It’s that time of year again, the days are getting warmer and longer, and the sun is shining brighter. It’s the perfect time to get organized and get rid of clutter. Rather than falling into the same old routine, businesses should take the time to ensure all HR functions are up to date.
“Generally, for so many businesses, this can be a very busy time, this is when employers are hiring new employees, setting budgets, and conducting performance reviews. Come spring, it gives the opportunity for employers to have a fresh start and set them up for a successful season ahead,” says Kiljon Shukullari, HR Advice Manager, at Peninsula Canada.
It’s important to check employee files to ensure all staff information such as addresses, and emergency contacts are up to date. If employers are still using paper files, consider switching to digital ones. This is the best way to declutter and keep everything organized.
Are all policies and employee handbooks up to date? Not only is it important to ensure employees are made aware of all changes, but policies and handbooks must be current and compliant with any legislative changes.
For example, a recent Ontario judicial decision immediately requires all employers across the province to review their current employment contracts and new hires’ contracts to ensure their termination provisions do not breach the Employment Standards Act (“ESA”) and be rendered unenforceable.
It should come as no surprise that this summer will be a very popular time for travel. With everyone so eager to get away, how do you properly and fairly manage vacation request? To avoid any issues employers should make sure they have a good system in place to prepare for the surge in vacation requests.
The vacation policy should inform employees of how far in advance they must request their vacation. It should clarify the procedure for making the request. The policy should also list the reasons a request may be declined.
It’s also worthwhile to review the current status of projects. Often checking due dates, tasks, and responsibilities will not only ensure the project is done on time but you’ll be able to see if there are any gaps in the process and handle it ahead of time.
Another function to review is job postings to ensure the requirements still fit the job position. Often, a job posting may be forgotten and become irrelevant. It’s important to factor in any office or responsibility changes related to the job to make sure you are targeting the right candidate.
