If the business you work in is anything like other small businesses, then your role of office manager means you handle just about anything! So, along with managing office supplies, equipment, recordkeeping, furniture and reception, you’re also the de-facto HR manager in charge of all the HR processes.
And because of the enormous number of HR issues that can play out each and every day, this area probably tests your incredible people skills and multitasking flair to the max.
We know your job isn’t easy, so we’ve put together our top hacks to save you time managing your HR processes and help ensure things run like clockwork.
1. Have a strategy in place
It can be tempting to charge into tasks but taking the time to plan is always advisable. Think about what you want to achieve and work out the best way to do it. Don’t procrastinate but do take a moment to strategise.
What are your priorities? What are the big jobs that you need to tackle first? Avoid getting bogged down in admin tasks that can eat into your time. Set yourself time limits and be strict with your deadlines. Sometimes it’s better to aim for good rather than wasting a day chasing unattainable perfection
2. Don’t leave compliance to chance
Setting up compliant HR processes for hiring, managing and exiting employees is essential. It’s business 101. Likewise, having the right paperwork in place when you hire people on is critical.
For example, you need to provide your new hires with all the relevant information about your company, their new role and your expectations of them when they start. This includes having them read and acknowledge your code of conduct and other company policies as part of your onboarding process. Failing to do this means your employees aren’t bound by your company policies which puts your business at risk.
So, to minimise the risk of HR compliance fails you need to develop a library of up-to-date HR documents, forms and templates. The best way to eliminate most HR compliance risks is by using a purpose-built HR platform to automate and manage these key HR compliance requirements. Businesses of any size in any industry can really benefit from specialist HR tools
3. Ditch the spreadsheets
If you’re still a slave to the HR spreadsheet, then you’re probably putting yourself under enormous pressure to keep it all up to date. But you don’t have to. While there’s a significant amount of data that you need to collect, record and analyse, you don’t have to do it on a spreadsheet.
There is affordable, cloud based HR software that you can use. So instead of having to manage multiple spreadsheets that are getting a whole lot wider and longer with each new data point, you can have a single source of truth for all your HR information right at your fingertips.
You’ll be able to access any HR data in just a few clicks, even when you’re on the go. As more of your competitors move to internet and cloud based HR processes and intelligence tools, it’s important not to be left behind. With a purpose-built HR system, you can make your life easier and organised
4. It’s OK to say no sometimes
We all want to be flexible and helpful but sometimes you have to say no if you want to meet your daily targets. Simply be honest and explain why you have to prioritise other tasks that are more pressing. It’s important to set boundaries and to know your limits if you want to be efficient with your time.
It’s not always possible to do everything that’s being asked of you. Look at the consequences of leaving a task undone. Tackling the most pressing jobs first leaves you best placed to stay focused and to deliver the best possible results in the available time.
Why Choose HR Expert Australia
As an HR Expert Australia member, you’ll enjoy access to hundreds of templates and resources. Additionally, you can access a complete suite of HR tools to use to optimise processes and streamline efforts. HR tools can be customised and available for you. We make it easy and affordable to manage HR functions. Whether you employ 50 or 500, we have solutions that reduce time-intensive tasks and help you focus on what matters: recruiting, retention, and developing a strong company culture. Learn more about how HR Expert Australia can serve you and your business.