What Small Businesses Need to Know About HR Compliance

Handling the complexities of HR compliance is crucial for small businesses. At AllMyHR, we’re committed to making this process straightforward and effective. Compliance isn’t just about avoiding legal issues; it’s about fostering a workplace where everyone can excel. Here’s a breakdown of what small businesses should know about HR compliance and how AllMyHR facilitates manageable and practical HR solutions.

Embracing HR Compliance

HR compliance involves adhering to laws and regulations that govern the workplace. This encompasses hiring practices, workplace safety, employee benefits, and termination procedures. For small businesses, keeping up with these regulations is critical to avoid costly legal challenges and to maintain a positive working environment. 

The Role of AllMyHR in Ensuring Compliance

At AllMyHR, we provide cost-effective small business HR solutions designed for small and mid-sized employers. Here’s how we assist: 

Unlimited Access to HR Advisors

Our clients enjoy unlimited access to a team of experienced HR advisors. Whether you need assistance with complex employment laws or require advice on best practices, our experts are readily available. This direct access ensures personalized advice tailored to your business needs. 

Streamlining Administrative HR Tasks

HR encompasses numerous administrative tasks that can be daunting. We simplify these processes for you. From payroll processing to managing employee records, our solutions ease your time so you can focus more on growing your business. 

Simplifying Compliance and Regulations

Staying abreast of constantly evolving laws and regulations poses a challenge. We eliminate the guesswork that is out of compliance for you. Our tools and services keep you updated with the latest legal requirements, ensuring your business remains compliant effortlessly. 

Customized Learning Management System

Our Learning Management System (LMS) is tailored to meet the educational needs of your employees. From onboarding new hires to ongoing training programs, our LMS enables you to deliver essential knowledge and skills to your team, keeping everyone informed about relevant HR policies and procedures. 

Best Practices for Recruiting, Training, Motivation, and Retention

Attracting and retaining top talent has never been more critical. We provide best practices for recruiting, training, motivation, and retention. By tapping into our expertise, you can boost your workforce’s productivity and satisfaction, which is crucial for business success. 

Harassment Training

Workplace harassment can have serious repercussions. We offer straightforward yet practical harassment training, ensuring your team understands what constitutes harassment and how to prevent it. Our training includes simple administration, implementation, and certification processes, facilitating easy compliance. 

Why Small Business Human Resources Compliance is Critical

Compliance is more than a legal obligation; it’s fundamental to building a respected and successful business. By following legal and ethical guidelines, you ensure your business is shielded from the risks of litigation and penalties. Equally important, a compliant workplace is a fair and safe environment for your employees, which fosters job satisfaction and retention. 

Partner with AllMyHR for Your HR Compliance Needs

At AllMyHR, we are dedicated to supporting small businesses with comprehensive and affordable HR solutions. Our expertise in navigating the intricacies of HR compliance lets you concentrate on what you do best—running your business. Let us handle the rest.

Effective HR compliance is an ongoing process, not a one-time achievement. As your business evolves, so will your HR needs. Partner with us at AllMyHR, and let’s ensure that your small business is not only compliant but also a place where people are eager to work. 

How Can LMS Platforms Transform Your Employee Training?

Navigating the complexities of employee training is no small task, but with Learning Management Systems (LMS), companies are finding practical solutions that blend convenience with impactful learning. Let’s explore the benefits of using the best LMS platforms online and how they can elevate your workforce.

Modern, Interactive Learning Experiences

Our LMS offers a contemporary approach to employee training that is both practical and engaging. By incorporating interactive tools, we not only make learning more exciting but also enhance the retention and comprehension of the material. This modern method ensures that learning is not just a check-box exercise but a meaningful experience that contributes to professional growth. 

Comprehensive Course Offerings

With access to over 300 online courses, our platform ensures your business remains compliant and your workforce well-trained. We provide a wide range of courses, from business essentials in English and Spanish to specialized training that meets state-specific requirements. Whether it’s Supervisor and management training, Human Resources, or Workplace Safety, there’s something for every aspect of your business. 

