HR consulting is an effective way to systematize the work of an organization. HR audit and consulting in the HR sphere: what, where, when and how much HR consulting as a direction of management consulting

  • 02.09.2020

What is strategic consulting? How important is HR consulting to an organization? Where to order HR consulting?

Hello dear readers! Denis Kuderin is with you - a staff writer for the popular online publication HeatherBober.

The main value of any operating business is human resources. If the enterprise has problems with the discipline and motivation of employees, if the management is not able to independently resolve personnel issues, then the situation requires urgent third-party intervention.

Professional personnel consulting will help to solve any problems with personnel. About what it is, I will describe in detail and in detail in a new publication.

Among other things, I will explain how you can distinguish a professional HR consultant from an amateur. So let's get started!

1. What is HR consulting and why is it needed

The slogan "cadres decide everything!" attributed to I.V. Stalin. The leader of the Communist Party and Generalissimo uttered these words in 1935, but they still apply to any field of collective activity.

Few people know, but in the same speech, Stalin uttered another phrase that can be safely applied in the field of personnel consulting: “The most valuable capital is people!”. It is hard to disagree with this statement.

In business, human resources play a particularly important role. Any commercial undertaking is impossible without experienced, dedicated and competent partners.

HR consulting is widely used in Russian enterprises. It is implemented through recruitment agencies or specially created personnel consulting centers, personnel assessment centers.

The issues addressed by HR consultants can be divided into the following groups:

  • 1. Shaping personnel policy organization and its HR strategies.
  • 2. Search, selection, selection and adaptation of personnel for the client organization. These issues directly relate to the competence of personnel and recruiting agencies.
  • 3. Personnel assessment, which can be used for a variety of purposes: assessment during selection and selection, during certification, when solving issues of construction business career, advanced training, training and retraining.
  • 4. Building a system of personnel motivation in all its forms - administrative, organizational, economic, socio-psychological.
  • 5. Organization of the workplace, labor protection, personnel health and safety measures.
  • 6. Create a productive organizational culture, corporate unity, ensuring staff loyalty to the organization.
  • 7. Organization of personnel records management.
  • 8. Solving issues related to the delegation of authority and responsibility of employees, development of job and work instructions, regulations, work schedule.
  • 9. Solving legal and related issues related to personnel management of an organization - labor law, intellectual property, trade secrets.
  • 10. Individual professional, social, intellectual development of an employee of the organization.

The main activity used in personnel consulting is personnel assessment, which should have the following properties:

  • - objectivity - independence from someone's private opinion or individual judgments;
  • - reliability - freedom from the influence of situational factors (the mood and well-being of the person being assessed, his past successes and failures, some kind of accidents);
  • - reliability in relation to activity - the real level of possession of knowledge, skills, skills should be assessed - how successfully a person copes with his work;
  • - predictability - the assessment should provide data on what types of activities and at what level a person has potential abilities, in other words, the assessment should reveal the hidden reserves of a person;
  • - accessibility and consistency - understanding by all participants of the assessment procedures;
  • - compliance with the tasks of the organization - personnel assessment should correspond to the maximum extent to the nature of the organization's activities, its divisions and a specific position (workplace), their state (production situation), and existing problems.

Currently, when providing business recruitment services, recruitment agencies widely use the following methods, the implementation of which is necessarily accompanied by consulting:

  • 1. Headhunting (from the English head - head and hunter - hunter) is a technology for searching and recruiting highly qualified specialists, which consists in reaching a specific specialist and convincing him of the expediency of moving to the customer's organization.
  • 2. Outsourcing (from the English outsourcing (outer-source-using) - the use of an external source / resource) is the transfer by an organization on a contractual basis of any, as a rule, non-core functions to a third party to an individual), who is a specialist in this field and has relevant experience, knowledge, technical means.
  • 3. Outstaffing (from English outstaffing; out - out, out; staff - staff) - literal translation - freelance. In other words, the company transfers some of its employees to the staff of another organization (usually a recruitment agency), while the employees continue to work in the same place and perform their former duties. A recruitment agency becomes their employer.
  • 4. Personnel leasing (from the English personal-leasing) is a management technology that allows you to provide the company's business process with the necessary labor resources for a certain time, using the services of a third-party organization. That is, in fact, this is personnel outsourcing, but its peculiarity is the direction of temporarily free personnel to work in different organizations.
  • 5. Outplacement (outplacement) - a service accompanied by, orientation in the labor market, psychological support and, ultimately, the employment of a laid-off or dismissed employee.

