Human resources for any size of business is a vital component that can either enhance or impede success. Properly using the team you have in place and identifying ways to help them grow are keys to a dynamic work environment. Many business owners and HR departments stop there, though, which is a mistake. To really take your business to the next level, you also need to accurately plan future human resources needs. While that may sound like something that requires a time machine, it doesn’t have to be. By using the proper tools, you can forecast future needs and start a proactive plan today. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Analyze What You Already Have
The first step in any planning process is to analyze the team you already have in place. What skill set do they possess? What is their education and experience background? What room for growth do they have? What are their career goals? Once you get a clear picture of what resources you employ now, you can make a plan to better utilize them and identify any gaps. Here are some ways to make this process more efficient.
Use an HR System
To properly analyze your current situation, you need to have an effective record-keeping and retrieval system. Trying to keep track of multiple paper records and files is not going to cut it, especially if you have a large workforce.
Consider using an HR management system that helps you easily keep track of information like employee performance reviews, onboarding records, and ongoing training documents. When stored and organized electronically, these records are easily classified and retrieved when you need to review them.
Identify Necessary Adjustments
Once you have a clear picture of your current HR situation, you can start identifying gaps. Do you have a position with no back-up should your current employees leave? Do you need to expand in a certain department but don’t have the available team members to do so? Does one or more of your employees need extra training or education to move up to the next level?
When you have answers to these questions, you can take the next step and begin developing a plan.
Create an Employee Development Plan
How can you develop your current employees to step into bigger roles? Some of your team members may need an advanced degree or technical training. Others may just need a little encouragement or the right advancement opportunity.
You should have a plan in place for each of your vital employees. They should be aware of the plan and what you envision for their future in the company. Then you can work together to achieve the set goals.
Forecast the Future
Now that you’ve identified where you are currently, you can begin to look at future needs and how you will be able to best address them. Though some team members will be able to grow into new positions, a hiring strategy will also need to be considered. Here are some tips that will help.
Identify Industry Trends
What industry trends are occurring in your area of business? What does this mean for your future growth? Will you need to expand certain areas? Phase out others? Though you cannot actually predict the future, you can make educated guesses that will give you a clearer picture. When you proactively plan instead of wait to react to industry changes, you can stay on the cutting edge and remain competitive.
Use an HR System to Accurately Plan for Future Human Resource Needs
Your HR software can help you identify future needs by analyzing your current team, identifying gaps, and helping you pinpoint resources that are underutilized. It can also help you identify if you need to budget for new positions or training. Use the software to search for employees who have prior experience or training in areas you want to expand in. You can also use it help you better recruit new employees to bring on to your team.
Plan for Jobs
Once you have a good idea of what types of jobs you need to add in the future, you can make a plan. How much will you need to increase your budget? How many sales do you need to make to account for this? How will you recruit these specialized workers? When you have all the pieces in place, you’ll be ready for growth or industry changes before the need even arises.
Forecasting the future does not have to be something out of a science fiction movie. When you can accurately analyze your current team and their potential for growth, you get a clear picture of how to move forward. You can use this knowledge along with HR software to help predict future trends and proactively plan your next steps toward success.
