Is Your HR Department ‘Agile’? Here’s What That Means—And Why It Matters to Your Company Growth

You’ve probably heard this buzzword: agility. Although you’ve heard it and seen it, do you know if it’s something your organization should practice? What does agility really mean when it comes to shaping your human resources?

Agility in the HR industry

Many HR departments think of their role as developing and executing company-wide standards and systems. Although this is an important job, it’s not their only job.

An agile HR department takes standards and systems a step further, and focuses on how to best use them to create an innovative, collaborative workplace. The goal is to propel the organization ahead faster and further by adapting to new trends in how employees operate, grow, and execute their jobs.

Is your company’s HR department agile? Or are you stuck focusing on systems and standards that won’t push your organization further? If the latter is true, here are a few ways you can bring more agility to your business.

Hold regular professional development classes

When a person stops learning, they stop growing. Still, many businesses hire, train, and then do little to continue the professional development process. This isn’t just a hindrance to your organization’s growth, it’s also a frustration to employees who feel stuck in dead-end jobs.

Agile HR departments find new opportunities to regularly teach and build up employees on a professional level. As employees continue to develop their skills and abilities, they become more empowered to make better decisions that will help grow the company. Your HR department will be the catalyst for that growth by finding and investing in employees’ overall well-being.  

RELATED: 4 of the Most Common Leadership Development Mistakes Companies Make

Embrace new technology

We’ve been using smartphones for about a decade now. In the grand scheme of things, that isn’t that long considering how much these devices have permeated our lives.

And it’s not just the device itself. Apps have become the norm in professional and personal lives. People are so attached to their smartphones that they demand access to information anywhere, anytime. For example, if you’re still printing a paper copy of your work schedule, you could switch to an app that does your scheduling, giving your employees access whenever, wherever. When your team can’t get the information they need, they feel out of the loop. If your business isn’t keeping up with the latest technology, your employees are likely frustrated.

Agile HR departments understand how quickly technology changes. They aren’t afraid to embrace change, even when it means uprooting old systems and implanting new ones. They aren’t afraid to adopt new solutions to meet the needs of their team. In fact, they’re excited about it because they know it’ll free up more time for themselves and their team members to work on tasks that matter to the forward momentum of the business.

Reward employees creatively

Old school benefits and rewards systems don’t work. They’re boring and worn out. Today’s workforce wants something different and exciting. They want to feel like they’re being uniquely compensated in ways that matter to them.

For example, instead of rewarding a group of employees with lunch together with the manager (which in many cases could feel more like an awkward conversation rather than an enjoyable time away from the office), cater lunch for an entire team to make the reward more fun. Or, instead of rewarding an employee with an afternoon off, give the gift of an experience during the workday, such as a massage or pedicure at the office.

An agile HR department doesn’t get stuck in a rut. It listens to employees to determine what will make them feel the happiest. By getting to know employees as people and finding unique ways to show your appreciation, you’ll have greater success in retaining top talent.

RELATED: Unusual Perks for Employees

Wrapping up

Agile HR helps you develop your current talent while at the same time attracting new talent to your organization. By continuing employee development programs, embracing new technology, and rewarding employees creatively, you can become more agile in how you operate your HR department. In doing so, you’ll foster an organization filled with more collaboration and innovation.

The post Is Your HR Department ‘Agile’? Here’s What That Means—And Why It Matters to Your Company Growth appeared first on AllBusiness.com

The post Is Your HR Department ‘Agile’? Here’s What That Means—And Why It Matters to Your Company Growth appeared first on AllBusiness.com. Click for more information about Jon Forknell.

from neb biz feed 1 http://ift.tt/2sQujwm
via Nebula Biz Local Loans