Take some time to update your human resources policies and procedures to ensure that your company is ready to take on the new year.
1/5/2021 8:30
By John Garber Jr.
As we welcome a new year, it is timely to consider how turbulent our lives have been from both a social and business perspective. Just as it was a century ago, the 1920s were ushered in with anticipation. In the midst of all the fanfare and excitement though, who could have guessed we were about to encounter a global pandemic?
Take a moment to consider human resources policies and procedures and examine how your collections agency is managing this critical part of your business during the pandemic. Then, update appropriate elements accordingly. Since each organization has different needs and priorities, how these policies and procedures are prioritized will be unique to each collection agency’s needs.
Begin by updating your employee handbook and its related policies. Since the pandemic has significantly altered the way businesses operate, update policies and procedures to reflect the new reality right now.
Make sure company language aligns with remote work guidelines. Human resources should evaluate existing employee handbook policies to ensure they are consistent with employment law requirements and any regulatory changes. Maintain policy updates that will be temporary in nature, such as those specific to the COVID-19 situation, in a separate policy document to allow for efficient edits over time. Integrate formal changes to regulations and supporting company policies that will become longer-term company human resources requirements into your organization’s policy and/or handbook.
While it is important to review and update policies and procedures, whether temporary to address the changing landscape of federal and state regulatory requirements or as a result of new long-lasting requirements, it is always good practice to “look under the hood” to determine which elements of your policies need attention. Sometimes, it is simply a good idea to remind yourself what your own policies say too.
COVID-19 fatigue can impact any of us, but we will get through the challenges and be stronger as a result. Self-audit your organization and implement processes to strengthen human resources policies and procedures and you will find that your efforts will go a long way toward safeguarding your organization.
John E. Garber Jr., CSP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is managing director and practice leader at KMRD Partners, Inc., an award-winning risk management and human capital solutions firm. Garber can be contacted at 215-390-7959 or [email protected].