When providing services, consultants use such special methods of working with a client as:

  • 1. Coaching (English coaching) - a method of direct learning less an experienced employee more experienced in the process of work; form of individual mentoring, counseling.
  • 2. Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP, from the English neuro-linguistic programming) is a technology for researching and influencing a person's inner experience by modeling sensations, experiences, states, moods.
  • 3. Modeling the structures and business processes of an organization, for example, using the SADT methodology (from the English Structured Analysis and Design Technique) as a tool for structural analysis and design complex systems using a special graphic language.
  • 4. Methods of social research - interviews, social experiment, surveys, tests.

Complex assessment methods include personnel audit, which is a special, detailed analysis of the state of the organization's personnel and the personnel management system, aimed at assessing their compliance with both current business tasks and its goals. strategic development adopted strategies.

Assessing the personnel in relation to the requirements of the current functioning of the organization, the consultant identifies its staffing, compliance with their qualifications, work motivation, the level of discipline parameters economic activity given the current situation. At the same time, strong and weak sides personnel and management systems, as well as available reserves and potential. The purpose of such a personnel audit is to develop advice, recommendations, planned activities and projects to optimize labor resources and improve the efficiency of their activities in accordance with the current requirements of the organization as a system, its business activities and the requirements of the external, primarily market, environment.

When evaluating the organization's development strategies, first of all, it is necessary to determine the degree of staff readiness for the implementation of upcoming organizational change.

In doing so, you need to answer the following questions:

  • - are employees ready (able, motivated) for individual changes in their rules, principles, relationships with managers, colleagues, partners, clients, in lifestyle, behavior, etc.;
  • - are they ready for hard work on carrying out organizational changes, participating in projects for the development of the organization in accordance with their place and role in the system of changes;
  • - whether they have the knowledge and skills necessary for the upcoming work, whether they can perform it in accordance with the established requirements.

In today's unstable world and Russian situation personnel audit is of particular importance, as it should ensure the stability of the organization's current business activities, its survival in adverse environmental conditions, as well as create opportunities for continuous improvement and, if necessary, abrupt changes. This is due to the fact that of all organizational resources, people are the most flexible, but for this a certain quality of human resources must be ensured, for which their management must be based on the concept of human capital.

In this regard, one of the tasks of a personnel audit is to single out among the personnel of an organization a special, more informal category - cognitariat, employees who make the most use of creative intelligence in their activities and are capable of creating intellectual products, innovations, as well as the most effective adaptation to changing conditions. conditions of the internal and external organizational environment.

The cognitariat forms the human intellectual capital of the organization, and through its intellectual and innovative activity creates structural intellectual capital - intellectual products and market capital - the image of the organization and its productive relations with contractors.

Personnel consulting is a whole structure of work of specialized companies that carry out all the necessary actions to assess the state of personnel at enterprises, carry out a full assessment of all factors, nuances and features, make motivational recommendations, provoke a change of employees, etc. In the work of any company, personnel is very important meaning. And it is important that the manager perfectly understands exactly how to optimize his staff in such a way that the work is performed at the highest level.

Naturally, today a fairly significant number of consulting companies have appeared that can provide wide range services in the field of interaction with personnel. You can use the services taking into account the analysis. That is, specialists assess the state of personnel at enterprises, assess professionalism, and carry out all the necessary actions that allow us to analyze the prospects and shortcomings of such a structure of personnel work. After that, a report is drawn up, on the basis of which the possibility of making adjustments and changes in the structure of personnel work is provoked. There are companies that, in addition to such an audit, carry out a full-fledged process of interaction with the personnel department, and carry out the process of completely organizing the structure of the personnel format. Carry out the study of corporate culture, motivation systems, etc.

