The concept of an audit has been in the organisational setting for years, even though we usually think of it in financial terms. Why is it that some employers have not heard of an HR audit or otherwise not prioritised one? Even more importantly, what is an HR audit and why should it be a critical aspect in your strategic planning? This is why you need to schedule an HR audit as soon as possible:

An HR Audit is the process of examining policies, processes, practices and/or the organisational climate with respect to an organisation’s HR function. The purpose of the audit is to determine the strength and weaknesses in the HR system, and all issues which need resolution. The aim of the HR Audit is threefold:

• Identifying human resource relevant areas which are currently absent and/or need organisational improvement;
• Determining the organisation’s level of compliance with relevant labour legislation, employment regulations and good practices;
• Assessing the organisation’s efficiency and effectiveness of its HR services in achieving operational and strategic goals and objectives.

Conducting a thorough HR Audit regularly can isolate specific problems or areas for development within each HR function of the organisation. This way, development can be directed at explicit target areas, thereby improving the entire range of services that the HR department is able to render.

The HR audit is focused on analysing and improving the holistic HR function in the organisation.

Latest and relevant labour legislation, case law, published research findings as well as relevant market trends serve as benchmarks for Joubert & Associates’ HR audit process. We identify key aspects, by using our 7 HR Audit Pillars, to be used as the yardstick to assist in diagnosing possible causes of best practice deviations in the organisation.

The Joubert & Associates HR Audit Pillars are aligned with the South African Board of People Practices’ HR System Standards Model, relevant South African labour legislation, Codes of Good practices as well as international labour standards. These Pillars includes HR Strategy, Employment Relations Management, Talent Management, Performance Management, Remuneration Management, Employee Wellness and Human Resources Information Systems.

Organisations that conduct an HR audit for the sole purpose of compliance, will ultimately enjoy an improved organisational climate and healthier bottom line. All compliance related labour legislation and good practices will be adhered to, and will ensure minimum employment benefit. Organisations that however prioritise maximum benefit of such an audit, will be able to use the results to successfully develop their most important business resource, i.e. their human capital, and also to strategically align all relevant business processes to ensure best possible planning and execution.

Contact us today to do a holistic HR audit and consequently draw up a Masterplan report to stipulate the areas of change and improvement. Allow us to facilitate the process to take your HR to the next level.