Effective human resource management is an extremely complex endeavor, made all the more demanding by increasing regulatory and compliance requirements every year. With that in mind, how can a small business owner effectively overcome these challenges and stay current, compliant and proactive in both managing HR operations and providing value and support to team members?

To help us answer these questions, we sat down for a discussion with Tiffany Orford, an Elite District Manager with ADP who focuses on Small Business Services, to learn more.

Employers can benefit from an array of training programs including sexual and workplace harassment — two of the most focused on and highly volatile topics in any workplace. Being able to not only identify these behaviors, but also be confident in the actions that should be taken when dealing with such sensitive matters, is truly essential in today’s environment.In addition, HR record keeping is one of the most essential responsibilities for a successful operation when handling such delicate issues in the workplace. Training in this area will educate a small business owner on what records should be retained such as personnel files, employee applications, random drug test reports (if applicable), disciplinary records, performance evaluations and more. These employee files contain personal and private information which in turn becomes the employer’s responsibility to keep private.

By educating small business owners on these risks as well as the implementation of security procedures that keep the company compliant with state and federal laws, a small business can further reduce its risk of legal exposure and increase overall compliance.

Some of the issues small businesses typically face in the legal arena include debt collection as well as contract and document review or disagreements. Every business has day-to-day dealings with contractors and suppliers where some disputes may arise, warranting an attorney to unfortunately have to get involved in solving the matter.

Small businesses can also face liability issues regarding company products or services, tax audits that any company should be prepared for at any time, and threats of lawsuits by customers. And getting back to HR, it’s not uncommon to have to address wrongful termination claims, contractual disputes, and in some cases, employee theft or embezzlement. Not being prepared for these situations can lead to lengthy legal proceeding to resolve that can become extremely costly to the business owner.

Today, however, most now address a wide range of issues such as childcare, eldercare, relationship challenges, financial or legal problems, wellness matters and traumatic events. Programs are delivered at no cost to employees by stand-alone EAP vendors or providers who are typically partnered with comprehensive health insurance plans. Services can be delivered via phone, video, online chat, email or in person.

Also available can be discount programs to help an employee’s household on large monetary purchases as well as everyday issues and items. Further, some companies will extend their benefit offerings with programs such as supplemental insurance offerings that help cover costs that typically are not covered by core policies. These can include coverage for accidents, cancer or other critical illnesses, short-term and long-term disability coverage, an income-replacement support.

As previously mentioned, employees will feel more loyalty to the company knowing that they and their families are of importance to the company and being taken care of through these services and options.

Finally, the effectiveness of training programs in place should be one a key focus for any successful business. It is important to carefully manage these aspects of a small business operation thoroughly and effectively. Finally, in today’s multi-generational workplace the business owner should consider how each generation’s needs can be met with the right benefits and solutions.

Editor’s Note: ADP now offers HR Pro, a new all-in-one solution for small businesses that helps to address the need for HR support, employee handbook and document development, talent recruiting, employee and employer training, and legal support services — all in one offering delivered online. When combined with ADP Run, small businesses can receive a comprehensive, integrated offering including payroll, human resource management and related services from one partner. To learn more, reach out to the author using the contact information noted below.

About the Author:

Tiffany Orford is a District Manager with ADP, where she works closely with small business owners to meet their needs in the areas of human resource management, payroll and benefits administration and the delivery of other services such as Professional Employer Organization (PEO) solutions. Prior to joining ADP, she worked as the head of institutional marketing for Sidoti & Company, and as an executive team leader for Target Corporation. She received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing from the Fox School of Business at Temple University in Philadelphia, where she served as vice president of the American Marketing Association chapter and as an active member of student government. She may be reached at (732) 546-8584 or via email to tiffany.orford@adp.com.