The services of such companies today have really become very popular and relevant. Indeed, through proper work with personnel, the possibility of competent development of the entire business is formed. If the staff does not perform the assigned tasks, or simply carries out the implementation of clearly defined tasks, does not care about development, then the company will remain in one place in its development. But in order for specialists to try to carry out additional actions in the development process, competent motivation is needed.

Work with personnel is a very important element in the development of a company of any value. Often, management simply does not notice the shortcomings that have been formed in its work with personnel. For this reason, in this case, the most rational option is to engage a consulting company that will carry out the necessary audit and provide all the necessary recommendations for modernization. You can also use the full range of services, when, in addition to analysis, specialists will be able to replace personnel, create a unique motivational structure, etc.

What is HR Consulting

The personnel issue in many large companies is very acute. It is considered obvious that today cadres are really capable of solving many things. It is important to approach the issue correctly in order to find specialists who would be able to perform all the assigned tasks accurately, clearly and competently. Accordingly, it becomes clear that the choice of specialists is quite multi-level and complex.

Modern business is based on the human resource. And here it is important to understand that to attract experienced and knowledgeable professionals is possible only if normal wages are offered, as well as normal conditions for the fulfillment of the goals set. Commercial undertakings are often broken precisely against the stones of the lack of understanding by employees of the essence of the implementation of the assigned tasks. It is for this reason that HR consulting services have become very relevant and in demand. And many people use them large companies who seek the benefits of active development.

Personnel consulting is a specialized, well-developed system of measures, which is aimed at diagnosing, correcting, maximizing the improvement of the structure of the organizational order, as well as corporate culture. All actions of this order are aimed at a serious increase production indicators. Among other things, the essence of optimizing the working environment is being formed. provoked right motivation employees.

We will certainly say that correctly carried out activities can actually become an indisputable basis for the formation of expanded opportunities. The entrepreneur does not have to bother with organizational issues, while all the tasks set will be fulfilled. Specialists will receive motivation that will reveal new boundaries of the company's capabilities as a whole.

Today, a fairly significant number of consulting companies have appeared. There are universal options, the activities of which can be considered diverse, aimed solely at activating all the company's resources, at optimizing activities in all respects. You can contact this company and order comprehensive service which will additionally include personnel consulting. There are specialized companies that work exclusively in the direction of personnel optimization. It is this type of cooperation that allows you to get the maximum focus on optimizing personnel, in order to obtain optimal results from the work of the company's specialists. After all, it is very important to do everything possible so that leading specialists do not just work out their time, but strive to receive best results. This means that it is important not only to choose the right specialists who would be able to professionally perform the assigned tasks, but also to properly motivate them.

A few words should be said about strategic consulting. It is he who provokes the opportunity to correct the already established business model, to obtain new features of development. When working with a business model, all its shortcomings are determined, and an analysis of the advantages is also carried out. And the procedure of comparison with the features of the work of competitors is necessarily carried out. There are many ways to improve staffing. But, practice shows that it is consulting companies that are actually able to carry out the process of activating the interest of specialists, to provoke a more significant return on work.

Tasks of the consulting company:

  • Initially, a full analysis process is carried out. In certain cases, it becomes necessary to carry out the procedure for organizing the activities of the work of personnel from scratch. Recruitment of specialists is carried out, new goals are set, the process of the correct structure of work is carried out;
  • Necessary actions are being taken to improve efficiency personnel service who is currently employed by the company. There are many methods that can actually provoke modernization, provide a new level of company development based on the work of specialists;
  • The specialists of the consulting company carry out purposeful work, which provokes the development of specific strategies for optimizing work with personnel. Such interaction structures are aimed at ensuring that employees perfectly understand what exactly is required of them, what work they must perform, etc .;
  • Work is being carried out, which is aimed at creating a kind of system of employee motivation. Practice shows that a well-established motivation system can become the basis for the active and progressive development of the company as a whole;
  • Specialists try to properly develop and improve the corporate culture. This question is overlooked by many entrepreneurs. But, the correct organization of such a culture allows you to rally the team, provides prospects for the growth of new opportunities;
  • An important aspect of the work of such companies is the establishment of the work of office work in the personnel format. Among other things, a structure for raising the qualification level is being developed. Numerous professional trainings, seminars, various practical classes are held, which contribute to the disclosure of the full potential of the employees.

