I hope you had a chance to celebrate National Small Business Week this year, held from May 4-8. This is the 52nd annual occurrence of this event. President Obama’s official statement said in part, “America’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy. More than that, our small businesses represent what is best about America — that with hard work and ingenuity, anyone — no matter their background — can build a better future for themselves and their families.”
The small/mid-size business community has a unique opportunity to enhance all aspects of our workforce, the quality of our products and services and ultimately the success of organizations.
HR is at an interesting crossroad today. Like most “corporate functions,” if a small/mid-size business is fortunate to have a dedicated “function,” it has come under intense scrutiny as organizations look for ways to cut costs and improve operational efficiencies. Still, the cost of HR administration has increased. And it doesn’t matter if the costs are incurred by an administrative associate or to a small, but effective staff, more so focused on HR activities.
The Importance of Employee Well-Being & Human Resource Competencies
Companies often are skeptical of the importance of well-being at the office, because of the misconception that focusing on well-being cuts into work time and doesn't affect key business outcomes.
Today, we continue our journey to exploring approaches to accomplish a Positive Leadership culture in your organization. We concluded last month with the positive business results that often occur when we focus on employees’ strengths. Did you go on-line to take the VIA Survey of Character Strengths? What was your reaction to the results? Confirming or surprising? This survey is only one of many tools that HR Professionals use to assess, develop and present solutions to companies who want to improve their employees’ achievement and engagement.
Welcome back from what I hope was a joyous Holiday Season, filled with family, friends, fun, food and festivities. Most of all, I hope your New Year is filled with the authentic happiness felt when we “live in the moment;” a true appreciation for how much we have, and the warm sense of satisfaction felt when we give back to others. I wish you continued positive relationships, a positive view of the future, and a lasting remembrance of your unique ability to make a positive difference in the lives of many.
Welcome to a new column providing information and practical suggestions for practical solutions to Leadership related topics. It is my privilege to receive the opportunity to communicate with our readers and constituents about the multi-faceted and vitally important challenges faced daily (including weekends) by the people, we identify as leaders. Leaders are special individuals. In a “small business,” leaders are even more special.
