How Does HR Support Nonprofit Managers?

How Does HR Support Nonprofit Managers? As people are the pulse of any successful organisation, recruiting the correct people for the correct role is one of the most important aspects of a nonprofit. A strong team of employees, volunteers,skill donors, managers etc. is vital to effectively implement new campaigns, organise events, raise funds and strategise to help the organisation reach its goals and objectives. 

This is achieved through a competent HR team that will help recruit, train, and review employees and volunteers. 

So how does HR support nonprofit mangers? 

Recruitment 

Once a board of trustees is appointed, the HR team will start recruiting and hiring the rest of the personnel needed to run day-to-day operations. Nonprofits ‌struggle to hire skilled employees, as wages and perks are limited and not as attractive as those of a for-profit business. Therefore, HR managers have the tough job of selecting and hiring the right individuals who find nonprofit organisations rewarding to work at. Even if the interviewee has been passionate to find a charity to support, the HR team must ensure that they possess the right skills and traits to fulfil the tasks and responsibilities assigned to them. 

Establishing a Healthy Work Culture 

The HR team can help shape and create a healthy and happy work culture in your organisation by creating structure and implementing well-detailed plans and procedures. Clearly defined job responsibilities, comprehensive guidelines, terms, conditions, etc. will help employees complete their tasks easier, keeping them happy and motivated, which contributes to the overall success of the organisation. 

Implementing Policies and Procedures 

Policies are an important part of any organisation, as they help employees understand the code of conduct while making them aware of what is acceptable and unacceptable in the workplace. Having policies and procedures in place helps reduce the chances of miscommunication, lawsuits, interpersonal conflict, discrimination, etc. 

Essential policies created by HR departments include but are not limited to: 

• Discrimination and harassment policies
• Sick & annual leave
• Social media policies

Training 

After hiring suitable individuals, it’s a must that they receive adequate training, followed by evaluation. HR teams usually implement effective training processes that help employees learn and understand their job responsibilities and how best to achieve their assigned tasks and goals.  

Evaluation

As nonprofits rarely have surplus funding, the cost of replacing employees can be rather expensive. Therefore, HR teams at nonprofit organisations evaluate hired personnel to assess their strengths and weaknesses, while finding out where they may need some extra guidance and help. 

Employee Compensation and Retention 

Since nonprofits aren’t known for high paying salaries, the HR department is responsible for finding new ways of compensation and benefits for employees. A skilled HR manager can monitor the organisation’s budget and come up with feasible compensation schemes to retain employees while brainstorming for unique benefits and perks that will appeal to young job seekers. 

In conclusion, it is clear to see exactly how HR supports nonprofit managers. From helping to recruit, train and keep skilled employees to aiding the organisation’s fundraising efforts through nonprofit donor search and retention, a strong HR team is vital to the success of a nonprofit.