Automated Convenience

Our AllMyHR Training Dashboard streamlines the training process. It offers progress tracking, automatic reminders, and email notifications upon course completion. This automated system not only saves time but also ensures that training milestones are met without the need for constant oversight. 

Certificates of Completion

As your employees complete their courses, our system automatically generates certificates of completion. This not only provides tangible proof of their achievements but also helps maintain regulatory compliance and auditing readiness. 

Personalized Training Solutions

Recognizing that each business has unique training needs, we provide personalized consultation services at no additional cost. Our training advisors work closely with you to understand your specific requirements and tailor a training program that fits perfectly. This custom approach ensures that your team receives relevant and impactful training. 

What Are the Specialized Training Areas Offered? 

Supervisor & Management

Equip your managers with practical leadership development techniques. Our management courses are designed to build critical skills that foster a robust and collaborative team environment. 

Respect in the Workplace

Our harassment training courses go beyond compliance. They aim to enlighten employees and managers about identifying harassment and understanding its impacts, ensuring a respectful and safe workplace for everyone. 

Human Resources

Keep your HR team ahead of the curve with the latest industry best practices. From interviewing and onboarding to career development, our courses support effective HR management and team building. 

Workplace Safety

With comprehensive courses on job safety, OSHA regulations, and more, our LMS platforms online help protect both your employees and your business from potential hazards. 

Customer Service

In an era where customers are invaluable, ensure your staff excels in customer interactions. Our courses on customer relationships and service skills help maintain high customer satisfaction and loyalty. 

Compliance & Legal

Stay updated on HR compliance, employment law, ethics, and more. Understanding all employees’ roles and liabilities is crucial in today’s legal landscape.

Through the best LMS platforms online, you can ensure that your workforce is not only well-trained but also primed to drive your business forward in a safe, compliant, and efficient manner. Provide your team with the necessary tools for success and observe your business thrive.

Before Choosing HR Support Tools for Small Businesses: Key Tips to Consider

Human Resources (HR) management is paramount in the intricate landscape of small business operations. With limited resources and manpower, small businesses often face unique challenges in managing their HR functions efficiently. In such scenarios, leveraging HR support tools can be a game-changer, streamlining processes and enhancing productivity.

However, before selecting HR support tools for your small business, it’s imperative to tread cautiously and consider several key factors.

Here are some essential tips to guide you through this crucial decision-making process:

  1. Assess Your Business Needs: Before diving into the array of HR support tools available, take a step back and assess your business’s specific requirements. Identify the pain points and areas where automation or assistance is most needed. Whether it’s payroll management, employee onboarding, time tracking, or compliance, understanding your needs will help narrow down the options and ensure that you invest in the right solution.
  2. Evaluate Scalability: Your growth trajectory is pivotal as a small business. To achieve the intended results, opt for HR support for small businesses. It can scale along with your business. Consider whether the solution can accommodate increased employees, additional functionalities, or expansion into new markets. Scalability ensures that your investment remains relevant and beneficial in the long run, saving you from the hassle of frequently switching systems.
  3. Compatibility and Integration: Seamless integration with your existing systems and software is essential for efficient workflow management. Before selecting an HR support tool, verify its compatibility with your accounting software, communication platforms, and any other tools you use. Integration capabilities not only enhance efficiency but also minimize data discrepancies and operational silos.
  4. User-Friendly Interface: The usability of the HR support tool is paramount, especially for small businesses with limited IT resources. Look for a user-friendly interface that facilitates easy navigation and requires minimal training for your team. A straightforward interface ensures faster adoption and maximum utilization, empowering employees to leverage the tool effectively.
  5. Compliance and Security: Compliance with labor laws and data security regulations is non-negotiable for businesses of all sizes. Choose an HR support tool that prioritizes compliance and offers robust security measures to safeguard sensitive employee information. To ensure comprehensive protection, look for certifications, such as SOC 2 compliance, and inquire about data encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.
  6. Cost-Effectiveness: While investing in HR support tools can yield significant returns in efficiency and productivity, evaluating the solution’s cost-effectiveness is essential. Compare pricing plans, considering factors such as features included, scalability options, and any additional fees. Opt for a solution that balances affordability and value, aligning with your budget constraints and business goals.
  7. Reputation and Support: Research the HR support tool provider’s reputation within the industry and among its existing clients. Look for reviews, testimonials, and case studies to gauge the solution’s reliability and effectiveness. Additionally, assess the level of customer support offered, including responsiveness, availability, and expertise. Prompt and knowledgeable support can be invaluable, especially during the implementation and troubleshooting phases.

