As business owners and managers we often forget that the important word in “human resources” is “human”. Your employees are valuable tools that enable growth and success at all levels of an organization, and how you utilize their talents means EVERYTHING.
Investing In The Future
The disconnected cost of human resources can deceive a leader into thinking that when he accomplishes a task quickly the ends must justify the means. This is NOT the case, as real return on investments in your staff need to be observed over a long period of time, and must be quantified by the unique skill-sets of an individual. Just as you will not see the benefits of a managed services plan immediately, due to training and change management, you will not see the benefits of your employees until you observe them in situations which suit them best.
Observing The Obvious
How do you know where it is useful to cross-train and engage employees in different scenarios within the workplace? The best way to figure out a plan for assigning responsibilities to your “human resources” is to hire them for their job related skills, keep them on task, and then observe other areas where they might enjoy shining. Don’t force a worker into job responsibilities that they are not equipped to handle. There is no reason to burn a person out when they are clearly capable of shining in the role they were hired for.
Keep It Simple
We know it is a competitive business landscape right now, and managers are expected to sacrifice their own time and resources in ways that aren’t always comfortable. It’s your job to overcome challenges in creative ways, and stay committed to your staff’s needs above your own. If you follow these simple guidelines, you’ll find ways to better utilize resources and will SAVE money in the long-term.
