New Year’s resolutions for HR offer the perfect opportunity to declutter old processes and improve workplace efficiency.
Have you ever cleaned out your closets or drawers and came across something you hadn’t thought about for years? Maybe you found a favorite keepsake from a loved one, a note from a colleague, or just a mound of old paperwork that clutters things up. As Eileen mentioned in her recent blog “Eileen’s Lesson: Resolve to Simplify: 15 Tips for 2025“, there’s a lot to be said for doing away with things that no longer serve us.
With a new year on the horizon, now is the perfect time to consider an organizational cleanout, too. We set New Year’s resolutions, and having a clean slate to work from makes that process more effective. What might you cast aside that’s no longer adding value to your workplace? In HR, that could be anything from outdated terminology and manual processes to benefits and compensation that fail to cut the mustard. Read on for some helpful things to consider before you set your New Year’s resolutions for HR, along with tips for setting goals that will enhance your workplace and boost employee engagement in 2025.
Is your HR approach forward-thinking or falling behind? Assess these eight areas as you move into the new year:
1. Human Resources: If you’re still calling it “personnel,” it’s time for a change. The term “personnel” was historically associated with administrative and clerical work, while “human resources” reflects a strategic, mission-driven approach to managing talent. It focuses on employee development, engagement, and alignment with organizational goals.
2. Recruiting: If you’re not leveraging online platforms for recruiting, you’re missing out. More and more applicants are using the internet to search for jobs, and fewer are turning to traditional job boards or print ads.
3. Employee Handbooks: Like fashion, organizations evolve over time. Your employee handbook should be regularly updated to reflect current policies, workplace culture, and legal requirements. What was appropriate a few years ago may no longer be relevant. Review your handbook to ensure it aligns with your organization’s current values and goals.
4. Your Employees: Are your employees happy? Do they feel connected or disengaged? How do you know? Do you regularly ask for feedback? If your answer is no, it’s time to start actively gathering employee insights. Creating a culture of open communication is one of the best ways to keep top talent engaged and reduce turnover.
5. Benefits: Are your benefits packages competitive? Do they meet the needs of your employees? When was the last time you evaluated your benefits offerings? Consider reviewing and comparing your plans with industry standards and conducting a benefits audit to ensure you’re offering competitive perks that will attract and retain talent.
6. Compensation: Are your employees fairly compensated? Are you benchmarking your compensation against other organizations in your industry? Competitive salaries and transparent pay structures are crucial for keeping employees motivated and satisfied.
7. Training and Development: Do you offer ongoing training to help your employees stay current with industry trends? Is there room for personal and professional growth? Employees are more likely to stay with a company that offers rich learning and development opportunities.
8. Performance: Regular and effective feedback is essential to an employee’s success, yet many organizations only provide feedback during annual performance reviews. Research shows that employees benefit from continuous, constructive feedback. Take a hard look at your performance review process and consider implementing more frequent check-ins and goal-setting discussions throughout the year.
Make 2025 your company’s best year yet. Consider New Year’s resolutions like these:
• Enhance employee engagement. Foster an environment of recognition, appreciation, and inclusivity by regularly celebrating achievements and milestones. Strive to create a workplace culture where employees feel valued and connected to the company’s mission.
• Revamp onboarding. Make a lasting and positive first impression by designing a comprehensive, engaging onboarding program. Include training on company culture, values, and career development, not just job-specific skills.
• Improve communication channels. Implement regular, two-way communication with employees to stay connected and informed about their needs, feedback, and concerns.
• Foster leadership development: Invest in developing leadership skills across all levels of your organization. Create mentorship opportunities and management training programs to cultivate the next generation of leaders within your company.
• Prioritize employee wellbeing. Focus on both physical and mental wellbeing by offering resources like wellness programs, mental health support, and flexible work arrangements. A healthy workforce is a productive workforce.
With a commitment to transformative New Year’s resolutions for HR, you can create a more engaged, effective, and productive workplace that not only attracts top talent but also retains it. Why not make 2025 a year of positive change for your entire organization?
What has worked in the past may not be effective now or in the future, so take time to revisit your strategies for the year ahead. To discover more innovative ways, you can make 2025 a banner year, please contact our knowledgeable team.
About The HR Team: Founded in 1996, The HR Team is a Maryland-based human resources outsourcing firm committed to developing strategic, customized solutions that respond to the unique needs and cultures of organizations of all types and sizes. Available as a one-source alternative to an in-house HR department or on an à la carte project basis, the company’s flexible service models address the full spectrum of HR needs that many organizations struggle to address. The HR Team helps clients achieve their highest level of success by providing value-driven human resources services that leave them time to focus on what they do best: directing business growth and profitability. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, the firm serves all of Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia. To learn more about The HR Team, call 410.381.9700 or visit https://www.thehrteam.com/.
