Within organizations, the human resources department is considered an ally by some managers and a barrier by others. The legal requirements of managing HR require you to be the dispenser of policies, procedures, and rules at times and a trusted counselor and guide at other times. There are varying perspectives on the value HR policies bring to an organization. In other words, the policies, procedures, or rules may be viewed as tools that help or hinder leaders from managing their people and will either detract from or enhance company performance. When not properly aligned with the company's goals, they can negatively affect the success of the organization. You know that you need to review the current HR policies, procedures, and rules and anticipate that you may be recommending changes, additions, or deletions. Because you are still new and solidifying your position within the company, you are concerned that missteps now will cost you your "place at the table."
You decide to consult with your mentor-an experienced, powerful HR executive at another company. She presents the following for you to consider:
What steps will you take in your policy, procedure, and HR rules review with the jewelry company?
What will that involve? As you consider their HR policies, how will you ensure they are effectively aligned with what you see as the company's goals?
If you find areas where policy revision is needed, how will you present your recommendations?
How do you feel your recommendations will be viewed?
Do you anticipate resistance? If so, what plan do you have to overcome that?
What do you see as the possible outcome from policy revision in terms of impact on the company's performance?
Write her an e-mail addressing these issues.
Sample Solution
Subject: Requesting Guidance on HR Policy Review at Jewelry Company
Dear [Mentor's name],
As you know, I'm currently in the process of reviewing HR policies, procedures, and rules at the jewelry company. I deeply appreciate your offer to share your expertise on this crucial task, and I'm eager to learn from your experience.
Full Answer Section
Steps for Policy Review:
- Internal Assessment: I plan to start by conducting a thorough internal assessment to understand the current state of HR policies. This will involve reviewing existing documents, conducting interviews with key stakeholders, and analyzing metrics related to employee engagement, retention, and performance.
- Industry Benchmarking: I will then compare the company's policies to industry best practices and relevant legal regulations. This will help me identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance.
- Goal Alignment: Throughout the process, I'll keep the company's goals at the forefront. I'll actively seek input from leadership and other departments to ensure the policies support strategic objectives and create a positive work environment.
- Revision Recommendations: If necessary, I will recommend revisions to policies, procedures, or rules based on the data gathered. These recommendations will be data-driven, clearly explain the rationale for change, and consider potential impacts on various stakeholders.
- Communication and Collaboration: I understand that successful implementation requires communication and collaboration. I will present my recommendations clearly and concisely, seeking feedback from relevant parties and ensuring a transparent and inclusive process.
Anticipating Resistance:
I acknowledge that change can be met with resistance. To address this, I will:
- Focus on benefits: Highlight how the proposed changes will benefit the company, employees, and overall performance.
- Open communication: Foster open communication throughout the process, addressing concerns and providing opportunities for feedback.
- Phased implementation: Consider a phased implementation approach to ease the transition and build buy-in.
- Seek leadership support: Secure strong backing from leadership to champion the changes and address potential resistance.
Possible Outcomes:
I believe revising policies to align with the company's goals and industry best practices can lead to several positive outcomes, including:
- Increased employee engagement and satisfaction
- Improved talent attraction and retention
- Reduced legal risks and compliance issues
- Enhanced company culture and performance
I'm confident that by following a data-driven, collaborative, and transparent approach, we can achieve these positive outcomes. However, I understand that there may be unforeseen challenges. I value your guidance and would appreciate any additional insights or advice you might have.
Thank you again for your mentorship and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]