Big Impact, Small Orgs: Crafting a Powerful People Strategy

Whether you run a small business, have founded a new organization, or need to gear up for growth, a solid people strategy can set you down a productive path. Every member of your organization plays a vital role, especially in a startup setting. Having a people strategy in place is like your roadmap for attracting, selecting, retaining, and enabling the individuals in your organization.

In a small organization, an HR department might be nonexistent. Budgets can be tight. The Monday Lab has your back in crafting a powerful people strategy without breaking the bank:

1. Align with your mission, vision, and values
   Start with your end in mind. Why are you an organization? What do you aim to achieve? How do they influence and impact your organization’s strategic goals? Your people strategy should directly align, speak to, and support these areas of your organization.
   
   For example, if your organization is poised for rapid growth, you would want to prioritize attracting talent with competitive compensation and benefits that align with your organization’s values to help ensure they align with your culture.
   
   

2. Know Your People and What they Need
   If you currently have employees, conduct a survey or meet with them one-on-one to learn what they need. Gauges your employees’ levels of satisfaction, identify skill gaps, and learn what motivates them.
   
   

3. Attract Talent
   Even small organizations can become talent magnets. Hiring to support your key initiatives with the use of clear job descriptions that highlight your organizational culture can be a unique selling point. Many individuals seek out workplaces that align with their values and vision for the world. Use free or low-cost online job boards, local resources, and your existing network to source referrals and connections.
   
   

4. Onboard Like the Big Dogs
   Employee onboarding goes beyond compliance paperwork. It’s your chance to lock in your newly hired talent and position them to grow with your organization. Each new hire can enhance your culture and can make great strides when they are set up with a great foundation. Develop a simple, but powerful, onboarding plan that introduces them to the culture, team, organizational goals and strategies, their roles, tools, and capture their feedback to help you innovate and iterate.
   
   

5. Invest in Learning & Development
   A stagnant workforce is a drag. Small organizations must be nimble, continuous learners to meet the challenges and changes in an ever-moving market. There are plenty of free and low-cost online learning resources for employees to develop new skills. Consider offering mentorship programs or partnering with local learning establishments for training opportunities.
   
   

6. Celebrate and Recognize
   Employee recognition goes a very long way. Acknowledging achievements, expressing gratitude, and creating a culture where both are the norm can boost morale and show genuine appreciation.
   
   

7. Communication is the Culture
   Open communication is the backbone of any strong team. Whether it’s regular 1:1, team, or all-hands meetings, create a safe space for employees to voice their concerns, share their ideas, and celebrate one another.
   
   

8. Prioritize Wellbeing
   As employers, we have a responsibility to our employees to provide them with quality jobs that enhance, promote, and sustain their wellbeing such as flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, casual social events, benefits, and opportunities for growth.

These are just some ideas to help you start shaping a solid people strategy. Your strategy should be a continuous process that helps you make appropriate decisions as your organization grows. Regularly review and adapt your approach to the market, your growth, and employee needs and feedback. By investing in your people, you are investing in the future success of your organization.

If you need help getting started, please reach out to us to schedule a 45-minute free consultation on your people strategy. We’d love to learn how we can help you. Or, do it yourself with the help of our People Strategy Conversation Planner tool (below).

(click to download)