Human resources workshops to examine importance of setting standards
For many small businesses, employee issues such as hiring, firing, training, recruiting and developing job descriptions falls on the owners’ and managers’ shoulders, so the University of Houston-Victoria Small Business Development Center is offering two workshops to address these important topics.
The first workshop in the Human Resources Series will be “The Employment Lifecycle” from 1 to 4 p.m. April 23. The second workshop, “Job Descriptions and Performance Management,” will be from 9 a.m. to noon the following day. Both training sessions will be in the UHV SBDC offices on the fourth floor of 1908 N. Laurent St. Each workshop costs $35 if purchased by April 22 or $45 at the door. The workshops will be presented by Deirdre Pattillo of the University of Texas at San Antonio Procurement Technical Assistance Center.
“Human resource issues are important topics for any business, and the SBDC is glad to bring in Deirdre Pattillo’s expertise to our community,” UHV SBDC Director Lindsay Young said. “These workshops will help business owners and managers plan ahead and consider the many different aspects of recruiting, training and leading an effective team of employees.”
During “The Employment Lifecycle,” attendees will have the opportunity to learn about different elements of handling employees from the recruiting and hiring process to discipline and terminations. The workshop will look at topics including how to create job descriptions, appropriate ways to screen and interview applicants, the importance of checking references, performance appraisals, discipline strategies and the termination process.
“So much of running a successful business goes back to having a clear plan, and that applies to handling employees as well,” Pattillo said. “Dealing with employee issues can be much more effective if business owners are aware of future possibilities and have plans in place to handle each circumstance. I like to refer to the employment process as a lifecycle because there’s something to learn at every step.”
“Job Descriptions and Performance Management” will examine how elements such as employee job descriptions, policies and procedures, awareness of legal issues, and the ability to assess on-the-job performance can be critical to the growth and success of a business.
“For many business owners, their first hires might be family members or someone who can be an extra pair of hands to get the job done,” Pattillo said. “But as the business grows, a job description and clear set of expectations can be a shield for owners and managers to help ensure they have established a standard for future employees to follow.”
To learn more about the workshops or register to attend, visit www.uhv.edu/small-business/training.
The University of Houston-Victoria, located in the heart of the Coastal Bend region since 1973 in Victoria, Texas, offers courses leading to more than 80 academic programs in the schools of Arts & Sciences; Business Administration; and Education, Health Professions & Human Development. UHV provides face-to-face classes at its Victoria campus, as well as an instructional site in Katy, Texas, and online classes that students can take from anywhere. UHV supports the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Opportunities for All initiative to increase awareness about state colleges and universities and the important role they have in providing a high-quality and accessible education to an increasingly diverse student population, as well as contributing to regional and state economic development.
