Drafting a Year-End Human Resources Budget

As we’ve shown over the past few weeks, the end of the year can be a tricky time for any organization. With so much going on and so many tasks to check off, it’s easy to forget that a new year is right around the corner, and with the new year comes a new budget. Year-end budgeting is critical for every department within your company, but let’s be honest, HR isn’t often in the forefront. Believe us, we get. So, how can you establish your year-end human resources budget and advocate for everything you’ll need once the calendar hits January 1st? 

What to Include in a Human Resources Budget

Like many HR professionals out there, we realize that a lot of what our department does is “behind the scenes.” What’s even more frustrating is that many might think our sole purpose is to write up employees or approve sick days. Most of our coworkers don’t see all of the information our department keeps track of and how that affects the health of the overall organization. 

Depending on how your organization is structured, there are numerous items that can find their way into your HR department’s year-end budget. It’s important that you make sure the rest of your organization knows about these line items and how important they are to your organization’s ongoing success. 

Employee Training and Professional Development

You want to ensure that everyone in your organization is well-prepared and well-equipped to perform their job. That goes for new hires and seasoned veterans alike. Setting aside money for training and professional development is an absolute necessity and ensures things run efficiently throughout the year. Consider costs such as registration fees for conferences and workshops, the travel and per diem expenses associated with them, any materials or software you’ll need, and if you’ll need to pay for any guest speakers or consultants. 

Recruitment

Finding the right people for your company shouldn’t be taken lightly. Sure, you can throw out a job posting on certain sites for free, but adhering to smart recruitment strategies means you’re probably going to spend some money. What’s that money spent on? Marketing new positions, drug tests and background checks, and any relocation or assistance costs you’re willing to offer should all be part of your recruitment budget. 

Workplace Safety and Security

Creating a happy and healthy workplace should be a priority for any organization. Waiting until safety hazards arise can leave  you scrambling to find money to correct them. To avoid a reactionary situation, set money aside at the time of your year-end budget meeting. Some common expenses to account for include basic maintenance and upkeep for your workspace, signage, workers’ comp costs, as well as any health initiatives your company might want to take on. 

CTR and isolved Help Handle All Your Year-End HR Budget Questions

Advocating for your year-end human resources budget can feel like an uphill battle. Every department within your organization is going to be vying for a piece of the pie. As an HR professional, it’s up to you to make sure your initiatives are properly funded and overseen. With isolved HR Support Center, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got the help you need. Explore everything isolved can do for you, or contact CTR to learn more.

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