The human resources learning curve is quite steep, and even a year of experience can add volumes to new HR professionals’ knowledge bank.
Because the duties that fall under HR are so extensive, it’s hard to create a truly comprehensive job description for this crucial business role. That can make prioritizing your duties and simply getting through the day a challenge!
Here are a few questions to ask yourself when things get stressful around your office.
Will This Matter in Six Months?
It’s easy to get caught up in putting out the latest fire in a series of blazes. When that happens, it’s difficult to prioritize what tasks need done first. A good question to ask yourself in this situation is, “will this matter in six months, or a year, or even tomorrow?”
When you understand what will and will not matter in the long term, it gets much easier to prioritize tasks, and get the job done efficiently.
Am I Adequately Documenting This?
Documentation allows the employer or employee to preserve a written record of the happenings and discussions that occur around a specific event. This process gives your company protection in the event that an employee decides to litigate, or believes that your company isn’t handling events the right way.
The issue with this arduous task is that it’s almost impossible to document enough, but making the effort to do everything you can is worth it. Taking a step back and ensuring that you’re documenting every necessary detail could end up saving your company thousands.
How Much Information Does This Person Need?
You’ll often find yourself resolving conflicts or solving big issues within your company. When this occurs, involved parties are often eager to get as much information as they can. When knowledge is power, discretion in dealing with information is a crucial skill.
Before answering an inquiry about sensitive information, take a minute to decide how much information this person needs. What are they ethically entitled to, and how much is too much?
Do I Need to Get Involved, or Will This Resolve Itself?
Employee issues can often resolve themselves. When your time is precious and your tolerance for pettiness is running short, decide whether you need to get involved or not. In many cases, with a little push from HR, a lot of workplace issues can be resolved.
When you don’t have to become unnecessarily involved in some issues, you’ll be able to better manage your time and get to the things that are truly important.
