HR covers the portion of a business dealing with the hiring, administration, and training of personnel. HR is a crucial part of any sized business; however, larger businesses tend to set precedent over smaller businesses when it comes to HR practices––due to bigger budgets, more staff, and increased business experience.
With that being said, HR is typically no cakewalk for any sized business. Being a leader in HR comes with an array of responsibilities and often requires critical thinking outside of the handbook. Smaller businesses tend to have more challenges on their plate, typically being isolated with a lack in direction, making even small-scale concerns tougher to handle.
So, how can small businesses reflect more of a big business approach when it comes to HR practices and success?
First, realize your business is not alone. Many small businesses are going through the same scenario –– finding it hard to collect all the necessary tools to build successful HR practices for smooth sailing when dealing with remote and in-house employees.
Below are some topics to think about when considering the differences small businesses have compared to larger businesses and their approach to HR and employee experience.
Lack of Resources
Needless to say, small businesses tend to have limited resources, including a small HR team and restrictive budget. As a result, HR departments for small businesses cannot afford things like advanced employee training or team building. With these means, small companies have to get creative when fulfilling their HR responsibilities, but this is a more affordable alternative to turn to when on a tight budget.
Responsibility Roles
In small businesses, many owners and managers must wear more than one hat, especially when it comes to HR. This means roles and responsibilities will often overlap. These can range from recruitment, creating HR budgets or policies, creating financial statements, and managing payroll. In a large company, however, each employee serves a specific role.
Organizational Structure
A large organization has a more formal and well-established organizational hierarchy. Their HR department is no exception, and while this may be beneficial by reducing workloads and the need to multitask, this inflexible structure can make it difficult to connect HR’s outcomes to the organization’s bottom line.
Compared to large organizations, small businesses often lack well-established structures and processes. So, small businesses are required to handle each task on a case-by-case basis. Some people may find this work style challenging, while others may like it. However, small businesses can pinpoint exactly how much money was saved or productivity was increased for each decision across the board.
Workforce Management Software Solution
Workforce management software is often integrated with third-party HR applications and with core HR systems that serve as a central warehouse for workforce data. The software also offers self-service options that enable employees to request days off or to check PTO balances without having to reach out to the HR department.
Workforce management processes have been automated by both small and large organizations for decades to deliver improved outcomes. However, the concept has evolved significantly over the years, and it is now used in HR departments to monitor and improve labor effectiveness and efficiency.
Workforce management software is now more accessible to small businesses and tailor to their special needs. Implementing workforce management software into a small business can help simplify tasks and mitigate micromanaging.
VCS Intelligent Workforce Management
Visual Computer Solutions creates intelligent workforce management software that reinvents how you work and scales as your business grows. Compatible for all private businesses, government organizations and public safety agencies, VCS software simplifies employee scheduling, time & attendance, human resources and payroll for today’s modern workforce. To learn more about our products, visit https://www.vcssoftware.com/solutions/
About VCS
VCS provides public and private sectors with ultramodern workforce management tools that better manage their most complex workforce management needs and tedious business processes. Backed by 20 years of experience, VCS’ platform boasts industry-specific products and services, carefully crafted to make employee management, time & attendance, human resources, and payroll easier for the entire workforce.
