{"id":3835,"date":"2021-12-09T19:06:59","date_gmt":"2021-12-09T19:06:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rtgsolutionsgroup.com\/?p=3835"},"modified":"2021-12-09T19:06:59","modified_gmt":"2021-12-09T19:06:59","slug":"unlock-company-potential-with-hr-process-improvement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rtgsolutionsgroup.com\/unlock-company-potential-with-hr-process-improvement\/","title":{"rendered":"Unlock Your Company’s Potential with HR Process Improvement"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_single_image image=”3843″ img_size=”1110×500″][vc_column_text]Is there a correlation between HR and process improvement? You bet there is!\u00a0 Improving processes throughout HR – or if you prefer, Talent Management – is the key to unlocking your organization\u2019s full potential.<\/p>\n

Process bottlenecks, missed deadlines, budget blow-outs and communication breakdowns are systematic to every business.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve all experienced finger-pointing, tirades from exasperated leaders, cutting or adding staff as knee-jerk reactions to solve problems.<\/p>\n

These dynamics are not only exhausting; they\u2019re inefficient<\/a>. Fortunately, at RTG Solutions Group, we know the path to organizational efficiency. And it can begin right in your Human Resources department!<\/p>\n

As a business leader, you probably recognize that processes across the organization could be more efficient. Yet, how do you actually hit the pause button to find a better way to do things?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just about working harder and faster. It\u2019s about working efficiently. This is where continuous improvement efforts come in.<\/p>\n

Implementing continuous improvement<\/a> practices is a culture shift within a business. It\u2019s not like flipping on a light switch and everything is immediately streamlined.<\/p>\n

It requires sustained effort. Yet, it produces lasting results.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, it can be accomplished by any business in any industry. And HR<\/a> process improvement can serve as the catalyst for a greater culture shift within an organization.[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”WHAT IS CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT CULTURE?” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Continuous improvement is a constant, ongoing effort to improve business operations, performance, and efficiency.<\/p>\n

In order for it to work, it must permeate across an organization. It cannot remain quartered in just one or a few supporting departments. In other words, it must be part of your company’s culture.<\/p>\n

We know what you’re thinking: What in the world does this have to do with my company’s HR department?\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

To find out how HR can enhance your organization’s performance and promote a culture of continuous improvement, keep scrolling![\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”REACH NEW HEIGHTS WITH HR PROCESS IMPROVEMENT” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_single_image image=”3845″ img_size=”1110×500″][vc_column_text]HR management is an ideal fit to lead the way and sustain efficient practices across the organization. But why does it make sense to start with HR process improvement<\/a> to launch the culture change?<\/p>\n

HR is the hub of an organization\u2019s greatest asset: its people. The Human Resources department is connected to each person who enters and leaves an organization.<\/p>\n

HR staff are the first to welcome each new employee.\u00a0 They serve as a conduit throughout each employee\u2019s career with the organization.<\/p>\n

Based on their centrality within the organization, the HR team exhibits and reinforces the company culture<\/a> each and every day.<\/p>\n

The role of HR in an organization includes numerous processes that are repeatedly accomplished every day.<\/p>\n

With a nexus to every employee, HR roles can include: recruiting, interviewing, onboarding<\/a>, off-boarding, training & development, performance management, benefits, payroll, employee relations, and communications<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In other words, an organization\u2019s HR department serves as the primary executor, conduit, and communicator of company culture.\u00a0 This position is what makes HR the ideal launchpad for a company-wide culture change.<\/p>\n

What better way to begin your organization\u2019s improvement journey and culture transformation than with your HR team?<\/p>\n

So, we\u2019ve highlighted that HR can lead the way to a culture of continuous improvement. But how do you actually tackle HR process improvement efforts? Simple \u2013 you make use of these four tools:[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

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    1. Process mapping<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Affinity Diagrams<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Standard operating procedures (SOPs)<\/span><\/li>\n
    4. Strategic communications<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”FOUR TOOLS FOR HR PROCESS IMPROVEMENT” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Proce<\/span>ss Mapping<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

      Each process within the HR department, large and small, must be mapped to visually outline the \u201ccurrent state\u201d of the process.<\/p>\n

      You cannot begin to improve upon a process until you fully understand what is currently happening. Additionally, in order to measure improvement changes<\/a>, you must have a baseline to measure by.<\/p>\n

      Swim lane diagrams<\/a>\u00a0are used to gather a baseline measurement of current processes. The swim lane diagrams illustrate business processes as they move within and outside of a department. They also capture the time associated with each process step.<\/p>\n

      Often, redundant or unnecessary steps are quickly uncovered. This visual representation highlights cross-functional responsibilities and processes within a business unit.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Affinity Diagrams<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      An\u00a0Affinity Diagram<\/a>\u00a0is a type of brainstorming tool used to organize ideas into subgroups with common relationships.<\/p>\n

      Each person in the group identifies thoughts or ideas around a pre-determined question. The approach can help a group make connections between common ideas that may otherwise seem overwhelming to discuss.<\/p>\n

      For example, an HR team early in their improvement journey can meet up to identify a key problem or issue within the department. The Affinity Diagram exercise<\/a> begins with each participant jotting down individual ideas on sticky notes and randomly placing them on a wall for everyone to see.<\/p>\n

      Then, in a round-robin timed sequence, each participant groups together similar ideas by physically rearranging the sticky notes on the wall. The result is a cohesive identification of issues that then can be addressed thoroughly.<\/p>\n

      The Affinity Diagram exercise is not just a great way to quickly generate a collection of HR process improvement ideas. It is also a fantastic tool for leaders hoping to create buy-in to new initiatives or policies.<\/p>\n

      Because the exercise requires you to bring your team together, it gives employees the opportunity to be included in the improvement effort while it’s still in the early stages.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3850″ img_size=”1110×500″][vc_column_text]Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      SOPs are step-by-step instructions that document a routine activity critical to the function of a department. Well-written\u00a0SOPs<\/a>\u00a0provide consistency and reduce error.<\/p>\n

      Here are some examples of processes that would require SOPs, in the context of HR process improvement:<\/p>\n