How to assess your human resources needs?
Amid the threat of recession, many companies hesitate to hire. While economic uncertainty calls for caution, freezing hiring or reducing staff can also undermine your business.
So, how can you make informed decisions and accurately assess your human resource needs without jeopardizing your future?
- Review your current situation
Before making any decisions, it’s crucial to assess your workforce.
Ask yourself the right questions:
Which positions are critical to the efficient operation of the company?
Are there any understaffed teams that may be at risk of burnout?
What are the key strategic positions that will drive medium-term growth?
Are there any upcoming departures or positions that are particularly difficult to fill?
A key indicator: absenteeism and work overload. If your current team is showing signs of fatigue, it’s a clear signal that adjustments are necessary.
- Identify the critical skills required for success.
In an uncertain environment, not all hires are equal. It’s essential to prioritize the roles that will have the most significant impact.
Distinguish between essential and complementary skills.
Essential skills : Crucial for maintaining the continuity of operations, such as production, sales, logistics, and other key functions.
Strategic skills : Vital for preparing for the future and driving growth (innovation, digital transformation…).
Support skills : Important for overall operations but can often be outsourced or handled by a smaller team.
Well-targeted recruitment is an investment, not just an expense.
3. Prioritize flexibility above all
In times of uncertainty, the companies that thrive are those that can adapt by quickly adjusting their workforce.
Are you torn between hiring and exercising caution? There are alternatives to address your needs without making a long-term commitment :
Temporary employees : An ideal solution for meeting immediate needs without increasing your long-term payroll commitments.
Temporary contracts with a permanent option : Allows you to evaluate a candidate before making a permanent commitment.
Project-based recruitment : Hire specialists for specific tasks or projects, without the need for a permanent contract.
These solutions allow you to maintain production while minimizing unnecessary financial risks.
- Assess the true cost of recruitment.
Many companies hesitate to hire due to concerns about the costs involved. However, not hiring can end up being even more expensive.
Compare :
Cost of understaffing : overtime expenses, employee burnout, decreased productivity, and potential loss of customers.
Cost of well-considered recruitment : An employee who drives profitability and helps prevent team burnout
Tip: Partner with a recruitment firm to optimize your budget. Contrary to common belief, working with a specialized agency can often be more cost-effective and efficient than handling recruitment in-house.
- Making an informed decision
Before saying “no” to a recruitment, ask yourself the following questions :
If I don’t hire, what will be the medium-term impact on my team and business operations ?
If demand increases, do I have the resources and team in place to meet it ?
Have I explored flexible solutions, such as temporary hiring, to meet my needs ?
Conclusion: Being flexible is essential
A recession is not the end. Companies that assess their needs precisely and embrace flexible solutions are the ones that thrive.
Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Investing in the right resources, at the right time, with the right strategy, can make all the difference.
Need assistance in assessing your recruitment needs ?