Some situations provoke a personnel audit, on the basis of which specialists carry out the process of personnel work at the enterprise, an assessment is made of the structure, motivation features, etc. Among other things, it is the use of this assessment option that makes it possible to identify all the weaknesses of the personnel.

Step-by-step instructions for cooperation with a consulting company

All actions should be performed competently, correctly, rationally. Yes, you can pick the best company consulting format, you will be able to conclude an agreement and receive the desired services.

  • Step 1: Choosing a company, concluding an agreement

This industry in our country is at the stage of its development. Therefore, it will not be so easy to choose a company that can actually guarantee your attention high-quality service and attentive attitude. Initially, evaluate the question of work experience. The longer the company works in this area, the better. You also need to pay attention to the study of completed projects. If such projects are not provided for study by clients, then in fact, we are talking about the complete absence of the possibility of cooperation. After all, any company must provide its own portfolio, on the basis of which the client has the opportunity to make a rational and competent choice. Among other things, it is necessary to clarify the specialization of specialists, check the professional rating of the company. Based on the data received, you will be able to make a thoughtful and rational choice, which in the future will become the basis for the formation of ideal consulting.

An important aspect of cooperation is also the signing of an agreement. In this case, an important aspect is the study of all conditions. If you think that some conditions violate your rights, or are not fully described, you need to draw the attention of the company's specialists to this. If in the process of studying the contract you have some doubts, it is best to contact a lawyer for advice. The specialist will be able to assess the features of the norms of the document, determine the correctness of its preparation.

  • Step 2: Compilation of terms of reference

Remember that the effectiveness of the work of specialists is based precisely on a correctly compiled terms of reference. You need to evaluate everything in sufficient detail. important points which must be verified by experts. All tasks should be described as clearly, accurately and correctly as possible. Try to completely eliminate all sorts of vague wording. If you are trying to improve the productivity of your company's specialists, indicate accurate data, determine the need for motivation, etc. A correctly drafted task will become the basis for the correct direction of the specialists' activities.

  • Step 3: Conditions are created for situation analysis

The specialists of the consulting company need to provide the maximum amount of information that relates directly to personnel issues. Try to prepare documentation. That is, you must understand that maximum access to information, as well as to work with your employees, is an important factor in the success of the entire event. And if you strive to ensure that the work is done quickly, competently and efficiently, then try to do everything possible so that optimal conditions work of consultants.

  • Step 4: Agree on an action plan

Based on the study of the data provided, specialists carry out the process of developing a plan for modernization, introducing changes, etc. Based on the document received, the manager evaluates the possibility of carrying out certain actions, accepts and signs the plan or makes certain changes to it. After that, you can start the implementation process.

  • Step 5: Forming a control system

The process of implementing changes is not always easy and simple. Specialists of consulting companies already have the necessary level of experience in this matter. However, certain situations may arise, the resolution of which is possible only in the presence of a leader. Accordingly, the manager is obliged to exercise full control over the execution of the previously signed plan.

When You Might Need a Consulting Service

There are many situations where HR consulting is required. If you feel that your company is not doing things the way you would like, you need to do HR-type consulting. When such action may be required:

  • Formation of a cohesive team

It is very important that all employees who work in the company or in the enterprise have a certain interest in the successful development of the business. It is these actions that provoke active development, the movement of things in the necessary direction. If a company has not developed a corporate culture, then a kind of performance of duties is formed. Each worker comes to work every day, and fulfills exclusively established norms, and no movements towards progressive development are carried out. Accordingly, it is important to develop a certain structure of work, to rally the team, to carry out the process of competent planning and motivation.

It will not be easy to develop all of these aspects on your own, especially when you do not know what to grab onto. The best solution would be to cooperate with experienced professionals who can analyze current position companies and choose the best ways to modernize.