Conclusion

Before making a final decision, explore reputable HR support tool providers such as AllMyHR, which is known for their comprehensive solutions tailored for small businesses. Do your due diligence to learn more about seeking HR services for small businesses.

By following these tips and conducting thorough due diligence, you can confidently choose the right HR support tools that align with your business needs and contribute to your long-term success.

Navigating Compliance: The Significance of HR Compliance Solutions

In today’s dynamic business landscape, compliance with HR regulations is not just a legal requirement but also a strategic imperative. As businesses strive for efficiency, productivity, and growth, ensuring adherence to HR laws and regulations becomes paramount. This is where HR compliance solutions come into play, offering a streamlined approach to managing regulatory requirements while optimizing HR processes. To know more about HR compliance for small businesses, explore a series of options.

Let’s focus on the significance of HR compliance solutions and how they can benefit your company.

Streamlining HR Processes

Managing human resources involves many tasks, from hiring and onboarding to performance management and compliance tracking. HR compliance solutions, such as those offered by AllMyHR, streamline these processes by centralizing data, automating workflows, and providing intuitive tools for HR management. This streamlining saves time and resources and enhances accuracy and compliance.

Cost-Effective Solutions for Small & Mid-sized Employers

Investing in comprehensive HR compliance solutions may seem daunting for small and mid-sized employers. However, platforms like AllMyHR offer cost-effective solutions tailored to the needs and budgets of smaller businesses. By leveraging these solutions, companies can access robust HR functionalities without breaking the bank, ensuring compliance while staying financially prudent.

Unlimited Access to HR Advisors

Navigating the complexities of HR compliance often requires expert guidance. With HR compliance solutions, companies can access a team of HR advisors who provide invaluable support and assistance. Whether interpreting regulations, implementing best practices, or addressing compliance concerns, having access to knowledgeable professionals can mitigate risks and optimize HR strategies.  To know more about accessing HR services for small companies, focus on other options.

Streamlining Administrative Tasks

Administrative HR tasks, such as payroll processing, benefits administration, and time tracking, can be time-consuming and prone to errors. HR compliance solutions automate these tasks, freeing up HR personnel to focus on strategic initiatives rather than administrative burdens. By streamlining administrative processes, companies can improve efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Compliance and Regulations Made Simple

Navigating the labyrinth of HR regulations can be daunting, especially for businesses with limited resources and expertise. HR compliance solutions simplify this process by providing comprehensive compliance management tools, including regulatory updates, compliance calendars, and documentation templates. These solutions empower companies to mitigate risks and avoid costly penalties by taking the guesswork out of compliance.

Customized Learning Management System (LMS)

Continuous learning and development are essential for fostering a skilled and compliant workforce. HR compliance solutions often include a customized Learning Management System (LMS) that allows companies to deliver tailored training programs, track employee progress, and ensure compliance with mandatory training requirements. By investing in employee development, companies can enhance performance, reduce turnover, and foster a culture of compliance.

