Managing humans is a complex task – and sometimes HR managers alone might not be sufficient for the job. This is when the role of a legal expert becomes significant.
Yes, every company has a de facto legal advisor who visits occasionally, talks to leadership, and leaves, giving a smile to you as s/he passes by your desk. But sometimes, they need to be more involved, especially with you HRs.
Human resource professionals help create “a better work environment.” However, some situations call for expertise that exists beyond the jurisdiction of HR leaders. In such circumstances, a legal expert will help every party comb through the situation as smoothly as possible.
You must tap the services of a legal expert and make them work more closely with HRs, but when?
We explore 4 signs when we recommend you should hire a legal expert for your company.
Why hire a legal expert?
Excessive Paperwork
In today’s pandemic-fraught world, there have been dynamic changes to the workplace. New models of work like Hybrid, Remote, and Work-From-Anywhere have come into existence. These new work models would definitely lead to a change in job profile, pay scale, and work hours. Such new requirements and expectations requires employees and employers to sign an entire set of fresh documents.
Also, in today’s scenario, many employees are looking for new opportunities that would better suit their pandemic lifestyle. Companies, on the other hand, are also seen to be making furloughs and job cuts because of insufficient revenue.
Each of these situations create a massive amount of paperwork. Also, such arrangements often create uncomfortable situations, which leads to unnecessary legal actions. Such scenarios and paperwork can be easily avoided and managed respectively if you have appointed a legal expert.
Expanding Business
When you are growing in a competitive and uncertain market like this, it means you are doing something right. To keep that constant, a legal expert’s role is highly required.
An expanding business has the highest risk involved as compared to the rest. Their increasing potential draws attention from all sets of eyes. Rivals unhappy with your growth might try to create hindrance at some point.
Having a legal expert constantly watch every move your company ensures that there are no loopholes. And in case there are some, the legal expert can take care of it.
Turbulent Times
Unprecedented situations lead to chaos in organizations. If, for some reason your business is downsizing, it might lead to various ways of cost cutting. This will ensue mass salary cuts, premature retirements, and terminations. In other words, “so many grounds for lawsuits.”
Having your HR managers fight this battle alone can be highly daunting. However, if your HR leaders find a legal advisor by their side, they can make these tough decisions with great precision and accuracy.
Taking steps with caution is highly important in such situations, and a legal advisor is a must-have.
You Don’t Have Them
And the most important sign is their absence. If a temporary, permanent, or a freelancer legal expert does not assist your company, it’s prime time you get one. They are as important to your business as achieving the next quarter’s target.
Hire a legal expert; they will ensure your company sails smoothly, especially during turbulent times.
