Highlights

• Flexible work arrangements help companies reduce turnover rates while keeping employees happy and engaged.
• Choosing the right tools is vital to monitor productivity and ensure everyone is paid fairly and on time.
• At MPEX Business Solutions we provide workforce management software to help companies handle HR tasks like time-tracking, employee scheduling, and Canadian payroll. Contact us to get started!

Managing a productive workforce can be a real challenge. HR teams have a lot on their plate, from managing multiple schedules & coordinating shifts to ensuring that everybody is paid on time and compliantly. However, with the right tools and HR best practices, your business can be set up for success.

If you think your processes and strategies need a refresh, then you are in the right place. Read on to explore the 5 HR best practices for this year and get ready to improve your workforce productivity and engagement.

Let’s jump right in!

1 - Incorporate a Time Tracking System

Keeping track of employee attendance and working hours is crucial to measuring productivity, ensuring workers are paid accordingly, and fostering a culture of transparency.

Traditional time-tracking methods like timesheets and punch clocks might have been useful in the past, but they lack the efficiency and precision offered by advanced time-tracking software.

Time-tracking tools not only monitor employee hours but also provide real-time data to help HR teams better allocate resources, identify productivity trends, and address potential bottlenecks. Additionally, they allow employees to access their attendance records, empowering them to monitor and manage their time effectively.

Ready to improve your time-tracking process this year?

• Choose a time-tracking solution adapted to your needs. With a time management app, your employees can punch in and out on their computers or smartphones. Find a tool that easily integrates with your existing payroll system, so you can easily process payments based on employees’ recorded hours.
• Customize reporting for in-depth analysis. Make sure your time-tracking tool enables your HR team to capture specific data points tailored to organizational goals, to facilitate data-driven decisions.

2 - Promote Flexible Work Arrangements

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, flexible work arrangements have taken center stage. A recent— survey shows that 81% of desk-based workers say they want location flexibility, while 93% want schedule flexibility. However, there’s a gap between employee expectations and reality:

“56% of employees admit having little to no ability to adjust their working hours from a preset schedule.” —

Promoting flexible work arrangements can boost employee productivity and engagement while reducing turnover rates and attracting top talent to your company.

Here’s how to improve workplace flexibility:

• Implement hybrid work models. Embrace a hybrid work model that combines in-office and remote work options. This allows employees to choose the environment that suits their work style, promoting a healthy work-life balance and enhancing overall job satisfaction.
• Give employees more control over their schedules. With an employee scheduling tool, you can assign employees to the right shift while also allowing them to request changes and swap shifts with just a few clicks.
• Define clear guidelines and expectations. Set transparent guidelines and expectations regarding flexible work arrangements. Make sure to communicate policies related to work hours, availability, and deliverables.

3 - Automate your Payroll Process

Automating payroll not only saves time but also reduces errors, ensuring that your employees get paid accurately and on time.

“70% of individuals in the UK and US experience financial stress regularly”
— EY research

Payroll software assists in tax law compliance and correct employee benefits processing. Stay ahead of the curve with these tips:

• Choose an integrated payroll solution. Explore different options and invest in payroll management software that seamlessly integrates with other HR and time management tools. Payroll software eliminates manual, time-consuming data entry tasks and reduces the risk of errors, allowing your HR team to focus on more strategic initiatives.
• Provide flexible payment options. Payroll software allows you to set different pay frequencies for your employees. Sometimes they can also enable employees to split payments into different banking accounts. Flexible payment options, like on-demand pay, can do a lot to alleviate financial pressures and make employees feel safe and valued.
• Enable employee self-service portals within your payroll system. Self-service tools allow employees to access their payroll information, including pay stubs and tax documents, enhance transparency, and make your HR team more efficient.

4 - Stay Compliant with Labor Laws & Requirements

For companies hiring employees in Canada, staying compliant involves adjusting to federal, provincial, and territorial legislation. Labor laws regulate maximum working hours, health and safety standards, vacation, and overtime pay, among other topics.

Make sure your HR best practices are in line with ever-changing labor laws.

• Regularly update policies and procedures. Keep your organization up to date with the latest changes in labor laws. Regularly review and revise your employee handbook, ensuring that it reflects the current legal landscape.
• Host regular compliance training for your HR teams. Equip your HR professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate complex legal frameworks. Besides in-house training, you can also consider attending webinars, conferences, and local events.
• Use HR software with compliance features. Choose an HR software solution equipped with compliance features. These tools often include automated compliance checks and updates, reducing the manual effort required to stay compliant and helping you avoid oversights.

5 - Offer an Attractive Benefits Package

No matter the size of your company, offering a compelling benefits package is crucial to attracting and retaining top talent. The latest trends in employee benefits show that people are increasingly valuing benefits that enhance their overall well-being and work-life balance.

“Health-related benefits are the #1 benefit for employees in 2023.”
— SHRM 

Consider this when crafting an attractive benefits package:

• Customize benefits to meet the diverse needs of your workforce. Conduct surveys or hold discussions to understand the preferences and priorities of your employees. Whether it's flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, or professional development opportunities, a personalized benefits approach demonstrates a commitment to employee satisfaction.
• Emphasize mental health support. About two-thirds of Canadian workers have access to Extended Health Benefits (EHB). This also includes access to various types of mental health coverage, although these are usually underutilized. Make sure to communicate your benefits accordingly and include extra workplace resources, such as counseling services, mindfulness programs, or online mental health programs.
• Promote financial wellness. Acknowledge the importance of financial wellness by incorporating benefits that address employees' financial needs. This may include retirement planning assistance, student loan repayment programs, or financial education resources to help alleviate financial stress.

Managing a productive workforce requires a strategic blend of people, processes, and technology. HR best practices are the guidelines that help you navigate HR challenges and ensure that your workforce is supported and engaged.

At MPEX Business Solutions, we provide workforce management solutions to help you manage time tracking, employee scheduling, Canadian payroll, and more.

Ask for a demo to find out how we can simplify your HR tasks while keeping your business compliant and aligned with HR best practice