these policies, you create a culture with the proper values and established foundation leading to the success of the company.
