In today’s ever-evolving business landscape, where change is constant, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that businesses need more than just a growth strategy; they need a solid plan for revenue growth and the path to profitability.
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What does this signify?
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It underscores the importance of productivity, scrutinizing every aspect of your business, including salaries and wages, and the return on investment (ROI) these expenses yield.
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In the days of traditional businesses, productivity was always a key concern.
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Every employee had a specific role to play and goals to meet.
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The pressure to perform was high, but it ensured efficiency.
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However, when we look at the success rates of traditional organizations compared to startups, we see that there’s something tech businesses can learn from their more established counterparts.
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**The Efficiency of Traditional Businesses:**
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Traditional businesses thrive because they excel in two areas: operations and human resource management.
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In many of these organizations, HR leads and Ops Leads are integral to their success.
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These roles focus on two fundamental principles:
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1. **People Need to be Led:**
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Effective leadership is a cornerstone of traditional businesses.
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Leaders provide direction, structure, and a framework for productivity.
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2. **People Need to be Managed:**
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The efficient management of employees ensures that tasks are carried out effectively, goals are met, and a company operates smoothly.
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These two principles often seem to be lacking in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and tech startups.
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While startups may initially have fewer resources for extensive HR and operations departments, ignoring these aspects can have detrimental consequences.
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**The Tech Industry and Remote Work:**
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In the past 18 months, the tech industry witnessed a debate over remote work.
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Some CEOs insist that employees must be on-site for optimal efficiency, while others acknowledge the challenges posed by working remotely.
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The remote work landscape has shown two extremes:
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1. **Overworking and Stress:**
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Some remote teams have reported excessive working hours and high levels of stress, leading to potential burnout.
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2. **Underperformance:**
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On the other end of the spectrum, there are cases of employees who take remote work for granted, engaging in multitasking, lounging on their beds, or binge-watching Netflix during working hours.
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However, the general consensus seems to gravitate toward the latter, where remote employees may not be as productive as expected.
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This predicament can be improved with the intervention of a proficient HR or People and Culture manager.
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**The Shift from HR to People and Culture:**
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In recent years, there has been a transition from traditional HR departments, often criticized for a lack of empathy and flexibility, to more progressive “People and Culture” management.
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The rise of the digital age has given people more options in their careers, and the importance of mental health awareness has come to the forefront.
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**Why Your Business Needs HR or People & Culture Managers:**
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The significance of HR or People & Culture managers cannot be understated, especially in the context of remote work and tech startups.
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Here’s a simplified explanation of why your business needs HR professionals early in its growth:
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1. **Daily Clock-Ins and Attendance:**
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HR managers can implement systems for daily clock-ins and track attendance.
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This practice ensures that remote employees maintain regular work hours and communicate their absences promptly.
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2. **Work-Life Balance for Remote Workers:**
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HR professionals can foster a work-life balance for remote workers by organizing fun activities and team-building exercises.
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These activities can strengthen relationships and create a sense of belonging among employees.
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3. **Performance Evaluation:**
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HR professionals work with team leads to monitor employee performance relative to key performance indicators (KPIs).
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They can help set clear KPIs for various roles and departments.
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4. **Documentation and Internal Communication:**
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HRs ensure proper documentation and facilitate smooth internal communication.
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They provide employees with a safe space to share their challenges, including personal issues.
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5. **Weekly Meetings and Culture Building:**
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HR managers, along with operations teams, can manage weekly meetings, company-wide information sessions, and culture-building activities.
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They ensure that meetings run efficiently and stick to scheduled times.
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6. **Learning and Development:**
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HR professionals play a crucial role in employee development.
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They need to prioritize learning and development to keep employees engaged and committed.
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**Choosing the Right HR or People & Culture Manager:**
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Selecting the right HR or People & Culture manager for your remote or tech company is essential.
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Here’s what you should look for:
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1. **People and Culture Managers:**
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Focus on hiring professionals who understand culture and can balance work, fun, learning, and more.
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2. **Psychological Understanding:**
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Seek HR managers who comprehend different age ranges, roles, and the unique behavior of tech professionals.
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Understanding of various demographics is crucial.
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3. **Systems and Policies:**
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Look for candidates who can create and implement systems, structures, policies, and operations.
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They should be capable of setting up HR management tools and HRIS for your company.
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4. **Remote Team Management:**
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If you operate a remote team, prioritize HR managers who have experience managing remote teams and can efficiently structure team management.
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**Empowering Your HR Manager:**
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Finally, remember that a company’s environment is often a reflection of the founders.
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To create a successful and efficient workspace, founders must allow their HR managers to perform their roles without interference.
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Encourage your HR professionals to work autonomously, and provide guidance and support instead of micromanaging them.
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In conclusion, the role of HR or People & Culture managers is indispensable for businesses in today’s competitive landscape.
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Whether you’re in the tech industry or any other sector, the right HR professionals can enhance your company’s efficiency, support your employees’ well-being, and ensure long-term success.
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So, make your business the best it can be with the help of an excellent HR or People & Culture manager.
