The Jobs Free Forum

Many organizations in Hawai`i are restructuring, downsizing or simply waiting and worrying. “Smart-sizing” might be a better response. It’s a phrase from the most recent white paper published by ALTRES, “Staying Ahead of the Downturn: A How-To-Guide for Hawai‘i Employers” and means taking a thoughtful approach to doing what’s best for your business. Here are some tips about how you can start “smart-sizing” your business.

1. Make sure you have the right people in the right positions.

The most successful companies have the “right people on the right seats on the bus.” Employees should be hired (and retained) according to how they “fit” into the organization rather than hired simply based on existing skill sets.

 2. Assign staff to new or overdue projects.

 This is a great opportunity to work on projects that may have been put aside during busy periods. Also, why not re-assign some of your people resources from one area of the business to another, or commit them to special projects?

 3.  Cross-train your staff.

 This is an excellent time for cross-training. For example, you may have employees who may have the potential to work in sales. Why not let them shadow existing sales reps on appointments? In addition to increasing efficiency, cross-training offers your employees opportunities to learn and grow.

 4.  Determine the right mix of permanent and temporary employees.

 Consider hiring temporary, part-time or contract employees to handle additional tasks or assist with projects that are not directly related to your core business. Temporary employees can provide extra help without the financial and administrative burden required by full-time hires.

 For more tips on how to deal with a down economy, visit www.simplicityHR.com and download the complete white paper.