Addressing HR Challenges

Photo by Alex Green

Addressing HR challenges in a small business

One of the main challenges for small businesses is addressing HR issues. This can include anything from ensuring that the company has the proper policies and procedures in place to hiring the right people and ensuring that they are treated fairly.

One important issue for small businesses is making sure that they are incompliance with state and federal laws when it comes to HR. This can include laws related to hiring, firing, pay and benefits, and leaves of absence.

Small businesses also need to be aware of the potential for discrimination claims. It is important to make sure that hiring and firing decisions are based on legitimate factors, and that employees are treated fairly regardless of their race, sex, age, or other protected status.

In addition, small businesses need to create a system for tracking employee performance. This can help to ensure that employees are meeting the required standards, and that any issues can be addressed before they become a problem.

Small businesses also need to develop a plan for handling employee misconduct. This can include anything from sexual harassment to stealing or violence in the workplace.

It is also important to have a system in place for handling employee terminations. This includes providing employees with proper notice, and making sure that the company is in compliance with any applicable laws.

Finally, small businesses should create a policy for managing leaves of absence. This can include anything from parental leave to medical leave. It is important to have a policy in place so that employees know what to expect, and so that the company can manage absences effectively.

By addressing these HR challenges, small businesses can help to ensure that they are providing a safe and fair workplacefortheiremployees.

HR challenges in a non-profit organisation

For a non-profit organisation to be successful, it is important for its HR department to be effective and efficient in addressing the challenges that are unique to this sector. The following are some of the key challenges that HR professionals in a non-profit organisation face:

1. Talent attraction and retention

The non-profit sector is often considered to be a challenging place to work, given the demanding and often unpredictable nature of the work. Therefore, it is important for the HR department to be creative in its approach to talent attraction and retention. This may involve developing innovative benefits and compensation packages, and showcasing the unique work culture and mission of the organisation.

2. Managing a diverse workforce

Non-profit organisations often employ a diverse workforce, consisting of volunteers, paid employees and interns. It is important for the HR department to be aware of the unique needs and cultural sensitivities of this workforce and to develop policies and procedures that are inclusive and respectful.

3. Facing budget restrictions

Non-profit organisations often have tight budgets, which can impact the HR department's ability to recruit and retain staff. It is important for the HR department to be resourceful in its approach to staffing, and to identify creative ways to compensate employees.

4. Addressing workplace misconduct

Non-profit organisations are often characterised by a strong sense of community and shared values. This can sometimes lead to a blurred line between personal and professional relationships, and pose a challenge for the HR department in addressing workplace misconduct.

It is important for the HR department to be proactive in developing policies and procedures that discourage in appropriate behaviour, and to be responsive to any allegations of misconduct.

By addressing these key challenges, the HR department can effectively support the non-profit organisation in achieving its goals.

Addressing HR challenges in a large organisation


A large organisation can be a complex beast, with a myriad of different HR challenges and issues to address. In order to effectively manage and organise these challenges, it is necessary to have a well-structured HR department. The most common structures for large organisations are functional and divisional.

The functional structure is based on the principle of specialisation, with different HR functions (such as recruitment, training and compensation) grouped together. This structure is often used in organisations that are growing rapidly, as it allows new functions to be easily added. However, it can also lead to communication problems and a lack of integration between different functions.

The divisional structure is based on the principle of decentralisation, with different divisions (such as marketing, accounting and HR) having their own HR functions. This structure is often used in organisations that are facing organisational changes, as it allows different parts of the organisation to be managed separately. However, it can also lead to problems with co-ordination and communication.

Ultimately, the best HR structure for a large organisation depends on the specific needs of the organisation. However, the functional structure is often seen as the most efficient, while the divisional structure is seen as the most effective in terms of communication.

The challenges of HR in a large organisation

The HR department of a large organisation faces a number of unique challenges, such as:

▪ Managing a large and diverse workforce

▪ Addressing complex HR issues

▪ Co-ordinating with different parts of the organisation

▪ Implementing effective HR policies and procedures.

Managing a large and diverse workforce can be a challenge, as different employees may have different needs and expectations. HR must find a way to balance the needs of all employees, while also ensuring that the organisation remains efficient and productive.

Addressing complex HR issues can also be a challenge. HR must have the knowledge and experience to deal with a wide range of issues, from employeedisputes to compliance with state and federal laws.

Co-ordinating with different parts of the organisation can also be a challenge for HR. By working closely with other parts of the organisation, HR can ensure that all aspects of the business are running smoothly. However, if there is a lack of communication, it can lead to problems and inefficiencies.

Implementing effective HR policies and procedures can also be a challenge for HR. By creating and enforcing effective policies, HR can ensure that the organisation is running smoothly and that employees are treated fairly. However, if policies are not well-designed or are not enforced properly, they can lead to problems and resentment among employees.

In conclusion, the HR department of a large organisation faces a number of unique challenges, which must be addressed in order to ensure the success of the organisation. By using a well-structured HR department, these challenges can be managed efficiently and effectively.

The benefits of a well-structured HR department

A well-structured HR department can provide a number of benefits for a large organisation, including:

▪ Improved communication and co-ordination between different parts of the organisation

▪ Easier implementation of effective HR policies and procedures

▪ Reduced HR-related costs

▪ Improved employee satisfaction and productivity.

Improved communication and co-ordination between different parts of the organisation can lead to a more efficient and productive workplace. By working closely with other parts of the organisation, HR can ensure that all aspects of the business are running smoothly.

Easier implementation of effective HR policies and procedures can lead to a more efficient and productive workforce. By creating and enforcing effective policies, HR can ensure that the organisation is running smoothly and that employees are treated fairly.

Reduced HR-related costs can lead to a more profitable organisation. By outsourcing HR functions to a specialist provider, HR can save money on things such as payroll and benefits administration.

Improved employee satisfaction and productivity can lead to a more successful organisation. By creating a positive work environment and implementing effective policies, HR can help to improve employee productivity.

Addressing HR challenges in a global organisation

Global companies with a complex HR system. There are a number of challenges that HR face in managing the workforce.

The first challenge is managing cultural differences. Employees from different countries may have different expectations and preferences about how they are treated and what is important to them. HR must find a way to reconcile these differences and create a harmonious workforce.

Another challenge is managing the expatriate workforce. Expatriates may have different expectations and cultural norms than local employees. They may also have difficulty adjusting to the new culture. HR must ensure that these employees are properly supported and that they feel welcome in the organisation.

There are a number of challenges that HR face in managing a global workforce. The first challenge is managing cultural differences. Employees from different countries may have different expectations and preferences about how they are treated and what is important to them. HR must find a way to reconcile these differences and create a harmonious workforce.

A final challenge is managing payroll and benefits. In a global company, payroll and benefits can be complicated and expensive to administer. HR must find a way to manage these expenses while still providing a benefit package that is attractive to employees.

By addressing these challenges, HR can create a successful global organisation.

Find out more about our mentoring platform or book a demo

Peer Pioneers

Peer Pioneers

Mentoring Action Plan - Strategic Human Resource Management