Human resources (HR) covers a much wider ground than any image one might conjure. It involves an end-to-end planning and execution of the experience, productivity and sustainability of the workforce.
In this regard, the HR life cycle remains the backbone of any successful organization across industries. It is also an essential piece in growing, developing, and managing the workforce.
In a heated job market such as today, employers are having a hard time lading the right talent on their open spots. There were over 1.29 million open jobs waiting to be filled in the UK around January and March of 2022.
It goes without saying that having a comprehensive HR strategy with a thorough understanding of the HR lifecycle and the various phases it encompasses will indeed boost a company’s growth and success.
For those who just entered the business or are looking to enhance their growth strategies, we welcome you to the guide to a comprehensive HR lifecycle.
We'll run you through an overview of each stage of the HR lifecycle and outline strategies and tools to streamline processes, establish compliance measures and optimize outcomes.
Let’s get into it!
Understanding the Phases of the HR Lifecycle
The HR lifecycle can be divided into six distinct phases:
- Recruitment is the process of getting the right employees to join the organization. It is a critical phase of the HR lifecycle, as it sets the tone for the entire employee experience. Keep in mind that the right hires will help ensure that your organization is able to achieve its goals.
- Onboarding helps new hires smoothly transition into their new roles. It's important to provide new employees with the necessary resources and support to ensure that they are able to quickly become productive members of the team.
- Development deals with fostering and promoting learning and growth for employees. It helps ensure that employees are able to continuously learn and grow.
- Performance entails performance management initiatives to ensure that employees are productive and efficient.
- Accommodation involves making sure that employees are provided with a supportive and congenial working environment.
- Departure includes initiatives such as offboarding and separation. It ensures that employees are able to end their relationship with companies on good terms.
POPULAR: 7 Steps to Build a Successful Recruitment Process
Preparing for Each Stage of the HR Lifecycle
In order for companies and recruitment agencies to maximize their HR lifecycle, it is important to establish processes for each of its phases to ensure the effective execution of all operations.
First things first, it's important to review existing HR policies and procedures and ensure that they are up-to-date and appropriate for your workforce. Also, it is crucial to identify potential challenges and gaps in current systems, address these things, and look for ways to improve.
When preparing for each stage of the HR lifecycle, make sure that policies are clearly communicated to all staff members so that everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities.
It is also important to ensure that the HR team is adequately trained and equipped to handle the various stages of the HR lifecycle. This includes having the necessary resources and tools to effectively manage the recruitment process, onboarding, and performance management.
Ensuring that the HR team is aware of the latest trends and developments in the HR field is vital as well. Your team can provide the best advice and guidance to the organization.
Finally, ensure that the HR team is able to provide timely and accurate feedback to the company. This includes providing feedback on the performance of employees, as well as providing guidance on how to improve processes and procedures.
YOU MIGHT LIKE: 9 Ways Recruitment Automation Will Change Recruitment in 2023
Leveraging Technology to Streamline the HR Lifecycle
In a very competitive job market such as today, the use of cutting-edge technology is paramount in driving efficiency and productivity within the HR sector. So, don’t be surprised if you’re experiencing the rise of technology in the HR sector, as over 4.8 million businesses are now utilizing recruitment technology and tools, and it is predicted that the number will climb up to 6 million in 2023.
Why? The answer is simple. Because automating manual, administrative tasks, enabling remote access to employee information, and optimizing recruiting processes are just some ways that technology has enabled HR professionals to simplify the HR lifecycle.
Digital tools such as Applicant Tracking Systems or ATS have been instrumental in improving, tracking, analyzing, reporting, and forecasting the trajectory of the market.
Moreover, video conferencing, instant messaging, and online collaboration platforms can help organizations to foster a culture of collaboration and communication, which leads to improved employee morale, productivity, and engagement, as well as the reduction of the need for costly travel and physical meetings.
With innovative tools at hand, HR teams will be able to obtain an accurate understanding of their workforce. And by leveraging the latest technologies, organizations can streamline their HR processes by becoming more intuitive, faster, and more secure.
Make the Most Out of Your HR Lifecycle with Manatal
Manatal is an ATS specifically tuned to streamline the recruitment process and help HR professionals optimize their HR lifecycle within a few clicks. Repetitive tasks will no longer weigh you down as Manatal's AI engine is able to automate the documentation and backlogging activity in a blink of an eye.
You'll be able to seamlessly navigate through an HR cycle seamlessly from end to end as Manatal consolidates the recruitment process into a single platform.
Moreover, our Candidate Sourcing and Candidate Enrichment feature helps you to complete candidates' profiles and form a quality shortlist by browsing the web and migrating their available online profiles into its database. The platform also matches candidates' profiles with your open jobs based on skills, work experience, and more.
This saves up an overabundance of time and allows HR professionals to focus on their more important tasks, such as establishing and maintaining connections with the candidates.
At the same time, Manatal allows you to further simplify the management pipeline with its Vendor Management System. Your company will be able to conveniently keep track with each progress and connect with the recruitment partners in one place.
When it comes to accomplishing a smooth recruitment, communication is the key. And Manatal’s inbox feature is designed for that exact purpose; a seamless communication from end to end. You will be able to connect, share progress, and follow up with all parties in real time, 24/7.
LEARN MORE: The Complete Guide to Talent Acquisition
LEARN MORE: Manatal’s Applicant Tracking System
Navigating the Challenges of HR Compliance
Adhering to all legal regulations during each stage of the HR life cycle is fundamental for companies to maintain compliance. Organizations must factor in applicable federal, state, and local regulations such as wage & hour laws, anti-discrimination statutes, workplace safety requirements, and more.
