HR Practitioner’s Diary: Scoring on the golf course

Annie Hayes

Sift

Editor

HR Practitioner’s Diary: Scoring on the golf course

By Annie Hayes

A golfing tournament with 71 men was just about as much excitement as Sue Kingston could take this week, well that and the recruitment reshuffle she managed to wow her client with.

W/C 16 May 2005:

It’s interesting sitting here reflecting on my encounters of the week – I’m not sure, however, if my thoughts are helped or hindered by listening at the same time to the soundtrack of Bridget Jones “Edge of Reason” or indeed by sipping on a cocktail.

Recruitment solution

Was asked to coordinate a recruitment campaign to find a PA for a client who wanted a speedy solution as the existing PA is not serving her full notice period. The first step was drawing up a Job Specification – looking at existing resources and observing equal opportunities.

Being aware that one member of staff, currently their Receptionist, had aspirations of attaining the dizzy heights of being a PA, it seemed like a good idea to explore this further. It was further revealed that as a result of general staff ‘chit, chat’, another PA in the firm was also interested in the position.

The structure is primarily a senior PA to the Chief Executive (A), then the vacant role of PA to the Underwriting Director (B), with a further PA to the Operation Director (C). ‘A’ is happy and not planning on going anywhere, but ‘C’ wants to be considered as a replacement for outgoing ‘B’ – with me so far? This meant that the Receptionist (D) could be considered to replace ‘C’, but who would replace ‘D’ – hey presto – the Office Junior (E) – Office Junior is such a ‘70’s’ title I do wish business would be more creative with the role.

Having sold the concept to the Board of Directors and the Senior PA, I spent a concentrated day in Kent on Tuesday taking these various candidates through interviews and testing to the point where all sides were happy that this was, by far, the best solution and the way forward. To keep the momentum going I coordinated a handover between B, C, D and E over the remaining three days of the week so that they could all take up their new positions at the start of the following week – no hanging about!

End result, three very happy staff knowing that they are being invested in and developed. A happy ‘B’, who gets to enjoy two weeks garden leave (her face was so long it was best to move her on to a happier situation away from the office anyway!). A considerable saving for the client as they have not incurred costly agency fees or an additional salary for a replacement. The only cost is a salary review for ‘C’, ‘D’ and ‘E’ after a months trial period – if they shine, then and only then, will they be rewarded – ‘dangling the carrot’ can often have good effect!

A swift, economically viable solution which complies with Equal Opportunities and a client who feels their investment in my services is justified and beneficial to all – I love it when a plan comes together!

Contract ‘Black Hole’
Have discovered a client, with some 24 staff all on a variety of contracts. A handful have what could be considered accurate contracts of employment. The remainder have either never received a formal contract or what they have had has simply not been updated as changes have occurred in relation to their salary, position, benefits, holiday entitlement and employment policies – OUCH! How many employers are out there with this very problem – I know of quite a few and fondly refer to it as the ‘Ostrich’ syndrome.

Result – lots of work for me as I now have the task of issuing contract amendments to at least 85% of their workforce and aim to have this done by the end of June (in between playing golf and enjoying a spa day – we all need pampering now and then)!

Additional result – they also want me to produce a Staff Handbook – my goodness, I’m going to blind them with HR science, but seriously, it’s great fun educating and helping a business and their staff to be more effective and professional.

What are the benefits?
Exploring business venture with an employee benefit management company with a view to assisting them gain new clients from which I will hopefully source private HR work as an additional benefit to me – benefits all round! An exciting concept and a very fair arrangement.

I will not be tied in or restricted in any way and will represent myself as an independent HR practitioner, it’s important I keep my own identity to secure my future business success. It’s refreshing to speak to associates not looking to exploit my skills and that they recognise the value I can bring to their organisation without feeling threatened by it – “sharing and caring in the business community!”

I have the belief that the people you least want to upset, ever, are policemen, judges, solicitors, accountants, tax inspectors and … HR practitioners – keep us happy and we’re pussy cats!

Next week looks to be equally inspiring.

Vital Stats:

For all of those ‘singletons’ out there:

Weight – 9st 11lbs (must be the roller-blading burning off the calories)

Chocolate – 2 bars (roller-blading works up an appetite)

Wine – nil. Cider – 2 halves after a very punishing 18 holes of golf

Boyfriends – 71 dates – how come you ask? Played a BRI Golf Day and it was just me and 71 men – WOW – I enjoyed flirting outrageously with some very good looking guys, who looked even nicer setting up on the tee – they all ‘wiggled’ a treat! They were perfect gentlemen (nice) and looked after me superbly (even nicer). Managed to win a prize too for nearest to the pin so had to collect my winnings in front of everyone. Just happened to have my leather trousers with me for the evening presentation, good choice, and my ‘dates’ suggested wearing same trousers when playing golf.