Breaking Down Barriers: Moving Beyond the 15% to Support Employee...
Read MoreThe quandary of an HR team is how it is often perceived to be a department that only handles paperwork, onboarding, and the rare office conflict.
Well, anyone who has worked closely with an HR team will tell you there’s a lot more to it, and those who work in one will downright get annoyed over how someone could think so little of them!
For this post, we reached out to HR and business leaders to help us break these stereotypes with the help of real-world examples of an HR team’s role in solving critical workplace issues. The responses we received were, of course, right in line with our notion of proclaiming HR personnel no less than workplace heroes!
Read on!
Khurram Mir
Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Kualitatem Inc
Supported During Restructuring
I remember a time during organisational restructuring at my most recent job where the HR department was helpful.
Workers were unsure of their responsibilities, job safety, and how the changes might affect them.
In order to provide support through transition services like career counselling and resume-building workshops, the HR team took the initiative to set up one-on-one meetings and communicate the changes clearly.
In addition to reducing worry, this made sure that workers felt appreciated and informed at every stage of the procedure.
During a difficult period, the HR team’s proactive approach to resource provision and communication management significantly improved engagement and morale.
Aghiad Kandar DDS
Chief Executive Officer, UNO DENTAL SAN FRANCISCO
Facilitated Paperless Transition
Our HR team was crucial when we transitioned to paperless charting.
This change required not only new software but also training and adaptation from our team. HR facilitated seamless communication and training sessions, ensuring that the transition was smooth and met with minimal resistance.
Another instance was during our community outreach initiatives, like the Mission of Mercy.
HR coordinated volunteer efforts, managed logistics, and ensured compliance with healthcare regulations. Their involvement allowed us to provide essential dental care to underserved populations without administrative hitches.
HR’s role in fostering collaboration among our dental hygienists and team members also stands out.
They implemented team-building activities and regular feedback sessions, which improved workflow efficiency and patient care quality by 30%.
Their strategic initiatives have been pivotal in maintaining a cohesive and productive work environment.
Karie Droge
HR Manager, Perrin Sportswear
Reduced Medical Insurance Premiums
After receiving double-digit premium increases for our medical insurance multiple years in a row, the HR team knew we needed to do something different.
We switched carriers, started offering HSA plans for the first time in the company’s history, provided extensive education on the advantages of enrolling in the HSA plan, and finally, we implemented an on-site medical clinic that is available to all employees and covered spouses.
While we are still experiencing higher than desired premiums, they were significantly less this year than they might have been had we not taken these measures.
HR was instrumental in educating ourselves on our options, making the right selections for our team, and then communicating everything to the workforce.
Assisted Remote Work Transition
As COVID-19 hit, the HR team was incredibly valuable in helping everyone adjust to the transition.
The HR team helped us move to a remote workforce, researched different laws for remote work (our team is international) to ensure we were compliant, and organized additional training for people who needed it on navigating the technology we were using.
The HR team was also vital in keeping spirits up during lockdowns, making sure to check in with team members and helping people get time off when they got sick. Thanks to them, we were able to maintain our productivity.
Sheraz Ali
Founder & CEO, HARO Links Builder
Managed Restructuring Communication
In my most recent workplace, there was a significant instance where the HR team played a crucial role during a company-wide restructuring.
As the organization faced changes in management and departmental shifts, the HR team stepped in to facilitate clear communication and support for all employees.
They organized informational sessions to explain the changes, address concerns, and outline new roles and responsibilities.
The HR team also implemented one-on-one check-ins for employees who were directly affected by the restructuring.
This personalized approach helped individuals feel valued and supported during a potentially stressful time. They provided resources for career development and offered counseling services to help staff navigate their emotions and uncertainties.
This proactive involvement not only fostered a sense of stability but also promoted a culture of transparency and trust within the organization.
The HR team’s efforts were instrumental in ensuring that employees felt informed and supported, ultimately contributing to a smoother transition during a challenging period.
Abdullah Saleem
Founder & CEO, Plumbing Amarillo TX
Stepped Up During Boss’s Vacation
I really felt the HR team’s importance when my boss went on vacation.
Suddenly, all those little approvals and quick questions we’d normally take to them needed someone else to handle.
HR stepped up immediately, taking charge of the situation.
Their proactive approach not only kept everything on track but also made us feel supported.
It really showed how crucial HR is in keeping the workplace running smoothly, even during unexpected situations.
Moe Shariff
Business Owner, American S.E.A.L Patrol Division LLC
Crucial in Security Expansion
In my role at American S.E.A.L. Patrol Division, the HR team’s importance became crystal clear when we expanded our private event security services.
As we rolled out customized security plans for events, HR played a vital role by recruiting personnel skilled in access control and crowd management. This meticulous hiring was critical to maintaining our reputation for providing discrete yet effective security solutions.
One standout example was during a large tech conference in Austin.
Our HR team expertly managed the onboarding of temporary staff, ensuring everyone was trained in using our cutting-edge communication technology. This seamless integration allowed our team to address potential disturbances swiftly, enhancing event security and client satisfaction.
Additionally, HR’s efforts in ongoing training programs have been instrumental in our success.
These programs ensure our personnel are prepared for any scenario, such as rapid emergency response during fire watch duties. The training has consistently improved our service quality, directly impacting client trust and retention.
The HR Spotlight team thanks these industry leaders for offering their expertise and experience and sharing their insights.
Do you wish to contribute to the next HR Spotlight article? Or is there an insight or idea you’d like to share with readers across the globe?
Write to us at connect@HRSpotlight.com, and our team will help you share your insights.
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