Best Practices in Recruiting, Training, Motivation & Retention

Effective HR management goes beyond compliance; it encompasses recruitment, training, motivation, and retention strategies. HR compliance solutions provide tools and resources to implement best practices in these areas, from attracting top talent to nurturing employee engagement and loyalty. By aligning HR practices with business objectives, companies can drive productivity, innovation, and long-term success.

Simplified Harassment Training and Certification

Harassment prevention is critical to HR compliance, yet ensuring employees receive comprehensive training can be challenging. HR compliance solutions simplify harassment training administration by providing user-friendly platforms for course delivery, tracking, and certification. With built-in reporting and compliance features, companies can demonstrate their commitment to a safe and respectful workplace while minimizing legal risks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HR compliance solutions are pivotal in navigating the complex landscape of HR regulations while optimizing HR processes and driving organizational success.

From streamlining administrative tasks to providing expert guidance and ensuring regulatory compliance, these solutions offer a holistic approach to HR management. To know more about seeking HR consulting for small businesses, explore other options.

Footnotes

By investing in HR compliance solutions like AllMyHR, companies can mitigate risks, enhance efficiency, and focus on what matters most: their people and their business.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: What They Mean and Why They’re Important

Though we’re all different, we can all thrive in the same workplace. That’s the motivating belief behind efforts to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). When done well, these efforts redesign the workplace from an environment that holds certain people back to one that empowers everyone to succeed. Together, they create an environment where people know it’s safe for them to show up as themselves—where they’re welcomed, wanted, rewarded, and celebrated.

Unsurprisingly, the majority of employees want to work for an employer who values these principles. In general, people want to belong; they don’t want to feel isolated and alone, be treated unfairly, or find themselves excluded. Also of no surprise: DEIB efforts have been shown to drive business performance and innovation, balanced organizational management, improved decision making, and increased competitive advantage.

While the terms diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are similar, each word has a specific meaning and importance in the workplace. Let’s go over each one.

Diversity

Diversity is the measure of representation in a place—particularly the representation of groups that have historically faced discrimination in the workplace. For example, a leadership team that includes women, transgender, Black, and disabled employees would be more diverse than a leadership team comprised mostly of able-bodied white cisgender men. While the latter is much more common, diversity efforts are meant to change that.

Increasing diversity can be a challenge. For one, basing hiring decisions on membership in underrepresented groups generally runs afoul of antidiscrimination laws. For another, the degree to which an employer can significantly increase diversity may depend greatly on the overall diversity of their applicant pool. A tech company able to hire remote employees nationally or internationally will likely have a more diverse workforce than a restaurant in a small town with a homogenous population, regardless of the effort put in to increasing diversity.

A diverse team signals to job applicants, employees, and customers that your organization exists for them. Measuring and monitoring diversity is important because decreased diversity may indicate that your organization is not as welcoming as you want or need it to be. For example, if an organization committed to diversity noticed a trend of people of color quitting at a higher rate than white employees, it would investigate to make sure no harassment, intimidation, or bias is occurring and put a stop to it if it is.

Equity

As organizations become more diverse, their focus may shift to addressing issues with equity such as inequitable access to training, promotions, or other opportunities. Equity means giving each employee what they need to be successful. It’s more than providing all employees with access to the same resources and opportunities. Equity acknowledges that people have different needs, pressures, obstacles, and pathways to success. The accommodation that enables one person to do their job well may not be helpful for another. The practice that seems to work well for most people may be a hindrance to a few. Equity aims to correct these imbalances.

Inclusion

Inclusion is the work done to make everyone feel like a valued member of the team—appreciated and supported. Inclusion ensures that everyone feels safe being themselves, empowered to do their best, and rewarded fairly for their efforts.

Leaders at inclusive workplaces will often invest in employee resource groups (ERGs), encourage employee participation, set aside time for sharing and celebrations, listen to what these groups have to say about DEIB challenges in the organization, and make changes when helpful. A sign that an organization has an inclusive culture is that it regularly makes decisions based on feedback and input from employees.

