Updated on September 22, 2023

Implementing a human resources plan means you’re providing equitable working conditions for your team, both internally and externally.

A basic human resources plan is not just for large organizations. It is possible to develop and adapt tools for your situation, such as an employee handbook, internal rules, a code of conduct, standard work contracts, job descriptions, onboarding and integration tools, a compensation policy and many more. These tools will provide your business with clear rules and avoid several issues.

The tools or skills presented below can be used to support your success:

Performance appraisal

Develop a competitive advantage as an employer with a simple and efficient performance appraisal program. This tool promotes employee engagement and a common understanding of mutual expectations without excessive control.

Most employees want feedback on their performance, particularly those in generation Y. Competencies to be developed in order to advance or take on more responsibilities can be outlined, an approach that also boosts employee retention.

The ability to delegate

Are you always putting out fires? Do you think you know better than anyone how to perform tasks in all departments? Do you suddenly realize that you’ve responded to social media messages, made arrangements to have the truck repaired and prepared the financial statements all on the same day? It’s probably time to start delegating. A clear plan, supported by psychometric tests, will help you identify key individuals, based on skills, who can (finally) take over certain tasks so you can focus on what you do best.

Planning HR needs

Even the most technologically advanced company needs human intervention to deliver the final product. A seamless business strategy on paper still has to pass the live performance test.

Planning your organization’s current and future staffing needs today will help you develop solutions to meet your hiring, promotion, business experience knowledge transfer and succession management objectives.

Efficient communications to manage change

In times of change, a business’s employees are the key to success.

Beyond the technological aspects, if you’re planning an expansion, a change in the organizational structure, new work methods, make sure you focus on employee communication right from the onset.

Be transparent and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the changes, the upcoming steps and what is expected of each person.

A balanced agenda

Now, more than ever, we are being pulled in all directions. It’s important to learn how to manage priorities, deal with emergencies and control disruptions that interrupt concentration. It is possible to organize tasks, telephone calls, emails, instant messages and discussions around the coffee machine to take advantage of them and not find yourself wondering where half your productive time went during the day.

Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton’s management consulting team can assist you in implementing a clear and efficient communication plan to foster employee engagement in a change situation. Contact our human resource professionals, they can help you unlock your organization’s full potential.

Updated on April 24, 2023

How a manager communicates with employees plays a pivotal role in employee retention and engagement.

The word communication comes from the Latin communicare, to share. It’s important to remember that communicate and inform do not mean the same thing.

One message, two styles

To illustrate two very different communication styles, we can use the example of two diametrically opposite animals: a crocodile and an elephant.

You’ll recognize the crocodile in a supervisor who talks all the time and implements solutions without trying to understand what caused the situation in the first place. The crocodile’s jaws are much bigger than its ears, it talks a lot and doesn’t listen much. His sharp comments can be hurtful and if you go against him, he can bite back.

A supervisor who listens is more like the elephant. He asks open questions, seeks advice, restates messages and tries to understand a situation before acting. Like the elephant, he’s all ears. The employee feels valued and respected. The elephant is not afraid to acknowledge having made an error.

Listening first to communicate better after

In our management consulting practice, we sometimes come across crocodile-type supervisors, especially if they are new to the position and want to make their mark. Employees will certainly feel frustrated and disheartened (why should I speak up, he/she won’t listen to my idea?) and may even leave the organization to go somewhere where their skills and opinions are appreciated. Knowing someone is paying attention makes employees feel valued and doesn’t cost the organization anything.

When a person feels misunderstood, hearing someone else speaking loudly or too much may only make matters worse. In these cases, it’s best to have “an elephant in the room”. Being quiet and listening carefully—without thinking about your answer at the same time—promotes efficient communication.

Five tips for better communication

1. Listen carefully to what’s being said, without distractions. If you don’t have the time, or you’re busy, say so or postpone the discussion.
2. Pay attention to non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions or body language. The speaker doesn’t want to feel like prey facing a crocodile!
3. Don’t start thinking about an answer while the other person is speaking.
4. Repeat what the person has said in your own words to confirm your understanding. Use expressions such as “If I understood you correctly, you’re saying that …” or “From what I can see, you’re not comfortable with …”.
5. Use psychometric tests to become aware of different behaviours. Our personality traits partly dictate our behaviours and attitudes. For example, someone extroverted in a position of authority and with strong leadership skills may tend to talk a lot and take over the conversation with employees and colleagues.

With work and practice, communication skills can be developed, just like any other ability. In today’s business world, they are key for any supervisor, regardless of the hierarchical level and will contribute to his or her success.

Cities are changing and municipal managers will be facing numerous challenges in the coming years. It’s important to be ready.

Bill 122 is intended to give municipalities more autonomy. The law was assented to in June 2017 and recognizes municipalities as local governments.

One of its main objectives is to make each city more accountable towards its citizens in terms of its management models and decisions. To foster your city’s sustainability, you must first understand the challenges and then determine objectives to achieve your commitments.

Elected officials and their role

Over time, municipal roles and responsibilities have become more complex. The relationship between the Québec government and municipalities has been redefined and powers have been redistributed.

Recognized as an integral part of the Québec democratic system, municipalities must demonstrate they are involved in their main roles:

• Ensuring economic prosperity;
• Guaranteeing environmental responsibility;
• Supporting social cohesion;
• Ensuring efficient and effective management.

In each of these roles, the municipality must consider major factors.

Ensuring economic prosperity

When it comes to economic health, you have to be able to take an informed view of debt service to avoid having your entire action plan compromised by an interest rate increase.

The digital era and artificial intelligence are transforming ways of doing things. Whether it’s managing operations, internal and citizen communications or improved access to services for citizens, digital technology offers concrete improvement options for current systems.

Guaranteeing environmental responsibility

The environment has been a concern for many years. In a sustainable development context, a city must take account of ecological factors and adopt a coordinated approach. Climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, shoreline erosion are matters of concern that must be quickly contained. Municipalities must deploy collective efforts to reduce the environmental impact and achieve tangible results.

Supporting social cohesion

Changing demographics are having an impact on all municipal social strata. Citizens and tourists have diversified interests and needs. To better adapt to change, a plan to attract citizens and optimize services is essential.

Now, more than ever, people want to be involved in finding solutions and making decisions. It takes creativity to reach out to the population and promote participation.

Additionally, there is a labour shortage in Québec cities. Sooner or later, the impact will be significant. It’s important to develop immigration strategies, prepare successors and attract employees.

Ensuring efficient and effective management

One governance challenge that all municipal organizations will face at some time is the need to align the vision of elected officials with the administration’s capacity to implement that vision. Key success factors include a strategic reflection and a long-term action plan.

Additionally, sound governance must ensure transparency regarding budgets, the awarding of contacts and access to information.

In the face of these numerous issues, municipalities must capitalize on opportunities to transform for the benefit of their citizens.

In the coming weeks, members of Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton’s Management Consulting group will be publishing a series of articles with ideas to address these issues.