Member Article

Three Very Modern HR Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands

When it comes to HR mistakes, there are some classic blunders that most business owners are aware of, and know they need to avoid. We all know, for example, the perils of not having policy documents in place to guide our processes, and the steps we need to follow if an employee is underperforming.

Thanks to advances in technology though, and an ever changing HR landscape, there are some very modern issues that we need to be aware of. Let’s take a look at what they are, and how you can avoid making expensive mistakes…

Downloading your policy documents online from an unknown provider

These days, it’s never been easier to create a new policy for any aspect of your HR management processes. A quick Google search will bring up hundreds of templates, that you can either download for free or pay just a few pounds for. On one hand, it’s a positive thing. HR advice and guidance has never been so readily available, and information is right at your fingertips.

It’s essential though that you don’t overlook the potential dangers. The policies that you might unearth could be outdated, not in line with current legislation, or at odds with best practice. To avoid making seriously costly mistakes, always make sure that you can trust the source, and that you do your due diligence. Getting a little tailored HR advice could serve you for a long time to come, and ensure that all your processes and documentation are fit for purpose.

**Viewing social media as the enemy **

If you want to take a skeptical point of view, there are tons of reasons why social media can be a challenge for business owners. It can be a distraction and can damage productivity levels. Your staff could bring your business into disrepute by publically sharing controversial beliefs or opinions. And of course, we’ve all heard a tale or two about disgruntled employees turning to social media to voice their experiences of working for a particular business.

It’s true that these are things that you might need to consider. But the companies that are really going to thrive over the next few years aren’t the ones who are imagining the problems that they’ll have to firefight. They’re the ones who are turning to social to find the brightest talent in their industries. They’re the ones building strong employer brands with creative social media strategies. Ultimately, they’re the ones using social platforms as a force for good, and a springboard to drive their wider objectives.

Buying into fads and gimmicks

In many businesses, HR practices have had a serious makeover in recent years. From working at home initiatives really taking off, to fun and inspiring workspaces that grab media headlines, there’s been a ton of innovation, and much of it is an extremely positive thing. But if you want to create lasting and positive change, it’s essential that you dive deeper beneath the surface.

Take Google, for example. You’ve no doubt read about their in-house massage rooms, free gourmet food, and rock climbing walls. But really, these aren’t the things that are truly driving success. A solid HR policy that helps a business to smash strategic goals is holistic, and complex. If you’re looking to innovate, never forget that what you read in the papers is never the full story.

Have you fallen into the trap of making any of these mistakes? What steps can you take to get things back on the right track?

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Oculus HR .