Inclusive managers actively support and advocate for their people. As Minda Harts, CEO of The Memo LLC, notes, Black women generally receive far less professional investment from managers than their white counterparts. That’s true of other groups as well—employees with disabilities, for example. When people don’t feel appreciated, valued, and supported, they tend to leave, and that in turn can make organizations less equitable and diverse—not to mention that turnover can be very costly.

Belonging

Belonging is the outcome of the work organizations put into diversity, equity, and inclusion. Belonging is the connection employees feel to their organization because of that work. It’s what motivates them to invest in their organization’s success and the success of their coworkers.

Employees who know they belong feel like they have a place, that they are wanted, that the community wouldn’t be the same without them. They’re more inclined to stay and work for positive change, as opposed to quitting, hoping for a more supportive environment.


I’d like to discuss how my company can train and inform our staff on diversity and other HR questions. 

Outsourced HR Resources Provide Affordable and Flexible Solutions for Small Businesses

Human Resources can be difficult to manage for small and medium-sized businesses. The day-to-day tasks can pile up and become overwhelming for management, potentially exposing them to risk. As the workplace and workforce landscape has seen a tremendous shift in the last few years, more and more small businesses are turning to flexible, outsourced solutions for their Human Resources needs.

Leveraging certain HR Resources provides businesses with a robust HR department that is both flexible, compliant, and cost effective. Small to mid-sized businesses don’t always have a need, or the budget for a full time HR professional. Taking advantage of outside HR Resources can enhance and streamline your business in numerous ways:

The recruiting and hiring process can be overwhelming and time-consuming, however it’s an essential component to your company culture and your bottom line. Outside HR Resources will aid with proper interviewing of candidates, can make sure you’re using compliant efficient processes, interview questions, engagement strategies, and tools for hiring and onboarding. Outside HR serves are your liaison and the point of contact throughout the entire process.

Company Culture and Morale: Having a strong company culture motivates everyone to do their best. This can be accomplished through a variety of ways including surveys, interviews, exit interviews and will produce fresh thoughts and ideas for improvement. Outside HR Resources keep you up to speed with diversity, inclusion, and equality/training programs. Ultimately, increasing employee engagement, morale, productivity, and retention.

Payroll and Benefits: HR Resources help you handle benefit programs and manage third party relationships with brokers and agencies. They can help businesses navigate through complex issues and support their employees.

Efficiency and Customization: HR Resources can help improve existing infrastructure, resources and streamline implementation of standard processes, procedures, saving businesses time and money while improving internal communication and culture. HR Resources are tailored to meet the specific needs of your business and can scale up and down as your needs evolve and change.

There are many ways that HR Resources help enhance and grow your business. HR Resources have become an inexpensive and an integral part of your business, helping with operations and ensuring compliance. Outsourcing certain HR Resources can be a strategic and efficient solution for businesses of any size. Imagine having a fully staffed team of experienced human resources professionals that specialize in problem-solving, compliance, business growth, and development? Want to learn more about Outsourcing certain HR Resources? See how at: AllMyHR.com or schedule a friendly 20-minute Webex demonstration.

When Not to Worry About Turnover

Most HR professionals would agree that turnover is a source of stress. Losing an employee can feel like losing an investment, and replacing that person has its own costs—advertising, onboarding, training, and coverage to name a few. But we also know that turnover is a manageable cost of doing business, and sometimes even welcome. In short, turnover is a metric to take seriously, but also realistically.

Let’s examine a few potentially stressful situations related to turnover and explore whether they’re really something you should be worried about.

Potential Stressor: Your Turnover Rate Seems High

Whether a given turnover rate is high or low depends on many factors—both in and out of your control. If ineffective or toxic managers are scaring away talent, you should prioritize fixing that. If a bunch of employees resign about the same time, definitely pause and seek to understand why.

