It’s been 5 years since Catalina Consultants’ opened their doors!
5 years is a long time in any industry, but in HR it’s practically a lifetime. In the past half-decade, the modern workplace and HR practices have evolved significantly.
On the eve of our fifth birthday, we look back on the lessons we’ve learnt:
1. People understand the value of outsourced HR
In 2012, our first conversations with prospective clients often involved an explanation of what outsourced HR meant. Sceptical CEO’s often required convincing that their HR department could still function without their HR manager sitting next door.
In 2017, people get what we do. With the rise of flexible working, they understand that you can not only learn their business, but also embed yourself within the culture and add value- all without being onsite. People now understand the benefit of outsourcing a specialised function of their business. You can to tap into expert knowledge and best-practice experience at a fraction of the cost.
And at the end of the day, if we do need to be onsite for any reason we’re there as soon as you need us.
2. There’s no substitute for bespoke
For outsourced HR to be effective, it must be bespoke.
Business cultures are varied. There’s no room for a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Just like an internal HR team, your outsourced HR team must be tailored to the specific needs of your industry and business.
We’ve made a real point of difference through taking the time to understand your business. We pay attention to our client’s culture, consider their high priority HR needs, and combine with high levels of skills and experience.
3. Variety is the spice of learning
In-house HR roles rarely deal with the cumbrous HR issues. In outsourced HR, difficult terminations, internal investigations and Fair Work claims are our bread and butter.
At Catalina, there’s never a dull moment. The phone will ring, a situation has arisen and we are there to support and advise. Often 4-5 times a day.
We like to think this is what keeps us sharp and ahead of the game. The variety means we’re constantly honing our expertise, and we’re able to apply those skills to each different situation. We know what works, and what to avoid, which provides our clients with a very tangible benefit along the way.
4. The modern workplace has changed…
In 2017, a typical workplace will have fewer people in the office, and fewer staff in general. Increasing numbers of employees are opting out of full-time work arrangements.
Firstly, flexible working is now much more than just generally accepted. It’s a legal entitlement.
Secondly, cloud technology means that no matter where you are in the world, it’s easy to access systems and databases. The right combination of phone, email and face time you need to perform most roles are now just one click away.
Thirdly, it’s more common now to share resources and knowledge across different offices and departments. Centralised and shared-services support structures are now de-rigueur.
Outsourcing your HR Team fits perfectly into the new workplace norm.
5. Being out of the office is no excuse for not delivering
Remember when working from home was often code for “taking it easy”? We do… that was 2012.
Today more people work out of the office and are encouraged to do so. People are contactable, available and proactive, regardless of their work location.
This is the essence of how we work. We operate in exactly the way we would if we were sitting next door to the CEO. We need to be accessible, proactive, and responsive.
At Catalina, we keep on top of what’s going on in the client’s business. We provide commercial, relevant advice and recommendations that really add value to your business.
With globalisation, technology and the increased flexibility of the workplace, we see this as a phenomenon on the rise. This places us in a unique position to be years ahead when it comes to delivery and service.
Now for the next five years…