Seven HR Ways to Engage Your Start-up Company for SUCCESS!

When starting an organization, the most important aspect of your company, other than your product or service, is your team… The team that you will be building a company foundation! There are some very simple steps you can take that will save you a ton of trouble later on down the line.

1. Clear and Concise Job Descriptions  It is important to develop clear and

position. concise job descriptions that correctly define each and every position. Remember, job descriptions are not etched in stone however, they are position guidelines to follow as your company grows in size and customer base for alleviating things and customers falling through the cracks. Job descriptions protect the employer and the employee, making sure the potential employee is able to perform the exact duties that are required for the position. Job descriptions also assure that new employees (by reviewing the job description) exactly what the employer expects from the employee.

2.  Hiring the Right Staff.  We know how hectic and busy life can be for a new business owner, especially in the startup phase.  Do not be too haste in hiring new employees. Recruiting can be darn right aggravating, especially in the midst of everything else. Employees have to be the right fit for your organization otherwise they can end up sabotaging your plans for a successful company. 

3.   Not understanding basic Employment Laws. This area right here can literally break a small company. Laws that are critical to a company and its employees:

·        Discrimination

·        Overtime and wage requirements 

·         Leave Laws: FMLA, military, pregnancy, sick, etc.

·        Age and gender discrimination

·        FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act)

·        ADA (Americans with Disability Act)

·        Sexual Harassment

As a company owner you must know how to protect your company and your employees, to alleviate violating any employment or other laws.

4. Not Establishing Progressive Discipline Policy. When starting a company, an employer must establish the

organizational culture and environment from the beginning. Company culture shows your start-up staff and future employees the organization's values, integrity and  fairness. Ruth Mayhew, Demand Media discuss some important advantages to having progressive discipline policies in place. The Advantages of a Progressive Discipline System http://bit.ly/1HaXV6n. Progressive Discipline policies build organizational structure; alleviate managers and supervisors from the guesswork of correctly handling disciplinary issues; and establishing the groundwork for employee performance and behavior in the workplace. 

5. Showing Employee Appreciation. I cannot express how important it is to REMEMBER to appreciate those employees who have been dedicated to the

building of your organization.  When recruiting remember to keep a keen eye for those employees who are going to go above and beyond with you on your journey. 25 Low-Cost Ways to Reward Employees http://onforb.es/1HKNb3vA  A simple thank you to let your employees know the struggle is real and you appreciate all of their hard work and dedication goes a very long way.

6. Mis-classifying Employees. Stop cringing…!  Its true. This can indeed be a very, very, very, did I mention very, costly mistake. Especially in lieu of the recent Overtime and wage law changes, it is imperative that you are aware of the changes and be assured that you are not in violation of the laws Employee Misclassification  http://bit.ly/1S61AIV. Remember when classifying workers as independent contractors, be sure they are follow the criteria of an independent contractor and not an employee. If an employee is under your control, they are an employee, not an independent contractor. Also, employers do not generally withhold taxes from independent contractors.

7. Proper Onboarding Policies.  Employment laws are always changing. An onboarding policy ensures when new employees come on board, hiring practices are critical to retaining employees long-term.  Employers have to be sure they are conducting hiring practices correctly regarding background checks. Violation of background checks laws is costly. Onboarding practices assure paperwork and forms are consistently completed by the employer and employee; that new hires have the right tools to conduct tasks and duties; and new hires feel welcome and appreciated with starting their new journey with your company.

Until Next Time!!!!

April D. Halliburton, Founder/CEO

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