But if most of your workforce consists of students who typically leave after graduation or entry level workers who usually put in only a year or two before moving on, it’s prudent to prepare for those departures, but the effect of these departures on your turnover rate needn’t keep you up at night. Don’t stress too much about a number—it’s information that can be helpful, but also a distraction from what’s really important.

Potential Stressor: New Hire Quits

It never feels good when a new hire leaves within the first few months of their tenure with you, but unless it happens repeatedly, it’s probably not a red flag.

That said, digging into your recruitment and onboarding processes may help you tighten any loose ends. Look for disconnects between what is advertised and what the job actually entails. Conduct exit interviews if the departing employee is willing and ask open-ended questions about their experience. If you feel like you’re getting only “safe” answers, be more pointed in trying to determine if the role was as they imagined based on how it was advertised, and whether there were any processes or people that contributed to their decision to leave.

Building a process that creates a true job preview for candidates should prevent them from feeling like they’ve been “had.” New employees who come in with a clear picture of what to expect and then have an experience that matches those expectations are more likely to stick around.

Potential Stressor: One Team Has Much Higher Turnover

As you track turnover, you may notice spikes within one or more teams rather than throughout the whole company. Higher than average turnover rates among certain teams may point to bad management practices or unusually stressful working situations, but they also may be a sign of normal and good things happening. Approach the situation with curiosity.

You may find that teams with higher turnover operate with more entry-level or transitional positions that employees don’t typically spend a lot of time in. Perhaps you have a manager who’s regularly helping their reports move up in the organization or setting higher (but still reasonable) performance standards than their predecessor. You may also find that the work that team does is more stressful, grueling, or monotonous than work elsewhere in the organization. You’d expect higher turnover in these situations. It’s not necessarily a problem you need to solve, but it’s definitely something to account for.

Parting Thought

If you work in HR, you may have some sleepless nights. It’s the nature of the job. You’re constantly putting out fires, addressing emotionally challenging situations, and taking steps to make every hire a good investment for the company. When people leave, it can feel like you’ve failed.

But be kind to yourself. Turnover is always important—but it isn’t always a problem. Turnover is normal and expected. Some turnover is good! Approach employee departures with curiosity and patience. They may indicate that something needs to be fixed or tweaked, but they may also be a sign that everything is working as it should.

Take 10 minutes and find out how you can build a more cohesive team.

Strong Managers, Strong Businesses

Ever notice that great managers always seem to have great people working under them? Dedicated, happy, more productive and their goals tend to parallel the organizational goals. Strong managers enable companies to prosper during difficult times.

Does your company have a system that facilitates the development of new talent from within? At AllMyHR, we feel effective professional development of your team shouldn’t be complicated, difficult to administer and it shouldn’t break the bank. Our Learning Management System is inexpensive, easy to administer, and the materials are both pertinent and compelling. We even provide you time with a training consultant who will help design a program that best fits your company’s needs.

To find out how AllMyHR can make growing your own talent a manageable process, click here and schedule a brief call/or demonstration and start developing your management from within. You cannot afford to have your managers get their degrees from the “School of Hard Knocks”.

What a Good Enough Hiring Process Looks Like

Being the best is rarely necessary. Thinking in terms of good enough helps you set realistic goals that are grounded in the real needs of your organization. With a good enough approach to recruiting, you can focus on what you actually need to accomplish.

The last few years have proved challenging for employers trying to fill positions. Low unemployment, among other factors, made the job market much more friendly to jobseekers than to employers keen to hire them. In this highly competitive environment, some organizations upgraded their compensation packages or experimented with other attractive perks, hoping to stand out as the best. Others re-examined their recruitment and hiring processes or sought help from consultants or vendors. Struggling employers may have been tempted to look for a “magic bullet,” that one thing sure to get them more candidates.

Both the desire to offer a great recruiting experience and the eagerness to find a magic bullet are understandable given the state of the labor market. But both have their disadvantages when it comes to recruitment.