All employees in the enterprise must be aware of the main parameters of the mission. In fact, it provokes a change in approach to professional duties. It also provokes the formation of a new attitude towards the resources owned by the company. The general meaning expands, a new motivation is provoked. Naturally, a professional approach to the development of such options for the work of personnel is the main element for achieving success in the goal.

  • Change of management system

The well-coordinated work of specialists is based on competent and correct management. Practice shows that today it is necessary to radically change the attitude towards the management process, otherwise all employees of the company will simply serve at work, trying not to do anything extra, trying to fulfill everything that the director indicated. If the management is competent and correct, if the director implements fair competition, motivates for new achievements, then employees will be happy to make creative decisions, expand their knowledge, try to use innovative solutions in their work in order to achieve their goals and get the desired results within the minimum amount of time.

Consulting specialists will be able to carry out the process of analyzing the current state of the management system and immediately focus on all the shortcomings and negative aspects. It will also be offered new system, thanks to which it will be possible to make the management process completely different - high-quality, qualified, successful.

  • Doubts that arise from a separation of duties analysis

If you have some doubts that the enterprise is correctly implementing the process of distribution of duties between employees, then you need to pay attention to the possibility of changing this structure. But if you don't know how to do it, then rational decision collaboration with experienced HR professionals. They will be able to carry out the process of a full-fledged analysis of the situation, after which rational and reasonable solutions will be proposed, through which all job descriptions can radically change.

  • HR department problems

If an enterprise constantly encounters certain difficulties related to record keeping, and most importantly, with the issues of finding and evaluating personnel, then professional and qualified assistance is simply indispensable. A detailed analysis of all problems will help determine the next action plan and implement the system that will be effective and profitable.

Methods of work of personnel consulting

  • Coaching. Today, this technique has become very relevant and in demand, as it allows for the process of intensive training of specialists to enhance professional qualities and opportunities for improvement. Through the conduct of properly selected trainings, seminars and training programs, the disclosure of personal and business qualities. At the same time, the structure of the choice of training options will directly depend on the situation that has developed in the company;
  • Neuro-Linguistic Programming. This technique is very effective, as it allows you to activate consciousness to achieve new goals that can be set by management. Among other things, through such an impact, the modeling of an excellent mood is provoked, the activation of the desire for professional growth is formed. In fact, we are talking about the same trainings that are carried out with the aim of activating the internal reserves of the employee, activating his interest in professional growth and the emergence of new opportunities;
  • Modeling business formation processes. Within the framework of consulting, actions are often taken that are aimed at introducing peculiar structural changes. Such changes may concern both the entire structure of personnel and the management system. In this situation, the most important thing is to study the initial state of the company, as well as assess the structure of the work of specialists. Based on the information received, specialists will be able to competently and correctly work out a plan for improvement and modification, which in the future will become the basis for new achievements and phenomenal professional opportunities;
  • Studies of a social nature. A very important aspect is that specialists must obtain accurate research data, after which many difficulties and problems will become apparent. The consultants produce various texts, interviews and surveys that are aimed at revealing the principles of guiding employees in achieving their goals. Also, through such work, all data that relate to motivation are determined.

Features of successful HR consulting

Successful consulting is characterized by minimizing risks, all kinds of nuances for making changes, both in the management system and in the personnel system as a whole. It is very important that all work performed is carried out in such a way that it is not too painful for employees and does not affect further work negative.

It is very important that all actions are taken to eliminate situations of conflict format with employees. Experienced specialists are sure that conflicts with specialists at work can cause serious negative consequences for the employer. That is, employees, instead of carrying out business development, carry out certain proceedings in their team. A distinctive characteristic of consulting is the elimination of such options for the work of the team, through new motivation, a new management system, in certain cases due to a complete change of the team.

Often, company managers try to use the help of HR consulting specialists precisely because of the need to analyze the rationality of compiling documentation, checking the entire system, which is aimed at generating documents. That is, in other words, the need for a kind of optimization of office work is being formed, and a new system of work of the internal cadastral service is being provoked. Such changes should be justified, should take into account all the nuances that had a negative impact on the work before. That is, a detailed study is carried out, after which, experts develop an ideal plan for modernization.