The Changing Face of HR: Springfield Expert Weighs In (Sponsored Content)

In the six years that SBJ has been collecting Economic Growth Survey data, the available pool of qualified talent has remained at the forefront of the list of barriers to growth mentioned by local business leaders. Lynette Weatherford, President of Springfield-based HR Advantage offers unique insights into the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in our region.

One of the most pressing issues Weatherford identifies is the rising cost of employee turnover. “The cost of turnover has risen significantly,” she explains. “It used to be around 25% of an employee’s salary, but today it can cost one-half to two times the employee’s annual salary due to indirect and direct costs. That’s a substantial increase that businesses need to be aware of.”

Business leaders need to take a hard look at their internal management capability and employee retention strategies, Weatherford explains, emphasizing the value of emotional intelligence and communication within management roles of the company. “We’re missing the boat when it comes to emotional intelligence,” she asserts. “For example, when an employee is sitting in a meeting disengaged, with their arms crossed and a frown that is out of character, something’s up. We need to ask them about it, not just assume they’re having a bad day.”

There are times when it is best for the employer to involve HR to advise in order to avoid missteps, Weatherford acknowledges. In those instances, reaching for an outside resource with HR expertise can make all the difference and needn’t be overly expensive. “We’ve found great value in offering HR hotline services to our clients,” Weatherford explains. “Employers can call in times of crisis, and we’re able to step in and help navigate with neutrality while applying best practices as well as federal, state, and municipal laws. By doing this, we serve in an advisory role by offering the employer options within the law. HR Advantage provides this guidance without racking up a hefty fee like you might see with traditional legal counsel.”

Even with the best practices in place for retention, employee recruitment may still be a necessity for achieving organizational growth goals. With an increasingly challenging environment for employee recruitment, Weatherford highlights the importance of flexibility in job requirements. “We’ve seen situations where a great candidate is rejected because they don’t meet every single requirement in the job description,” she explains. “Maybe they have three years of experience instead of five, or a slightly different degree than what the job description requested. In today’s market the need to focus on the person and their ability vs. being rigid and potentially missing out on a great new hire is key. This flexibility in hiring can help companies tap into a broader talent pool and fill positions more effectively.”

Looking to the future, Weatherford predicts more collaboration among industries and a trend towards flexible work arrangements. “We’re already seeing serious discussions about four-day work weeks,” she notes. “Employers are having to get creative to attract and retain talent in this competitive market.”

For businesses in Springfield looking to stay ahead of these trends, Weatherford’s insights offer valuable guidance. As the HR landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable will be a key to success in our growing regional economy. As a resource, check out HR Advantage, LLC at
www.hradvantageweb.net.

This content is brought to you by HR Advantage.