Recruitment is not just one thing—it involves a lot of moving parts and relies on multiple people within the organization. A single-minded focus on being the best can lead to unrealistic goals and misaligned expectations. It can also zero in on one part of the process at the expense of others. Using the best technology won’t by itself solve discriminatory hiring practices. First-rate recruiters can’t by themselves elevate subpar hiring managers. Software that lets people apply for jobs via a text message may sound super cool, but it’s not going to be suitable for every kind of industry or brand.

The good news is that an effective recruitment process doesn’t need to be the best or magical or otherwise super flashy. It just needs to be good enough to fill your open positions.

As a standard, good enough can get a bad rap both in the business world and in American culture generally. Many of us want to be the best. Striving to be “the best” is ingrained in our everyday lives, after all. Theme songs from The Karate Kid to Pokémon evoke that feeling. You probably saw more than a few “Best of 2022” lists last month. When we talk about behaviors and procedures we recommend, we call them “best practices.”

Let’s examine what good enough looks like in the four basic parts of any recruitment process: the Need, the Search, the Selection, and the Onboarding. What’s good enough for your organization will depend somewhat on the particulars of your situation, but the principles and practices below should help get you started.

The Need

You have an open position—maybe it’s new, maybe it’s a replacement. Regardless, you need to bring someone into your organization. Being good enough at this stage means that those involved in the hiring process (e.g., the recruiters and the hiring manager) can effectively discuss the need prior to beginning the search for candidates. For that, they’ll need a job description, information about what kind of person they’re looking for, and a salary range. Determine who should be bringing what information to the table. After discussing the need, create a job posting. This job posting serves as the source of truth so you can find the right candidates.

The Search

Now begins the actual search. Finding your candidates can feel like one of the hardest parts of recruitment. Good enough at this stage involves sharing the job posting and training interviewers how to compare the incoming candidates to the need, of course, but it also means finding and implementing ways to make the search easier and smoother for everyone. Software can help a lot here, but more important are good practices. Consider what extra work you may be giving to yourself and your prospective applicants. Are applicants required to submit a resume and then manually enter the information on their resume into the system? Are they required to draft and submit cover letters when those letters aren’t necessary or even part of the decision-making process?

The Selection

Chances are you’re not going to be able to pick the best of all possible employees. You might not even have a candidate who checks every box. But you don’t need the perfect candidate; you need someone who can do the job well enough and can grow in the position.

A good selection process starts with training hiring managers on how to review applications, conduct interviews, and evaluate the candidates in a fair, equitable, and compliant manner. It involves providing regular and reasonable updates to your candidates and following up with them when you say you will. It includes extending an offer and providing the selected candidate with a reasonable amount of time to consider it. The process concludes when a candidate accepts your offer.  

The Onboarding

The onboarding experience finalizes a new hire’s first impression of the company. A bad experience can cause the new employee to regret accepting the offer and may prompt them to quit at the first opportunity. A great experience, however, can set the stage for a long-lasting relationship.

Fortunately, onboarding doesn’t need to be perfect to be great. The first few weeks on the job are going to feel overwhelming. The new hire isn’t going to remember everything they learned.

Good enough onboarding keeps the process simple, straightforward, and consistent. Set up time for the new hire to complete the necessary paperwork, meet coworkers, read the employee handbook, and complete any training. Time between onboarding meetings and tasks—allowing them to process the information and experiences—should also be built in.

Conclusion

Good enough isn’t about doing the minimum or having the latest shiny new tech; it’s about doing what’s necessary to get the results you want. It means understanding the various pieces of the recruitment and hiring process, setting realistic expectations for yourself and your applicants, and keeping things in perspective as you move from step to step.

For job applicants, candidates, and employees, a consistently good recruitment and hiring process from start to finish is a much better experience than one that is the “best” in one or two areas, but mediocre or subpar in others.