HR in 2020

After a turmoil year last year, filled with unique challenges almost no one saw coming, it is time for HR to step up in order to support employees to do the best they can into 2020. With a marked increase in financial stress of many employees around the world, HR staff have the potential to make a meaningful impact on the lives of employees.

With added stress and unpredictability, HR workers are beginning to shift their focus to wellbeing. Working on programs to assist employees with the stressors of life and find downtime in their busy schedules.

The first step HR should take to help improve employees' work-life is simply checking in with the employees. Making sure they are still engaged and enjoying the work to ensure that your company has a healthy workforce. This can be done both on a personal level and through surveys to get the biggest picture.

Not only does checking in with employees help you understand what may be going on for them, but it also makes sure that they know you are looking out for them.

Redefine your company culture

Now is the perfect time to redefine your company culture. If your workplace before was bumpy and non-communal, it is the perfect time to break those old habits. Encourage friendly conversations, allow employees to take small breaks to catch up. The better your employees get along the more fluid the workflow of your company can be. When people feel comfortable with one another and they need help, they ask for it. This can reduce lost time.

If you don't know how to redefine your company culture start small, have a company lunch or Friday night drinks with your employees, get people talking, and getting to know each other. Over time relationships will form, some will be stronger than others. Eventually, if you foster it, your company will gain a beautiful culture so your employees stay on longer. Over years the money you will save on training new employees will be incredible.