Keep in mind that non-compliance can result in costly penalties both financially and reputational-wise. To ensure that all regulations are met, organizations should utilize HR compliance software which provides organizations with continued vigilance over labor regulations at all times.
HR compliance software can help your organization stay up-to-date on the latest regulations and ensure that all policies are in line with the law. This software can also help you track employee data, such as hours worked, vacation time, and other important information. Plus, HR compliance software can help you create and maintain employee handbooks, which are essential for ensuring that all employees are aware of the company's policies and procedures.
Hiring a compliance officer to help ensure that all regulations are being met is also an option that you should consider. A compliance officer can help your company stay up-to-date on the latest regulations and ensure that all policies are in line with the law. Moreover, a compliance officer can help you create and maintain employee handbooks, as well as provide guidance on how to handle any potential compliance issues that may arise.
Strategies for Optimizing the HR Lifecycle
1. Building an Effective HR Team
Having a skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced HR team is crucial for driving productivity across all stages of the HR lifecycle. The team must possess up-to-date expertise in labor law regulations, job analysis, employee onboarding, and development, employee relations, and other areas of HR.
It is also important for them to be able to foster a supportive environment where employees feel inspired and empowered to contribute to organizational success.
In order to build an effective HR team, it is vital to ensure that the team is composed of individuals who have the right skills and experience. This includes having a good understanding of the organization's culture, values, and goals.
Additionally, the team should have a strong understanding of the organization's recruitment and selection process, as well as the ability to develop and implement effective training and development programs.
Your HR team must also be able to effectively manage employee performance and provide feedback. This includes having the ability to identify areas of improvement and provide guidance and support to employees. Plus, the team should be able to handle employee grievances and disputes, as well as provide guidance on disciplinary actions when necessary.
2. Establishing Clear Processes for Recruitment
Improving the recruitment process is fundamental because it sets the tone for the future direction of your company.
The focal point should lie on how they can better attract talent suitable for the job requirements and conduct proper screenings without compromising on candidate experience.
Automated recruitment platforms such as ATS have enabled recruiters to source candidates easier, faster, and with less error, whilst screening tools and online assessments have improved sourcing for job applicants.
Additionally, organizations should create an equal opportunity culture and invest in innovative ways to reach out to prospective candidates.
You should also ensure that your recruitment process is transparent and consistent. This means that all candidates should be given the same information and treated fairly throughout the recruitment process. Furthermore, your company should strive to create a positive candidate experience, as this can help to build a strong employer brand and attract the best talent.
Keep in mind that this directly affects the candidate experience. In a harsh recruitment environment where 60% of candidates are likely to lose interest in a job if the hiring process is too long, having a clear and precise recruitment process would make the right talent stick around and eventually join your company.
3. Managing Employee Onboarding
Effective onboarding programs are integral for organizations today as they help new hires adjust to their workplace environment quicker by familiarizing them with the company culture, employee policies, and procedures.
Gallup conducted a study which found that companies with engaged employees tend to have better financial performance, reduced employee turnover, fewer instances of employee absences, and higher levels of customer satisfaction.
How does one perfect the employee onboarding experience? Here’s a secret. To orchestrate a smooth onboarding, you need to develop structured pathways for new hires. This includes a thorough onboarding process designed to give them a better orientation, further instruction on organizational systems such as IT setup or email accounts creation, and virtual meetings with other staff members.
Your company should also consider providing new hires with a mentor or buddy to help them navigate their new role and provide support.
Ensure that new hires have access to the necessary resources and tools to help them succeed in their role. This could include providing them with access to online training materials, job aids, and other resources to help them learn and grow in their roles.
4. Enhancing Employee Performance and Development
Your organization should take a proactive approach toward employee performance management by setting clear expectations for each employee as well as offering regular feedback so that they can stay informed on their progress.
It is vital for companies to invest in career development initiatives that encourage employees to continuously work towards advancing their personal goals as well as equipping them with the necessary skills for future career advancement.
Also, consider providing employees with the necessary resources and support to help them reach their goals. This could include providing access to training programs, mentorship opportunities, and other resources that can help employees develop their skills and knowledge.
Plus, your organization should create a culture of recognition and appreciation to motivate employees and help them feel valued for their contributions.
5. Managing Employee Separation and Offboarding
Employee separation can prove a difficult situation for all parties involved. However, it is vital to see to it that companies remain compliant with labor laws when dealing with this situation.
Proper offboarding processes must be followed. This includes a comprehensive exit interview process, updating payroll systems accordingly, returning company property or materials bought using corporate funds, and informing remaining employees that a member has left the organization.
Your company should also use existing personnel as potential sources of information as they can provide invaluable insights into any potential improvements or changes that can be made going forward.
Final Thoughts
Adopting an effective approach towards the HR lifecycle can yield numerous positive outcomes for organizations, including improved employee engagement and productivity, better organizational compliance, and increased organizational agility.
Leveraging technology and implementing strategic processes across all stages of the HR lifecycle can enable your company to lead a greater competitive edge over your competitors.
An Applicant Tracking System is a recruitment solution that is specifically designed to simplify the recruitment process and maximize the HR lifecycle with its innovative features. Manatal’s intelligent system enables recruiters to optimize and strengthen their recruiting efforts with automation and AI.
Why? Start a 14-day free trial with us today and findout how Manatal can help nevigate you through HR lifecycle from start to finish within a few clicks.
.png)
.webp)
.webp){kind=logo}
.webp)
.png){kind=small}
