SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE OWNER UTILIZING HR TOOLS

     In utilizing tools to assess and gauge the need for change, it is important that small enterprise owners think strategically.  Small- medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) are seen to have an important role in the U.S. economy, indeed it would seem that both and local economies are largely constituted of smaller enterprises, with the addition of a minority of larger enterprises. A number of problems emerge from assuming that small firms are the same as large firms. The very size of a small enterprise creates special conditions. Some practitioners argue Human resource management (HRM) functions have failed in the workplace, specifically in SMEs.  

Some reasons for failure of human resource management functions include: only a small amount of SMEs adopt HR functions. SMEs adopt HR functions and discontinue utilizing the HR functions after a few years. Consistency is significant to achieving organizational goals when once implementing and utilizing new or modified HR functions. Once HR functions have been implemented and modified, the HR manager must monitor and track the results of the implemented or modified HR function. Monitoring and/or tracking the results will ensure the implemented or modified HR function(s) is producing positive results. 

For example, if you have changed your method for tracking applicants by perhaps utilizing a new job board, or you receive a referral, track that information so that you are aware of the tracking methods that are producing the best results of qualified applicants or producing little or no qualified applicants. 

When reviewing resumes, be sure you are checking applicant qualifications against the job description for the vacant position. An applicant may be highly qualified and exhibit an excellent resume. However, is that highly qualified applicant a good match for your vacant position? Finally, when filling a vacant position, be sure to audit the job description as the job duties could quite possibly have changed since the position was last filled.  You want the best qualified candidate for the position. 

I hear some employers complain and some employers praise job fairs. Have you thought of holding your own job fair? An employer may also consider partnering with other employers in the same industry to host a job fair. This is a good way to target and attract the candidates you are looking to attract, as well as network with other industry employers in terms of attracting qualified candidates. 

Finally, how many small enterprise owners practice employment planning? This is a means of preparing yourself to attract qualified candidates. The process of employment planning encompasses some variables that once implemented; you should be consistent with the policies and functions so as to maintain organization during this the employment process period.  There are aspects that have to be updated such as job descriptions, etc.  If you have questions, I will happy to answer them. 

The employment planning process involves establishing an employment planning realistic budget based on projections for new employees and compensation. How has employment planning been in the past? Has it produced positive results and qualified candidates? If not, have you made changes to address any challenges? The process is not simply: “We need to hire someone for this position; start combing the job boards and see what we come up with.” Are the current job boards producing lucrative candidates? If not, you should consider other job boards, word of mouth, agencies, etc.  Be sure the job description matches the vacant position so that you are attracting applicants possessing the right skills.

          Is there one person responsible for employment planning? Is that person included in evaluating the individual or department? Does this person know the job description and duties for the vacant position? These are questions you must answer in order to save yourself time and the hardship of hiring unqualified candidates. This is an area that is instrumental in searching and attracting qualified candidates to fill vacant positions.  

          Stay tuned for a free 1-hour webinar that will be hosted in the coming weeks. If you are interested, you can email me at aprilh@all4hrbiz.biz and I will let you know as soon as it is scheduled. You may also go through the website: http://www.all4hrbiz.biz and I will send you an invite as soon as it scheduled. 

          Thanks April,