Making personnel efforts more professional
Abstract
Oftentimes, nonprofit leaders in small organizations or agencies find themselves taking over human resources functions, and sometimes without thorough training. This effective practice, excerpted with permission, from "Experts Offer Advice to Inexperienced Human-Resources Managers," by Jeffrey Klineman in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, November 25, 2004, provides tips from veteran human resource managers.A link to the article is included, as is a list of online resources for creating a human resources department.Issue
Establishing, organizing and maintaining a human resources department can seem like a daunting task, particularly if a staff member has "grown" into the position without thorough training.Action
According to research by Jeffrey Klineman in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, the following effective practices are helpful for setting up or taking over a human resources department:
Establish an office.
This allows for safety and confidentiality when talking about issues such as money or future or past employment. If a private office is simply not feasible, access to a private conference room is desirable. (Jean Lobell, Community Resource Exchange, N.Y.) Additionally, a human resources manager will be in charge of maintaining files that deal with employees' health and job performance, and it is important that these records remain confidential and in one place. (Brian Monahan, Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Utica, N.Y.)
Meet the boss.
Managers who are new to an organization or agency should make an effort to get to know its leader. "Find out what his or her thoughts are on the direction of the organization, what's critical to accomplish, what's important about the strategic plan, and how the human resources function fits into it." (Lynda Ford, Rome, N.Y.) Also, talk to employees so that they will feel comfortable bringing workplace issues to the table.
Build a network.
Join national and local associations for human resources professionals to make contacts and compare stories. This is particularly important for people who have little experience. (Lynda Ford, Rome, N.Y.) For a list of helpful organizations, see the "Resources" section of this effective practice.
Consult with insurance and legal experts.
Ignorance of the law can lead an organization into legal trouble. An insurance provider may be able to offer advice. A talk with a lawyer can sometimes save the cost of a claim. (Pamela Davis, Alliance of Nonprofits for Insurance, Risk Retention Group, Santa Cruz, CA)
Take a survey.
This will enable a new human resources manager to establish standards for compensation and employment policies. "You don't need to reinvent the wheel. Look at other nonprofits of similar size, similar missions, or in the same area, talk to consultants and other professional associations, and see how they handle different positions." (William Coy, formerly of Yosemite National Institute, Yosemite, CA)
Carve out a niche.
This may include making stylistic changes in the way the job is approached. "If you're stepping into HR from another position, you've already got a personal history with the organization, and you have to rise above it. You have a good sense of the culture of the organization and a good sense of the history, and that can be extremely valuable. But being an HR person you've got to be a little more global in your outlook, and let go of your old perceptions." (Lynda Ford, Rome, N.Y.)
Context
Small nonprofit organizations are coming to discover that an in-house human resources department is an invaluable asset to their organization, despite the obstacles of a tight budget, sensitive administrative issues and lack of experience in this area.Citation
Klineman, Jeffrey. "Experts Offer Advice to Inexperienced Human-Resources Managers," The Chronicle of Philanthropy, vol. XVII, no. 4, November 25, 2004. p. 26.The Chronicle of Philanthropy is the news source, in print and online, for charity leaders, fundraisers, grant makers, and other people involved in philanthropic enterprise.Outcome
Human resource professionals can help an organization attract and keep good workers; simultaneously training supervisors in the important areas of interviewing, coaching and mentoring to help further this goal.Posted On
December 7, 2004Resources
The following online resources can help nonprofit groups create their first human resources department:
American Society for Training and Development
The society offers suggestions and best practices for improving worker training and education.
http://www.chamberofcommerce.com
These local organizations often have a wealth of information, including handbooks on state-specific employment laws, which make up the bulk of employment regulations, according to Pamela Davis, President of the Alliance of Nonprofits for Insurance, Risk Retention Group, a nonprofit insurance provider in Santa Cruz, CA. Many also offer online question and answer services regarding laws and regulations.
Nonprofit Risk Management Center
This Washington organization offers courses for human-resources managers on limiting their organization's legal liability in employment matters.
Society for Human Resources Management
his organization provides basic information on setting up a human-resources department and how to handle most technical and regulatory issues. The group also has local chapters that can put members in touch with other professionals.
Most states have umbrella organizations that allow charities to exchange ideas and information on a wide variety of human-resources issues. To find a directory of state associations, visit the National Council for Nonprofit Associations website.
WorldatWork
This is a professional association dedicated to collecting and disseminating information on compensation, benefits, and employee retention and motivation.