This article includes tips to reduce personnel expenses while increasing performance!

1. Human ResouRces
Options for Staffing in a
(Tips to Reduce Personnel Expenses while
written by Lisa Powers, PHR - President/Owner of Career Options
a
s more and more companies are feeling the Converting to flexible staffing options allow a
aftermath of the slowing economy, unstable company to adapt to market conditions while
financial markets, and increased operating lowering labor costs. companies are often
costs, it is evident that the process of strategic amazed at the high level of skill they get on a short
planning has taken on a whole new meaning! term basis! This is an excellent way to cover for
today is the day to evaluate every aspect of your maternity leaves, find an Executive Assistant to
organization. Being proactive now will save you help the ceo on special projects, or hire a VP to
(920) 832-4500 thousands of dollars by year’s end. assist your company through change. there are
some phenomenal candidates that would love to
One of the first expenses that many owners be challenged and are open to flexible assignments.
review is personnel. during a downturn, true No headaches, no hassles, no benefits!
Lisa Powers strategic planners know that this is the time to
look at all staff and overall productivity. In any sadly, many companies have already or will
Lisa PoweRs is PResident and
owneR of caReeR oPtions. business, very few employees are 100% productive. experience the difficulty of having to lay off more
in fact, many employees are rated less than 50% than 10, 50 or even 100 employees. this is really
www.caReeR-oPtions.com productive, yet companies still retain them for a stressful time for the HR and owners because
PResident@caReeR-oPtions.com
all the wrong reasons. this is the perfect time many of these employees have had strong loyalty
to recruit and replace these employees, and in to the organization and many have been successful
turn, your company will become more efficient. in their careers. it is not easy to decide which
Executive recruiters often say that their busiest employees are expendable, especially when
times are when the economy is slowest. why? you are doing multiple positions. The first few
Because companies realize that they need key positions may be easier but as you get to multiple
personnel on board to adapt to changing times layers, many great candidates are laid off simply
and to lead their company to new heights. they due to departments closing, products being made
know that recruiters headhunt to find A+ players, overseas, or slower sales. How an organization
and will be very aggressive to search for the “right deals with this situation is crucial because it
fit” – both skill set and culture wise. will affect the community, family members, and
the remaining employees. communication is
while companies are evaluating current staff, they the first step. Employees may not like to hear
are also reviewing all the aspects tied to personnel this devastating news, but if you can give any
such as health insurance, dental, 401k, disability, advance warning, it is helpful so they can budget
and vacation costs. These incurred expenses are accordingly and start looking for new positions.
very costly to companies and they often look for also, it alleviates everyone negatively gossiping at
ways to reduce this overhead. many companies the water cooler wondering “Who will be next?”
are turning to reputable staffing or recruiting this is the time to listen and to offer resources
companies to have their profit statements look to personnel who will be losing their positions.
stronger. By letting go of underachievers, some Bring in a staffing company who can talk to
companies determine that part-time or interim those being laid off with dignity and respect. the
(temporary) candidates are all that are needed. staffing company can offer tips on resume writing,
16 Our next article could be on your business! Call Outbound Marketing at 920-432-2624.

2. www.companymag.com | November 2008
Slower Economy
Increasing Performance)
interviewing skills, internet or job boards, and a lot of other
helpful suggestions to make reemployment a bit easier.
Some firms can also assist you with exit interviews which
are crucial. a third party can help your reputation stay
intact while gaining essential feedback from your employees.
these people will, at the very least, leave feeling more
valued and respected if someone takes the time to “really
hear them.” All of these options will help you to stand out
in the community as a leader, not a company who is just
tossing loyal employees to the street.
Lastly, one of the departments that get scrutinized very
closely during slow times is the sales department. often,
companies downsize this department and decide not to
rehire because times are quieter. However, a company
has to continue to market and keep their brand out there.
maybe the industry is down 50%, but you still need a
piece of that 50%. When sales decline and expenses still
soar, there are other options to keep your name on the
forefront of your client’s minds. You can do inexpensive
mail campaigns, email blasts, and newsletters on industry
trends. Hire PT telemarketers or sales candidates if you
cannot afford to replace a full-time person. outsource your
marketing department or do whatever it takes so you are
not forgotten in the marketplace. This may not guarantee
100 new orders but it can and will bring in new leads and
better branding of your organization.
As you continue to look ahead for the end of the year
and into 2009, you need to start strategic planning now.
Personnel is only one of the many areas that you will be
reviewing (technology, training, sales, customer service,
inventory, and others will be part of your discussion, too)
but take the time today and you will ensure more success
in the years to come. amidst all of this, be sure to show
appreciation and support to your dedicated employees and
in turn, they will remain loyal to you. Good luck--and may
you have a wonderful year end, and a prosperous start to
2009!
Did you know? The Eiffel Tower shrinks 6 inches in winter. 17