One of the signs that your business is scaling up is that you need to increase your workforce. Even though the process seems easy, it comes with its challenges. The main issue with small businesses is that they might not have a big enough HR department to help with the hiring process. As such, it is easy for you to mess up when it comes to ensuring you do it the right way. Knowing what to expect and how it will impact your business will ensure you take the right steps when bringing new employees on board.
Defining Clear Roles and Expectations
One of the mistakes small businesses fail to make is figuring out what is needed. You end up hiring someone who is not a fit for your company. The best way to avoid this is to figure out what you want before hiring. Define the role you are hiring for, the qualifications, and your expectations of the new employee. By knowing what you need, you create a rubric on who is the best fit for your company.
Always state your expectations during the hiring process so one knows what they are signing up for. Having the job description in the contract will safeguard you and the company against any complaints from the employee in case of any issues.
Conduct Thorough Background and Substance Abuse Checks
One thing most people will take a close look at when it comes to your company is the kind of people you work with. While there are some jobs that do not mind hiring ex-convicts, it often doesn’t paint a good picture when the company is still small. To help with this, ensure you carry out a thorough background check on all your employees before bringing them on board. Let them know that this is a requirement as well to avoid any legal issues.
Aside from criminal background checks, it is also important that you conduct regular drug screenings for your employees. This will remind them to stay clean and prevent any issues that come from working while under the influence.
Prioritize a Cultural Fit
Every office has a culture that dictates what works for them and what does not. As such, you cannot compare your expectations to those of another office. When choosing a candidate for the positions you are hiring, ensure they fit with the company culture. Their work ethic, dress code, and punctuality are some things to look at. These might seem small things about one’s qualifications, but they will determine how well a new employee fits into the office space.
Smart hiring will ensure that any new addition to your office space is right. Planning out in advance will give you a better idea of what you are looking for and help with the vetting process. Talk to a lawyer when in doubt to ensure you are doing things right when it comes to the entire process. You can also hire HR during the process if your office has none to help you figure out what needs to be done.