For the Human Resources professional challenges include evaluating health plans
given the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Establishing productivity metrics and
measurements to ensure that employees are meeting job expectations. Finally, attracting talent in an environment
where finding the most qualified candidates with the right skill set is becoming
more difficult. How each business deals
with its specific human resources issues depends on the how effective the HR
team. No matter what approach a business
takes, addressing these issues is an ongoing process.
Benefits
Virtually
all companies offer some benefits to employees, either to appear competitive or
to comply with local, state or federal regulations. With the implementation of the Affordable
Care Act (ACA) Human Resources will need to verify that their company is
impacted and how they need to respond legally.
Offering maternity/new-born care, pediatric care, rehabilitative care
and preventative care are key components of each plan that will need to be offered
effective January 1, 2014. Measurement
is also critical and as some low-income employees may be better-off by going
through the state or federal exchanges to obtain credits and subsidies. HR departments working with their brokers or
benefit specialists will need to create benefit policies and packages that are
compliant with the law as well as offer programs that meet the needs of a
diverse workforce.
Productivity
A
primary goal of a HR department is to consult with the leaders of the
organization and department managers to organize the work flow so that managers
and their subordinates can be as productive as possible. Using typical metrics such
as cost per FTE, revenue per FTE and examining overtime as a percent of labor
cost allows HR professionals to think critically. Examining the number of people per shift, team
assignments and the need to bring on additional staff is a very important role
for HR to play. This role can be very challenging
as it encourages the HR department to play a strategic role and plan for the
future.
Talent Management
Talent management will be even more challenging as the old methods of attending job fairs, listing positions on career management websites, college recruiting are not the only way to generate interest. New methods of attracting the right candidates may include having a presence on the social media sites, matching managers with similar outside interests with potential candidates to create a bond between the company and new hires. Furthermore, candidates want to see a balance between employment and life experiences. Companies will need to respond to these new ways of attracting talent and retaining key members of the team.
