Workforce Planning: What is It and Do I Need It? (Part 2)
Posted October 11th, 2010
In our last post, we described what workforce planning is and when a company might need to implement one. This week we discuss the how of implementing your company’s workforce plan and whether your company might need one.
If you’ve decided to implement a strategic workforce plan, here’s how to do so.
1) Make sure you let the entire company know of your plans. If you work for a large organization, consider holding mini-workshops to explain what the plan entails and what employees can expect as a result of the implementation. This is a good time to help allay fears of layoffs/firings, because it’s been our experience that the rumor mill gets heated quickly whenever anyone starts talking about “workforce” and “plans” in the same sentence.
In these workshops, be ready for lots of questions (see the fear about layoffs, above), some negative reactions (why mess with what’s working?!) and be sure to stay positive and reiterate — sometimes several times — why implementing a workforce plan is good for your company’s and your employees’ future.
2) You’ll want to be sure each department is accountable for its part of implementation. You may want to consider including participation in your employees’ annual reviews. You also may want to consider offering bonus plans for those with above and beyond participation.
3) Stay open to suggestions and feedback, positive or negative. Employees are a true wealth of good ideas. Listen to them. Welcome their input. Acknowledge and, when appropriate, incorporate at least some of the good ideas into your plan.
4) No plan is ever really “done.” In fact, you’ll find that you’ll probably be modifying and changing your plan as you implement it! You’ll want to meet regularly with your workforce plan implementation committee (or your team by another name) to brainstorm ideas for challenges that come up, revise the plan as needed and generally keep on top of how things are going.
Does Your Company Need a Workforce Plan?
Well, ask yourself this: do you want to increase productivity, cut your labor costs and make sure you have the right people at the right time to do the work that needs doing?
If so, you probably need a workforce plan, even if you’re a small company because a workforce plan “forces” you to think of your company’s future and how you’re going to get done that which needs doing. Done well, implementing a workforce plan well could be the best thing you ever did for your company!
Partner with Bayside Solutions when your San Francisco-area company needs strategic staffing. Together we can help make your company more efficient — and more profitable. Contact us today!
