CHARLTON HELPS BUSINESS RISE FROM THE ASHES

January 2007

When a large business lost all its records and documentation in a devastating fire, repairing the building was just the beginning. All job descriptions, employment contracts, forms, operational procedures, training and development manuals and more was lost, with no back-up files stores at an alternate location. The business needed to rebuild its HR systems and capability quickly in order for operations to get up and running as soon as the new facility is completed.

Charlton Management Consulting is using its expertise to rebuild the business’ human resources department. This two month process involves working with management and staff to fully understand all roles within the organisation, documenting all policies, procedures and job roles.

“Despite the trauma of having to rebuild the business, the business owners also recognise they’re creating a better structured, more professional organisation than before,” says managing consultant Annette Celle. “Rather than systems developing from organic growth, this has been an opportunity to build a complete system from scratch but with a clear vision for what needs to be established.”

With documentation complete, Charlton also assist in the implementation of staff agreement of job descriptions, signing of employment contracts, and re-establishing procedural issues including OH&S. This is often where staff issues occur and requires strong Employment Relations skills.

Ms. Celle also notes this is where misinformation about the new WorkChoices legislation can be addressed, with many staff feeling unnecessarily threatened about the implications for signing work agreements. However, in taking their concerns seriously and addressing their questions with facts and clear information, staff quickly realise their interests are protected.

“What we are essentially doing with this business is linking HR strategy to the business’ organisational strategies, and ensuring that through agreed job descriptions the staff are contributing directly to those business goals,” says Ms. Celle.

“It’s also an important reminder to all businesses of backing up its systems in another location. It can seem painful and almost unnecessary at times, but it’s the cheapest insurance policy a business can have to minimise the impact of major disruptions such as a fire.”