In the ever-evolving world of work, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) often face the challenge of managing their human resources effectively on a limited budget. With the right strategies, even the smallest businesses can attract, retain, and develop top talent without breaking the bank. Here, we present 50 hacks and tips for HR on a shoestring budget, structured around the 6-part Best Workplace Method framework from Claire Harrison‘s book The CEO Secret Guide to Managing and Motivating Employees. Let’s dive in!
1. Leadership and Vision
Hack 1: Clear Vision
Establish and communicate a clear company vision. This creates a sense of purpose and direction for your employees, fostering loyalty and engagement.
Hack 2: Open Communication
Maintain open lines of communication. Regularly update your team on company goals and progress to keep them motivated and involved.
Hack 3: Leadership Training
Offer low-cost leadership training programs. Many online platforms provide affordable courses to develop leadership skills.
Hack 4: Lead by Example
Showcase leadership by setting examples. Demonstrate commitment, ethics, and hard work.
Hack 5: Empower Employees
Empower employees to make decisions. This builds trust and encourages a proactive work environment.
2. Culture and Engagement
Hack 6: Recognise Achievements
Implement a recognition program to celebrate achievements. Simple gestures like shout-outs in meetings can boost morale.
Hack 7: Flexible Work Arrangements
Offer flexible work hours or remote working options to improve work-life balance.
Hack 8: Team Building Activities
Organise low-cost team-building activities such as scavenger hunts, master chef cook-off or game nights.
Hack 9: Employee Surveys
Conduct regular employee surveys to gauge satisfaction and gather feedback for improvements.
Hack 10: Foster Inclusivity
Create an inclusive workplace culture where diversity is valued and respected.
3. Talent Attraction
Hack 11: Optimise Job Descriptions
Write clear and compelling job descriptions to attract the right candidates.
Hack 12: Leverage Social Media
Use social media platforms to post job openings and highlight your company culture.
Hack 13: Employee Referrals
Encourage employee referrals by offering small incentives for successful hires.
Hack 14: Internship Programs
Implement internship programs to bring in fresh talent and potential future employees.
Hack 15: Attend Job Fairs
Participate in local job fairs to connect with potential candidates.
4. Talent Development
Hack 16: In-House Training
Develop in-house training programs tailored to your company’s needs.
Hack 17: Online Learning
Utilise free or low-cost online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning.
Hack 18: Cross-Training
Encourage cross-training to enhance skills and flexibility within your team.
Hack 19: Mentorship Programs
Establish buddy and mentorship programs to support employee development.
Hack 20: Lunch and Learn
Host short lunch and learn sessions where employees can share knowledge on various topics.
5. Performance Management
Hack 21: Clear Expectations
Set clear performance expectations and goals for your employees.
Hack 22: Regular Feedback
Provide regular feedback to guide and improve performance.
Hack 23: Performance Reviews
Conduct periodic performance reviews to assess and reward employee contributions.
Hack 24: SMART Goals
Encourage the use of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals.
Hack 25: Peer Reviews
Implement peer reviews to gain additional insights into employee performance.
6. Employee Wellbeing
Hack 26: Wellness Programs
Introduce wellness programs that promote physical and mental health utilising the many free or low cost resources and services available.
Hack 27: Work-Life Balance
Encourage a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout.
Hack 28: Stress Management
Offer stress management resources, such as workshops or online tools.
Hack 29: Ergonomic Workspace
Ensure that the workspace is ergonomic and comfortable for employees.
Hack 30: Supportive Environment
Create a supportive environment where employees feel valued and heard.
Automation and AI in HR
Hack 31: HR Software
Invest in affordable HR software to automate administrative tasks.
Hack 32: Chatbots
Use AI-powered chatbots to handle routine HR inquiries and improve response times.
Hack 33: Automated Scheduling
Implement automated scheduling tools to manage employee shifts efficiently. There are many products on the market. You will find one that suits your business.
Hack 34: Online Timesheets
Utilise online timesheets to track working hours accurately. Also, many to choose from, and if implemented well are huge time savers.
Hack 35: Virtual Onboarding
Develop virtual onboarding programs to streamline the process for new hires. It doesn’t need to be a HRIS, but a tool that automates all the paperwork and compliance.
Cost-Effective Employee Benefits
Hack 36: Health Benefits
Negotiate group health benefits to secure better rates for employees.
Hack 37: Discount Programs
Partner with local businesses to offer employee discount programs.
Hack 38: Commuter Benefits
Provide commuter benefits such as car parking and public transport subsidies.
Hack 39: Salary Packaging
Offer salary packaging or salary sacrifice arrangements for superannuation, motor vehicles, laptops and phones, education expenses, etc. Living Expenses: For employees of certain not-for-profit organisations, some everyday living expenses can be salary packaged.
Hack 40: Employee Assistance Programs
Implement employee assistance programs (EAPs) for personal and professional support, preferably on a pay as go approach instead of a hefty annual fee that is often too much for an SME.
Engaging Remote Employees
Hack 41: Virtual Coffee Breaks
Organise virtual coffee breaks to keep remote employees connected.
Hack 42: Online Team Building
Use online platforms for virtual team-building activities.
Hack 43: Regular Check-Ins
Schedule regular check-ins to maintain engagement and address any concerns.
Hack 44: Remote Tools
Provide the necessary tools and technology for remote work.
Hack 45: Clear Communication
Maintain clear and consistent communication channels.
Additional Tips
Hack 46: Volunteer Opportunities
Encourage employees to participate in volunteer opportunities to build community connections.
Hack 47: Recognition Platforms
Use online recognition platforms to acknowledge employee achievements.
Hack 48: Cost-Saving Measures
Implement cost-saving measures such as energy efficiency and recycling programs.
Hack 49: Professional Networks
Join industry associations and professional networks to share resources and best practices.
Hack 50: Continuous Improvement
Always seek feedback and strive for continuous improvement in your HR practices.
Need Help?
Implementing these tips can significantly enhance your people and culture efforts without straining your budget. For more detailed guidance, consider purchasing The CEO’s Secret Guide to Managing and Motivating Employees or attending our upcoming webinar. If you need personalised assistance, contact Harrisons, your trusted HR consulting firm.
By adopting these strategies, your SME can build a robust and engaged workforce, setting the stage for long-term success.
Claire Harrison is the Founder and Managing Director of Harrisons, a flourishing HR consulting business that sprouted in 2009 from Claire’s passionate belief that inspiring leaders and superstar employees are the key success factor to any business. With over 20 years’ experience, Claire has worked as a HR Director of multi-national organisations, as a Non-Executive Board Director, and a small business owner. Claire’s corporate career includes working with companies such as BHP, Westpac, Fonterra and Mayne Nickless.
