A Business Plan Helps Set Expectations & Keep Everyone on the Same Page
An organization should have some kind of ‘road map’ outlining where their business is going and how they hope to get there. Having this action plan helps keep those involved (i.e. employees) all working together towards a common goal – the success of the company.
In the not-too-distant past, I worked for a startup with about a dozen employees that were, I found out later, all very disgruntled. Morale was very low due to ever-changing priorities and no clear direction for the business. In just a couple of months, three quarters of the staff departed for new horizons, me among them.
The importance of implementing initiatives to ensure employee engagement to reduce turnover and maintain a productive and positive workforce cannot be stressed enough. The people a firm employs should feel that they are an integral part of the organization as a whole. Companies that establish and build upon this by encouraging feedback, recommendations, suggestions and ideas will realize a more engaged and happier workforce.
Communication, and therefore easier engagement, may be encouraged through the use of the tools provided by an HR Shared Services Solution. Features that may be accessed by employees through a personalized portal include collaborative case management, live chat, email management and interactive surveys – all of which automate and streamline the HR service delivery process.
Most companies have an initial mission statement at the beginning of their business plan that outlines the purpose of the organization. It informs others what the organization stands for, as well as its beliefs and values. It is important that the employees of the firm are a part of that mission – and believe in it.
Management and the HR team can add to the business plan and the direction it sets by creating a comprehensive employee handbook; outlining acceptable company do’s and don’ts – again to help set clear expectations.
A company’s mission, values and culture represent the organization both internally, and to the world at large. Creating an environment that attracts the best and brightest through positive planning and consistent communication will help pave the road to success.