What exactly is included in “HR management consulting”?

Lighthouse Solutions can help you with a wide range of issues, and most companies experience issues that cross over several subject areas.  These areas typically include:

• finding and hiring new employees
• helping new employees get up to speed quickly
• ensuring that you have clear, useful and legally compliant policies and procedures,
• helping you set performance goals and measure progress against them
• helping you design and administer compensation programs that meet your needs
• helping you get the most from employee benefits programs
• training your managers and/or employees
• facilitating successful organizational change
• planning and facilitating restructurings, layoffs or employee departures

When do I need HR services and/or a designated HR professional?

Your need for HR services and expertise vary depending upon (a) the growth stage of the company, (b) the complexity of the compensation systems required, and (c) the number of employees, etc.  Lighthouse Solutions can help you with small issues, long projects, or handle your HR administration for you.  No project is too small or too large for us, and we can work with you on a short-term, part-time or ongoing basis.

How do you charge for your corporate consulting?

Lighthouse Solutions has a sliding scale of fees, depending on such factors as the scope and nature of the assignment, how much work must be done on your company premises, the technical complexity of the project, your desired timeline, etc.  If you have a potential need, we will speak with you to get a clear idea of your issue(s) and develop a written estimate for the work to be done.  You are never obligated to authorize work without first having a clear understanding of what the costs will be.  Naturally, as we do more work for you and get to better know your company, we can offer more attractive fees for highly customized solutions.

How do you typically go about solving problems identified by a company?

In general, we work with you first to understand the circumstances of the problem, and then we do further fact-finding to ensure that we have a thorough grasp on all aspects of the situation.  We analyze the problem and develop recommendations for your review.  You may then be able to implement the agreed-upon solution yourself, or we can be available to help you do so.  We bring a wealth of technical expertise and experience to your problem-solving process and partner with you every step of the way.

What sort of training programs do you typically run for employers?

Some of the most frequently requested programs include:

• sexual harassment prevention training for managers and supervisors
• first-time supervisor/manager training
• effective interviewing skills for hiring new employees
• leadership development programs
• dealing with difficult employees
• effective business writing skills

However, we can develop specific programs to meet whatever needs you may have.

What sort of training programs do you offer for individual employees?

Lighthouse Solutions offers public programs that individuals from multiple companies can attend.  The most popular of these programs are:

• Powerful Presentations and Empowered Public Speakers
• Develop Your Own Leadership Potential
• Taking Charge of Your Personal Career Plan
• Effective Interpersonal Conflict Resolution
• Effective Team and Meeting Management
• Managing a Multi-Generational Workforce

Do I need to worry about you seeing confidential things when you consult at my company?

Absolutely not!  We are experienced and committed HR professionals, and confidentiality is paramount.

If I’m dealing with a difficult employee, when should I call you for assistance?

As soon as you recognize that the situation may be difficult for you to resolve on your own.  The earlier you bring us in, the sooner we will be able to help you manage the situation.  Having a third-party, such as Lighthouse Solutions, to drive the process objectively can facilitate your relationship with the employee(s) involved as you move forward beyond the problem.  So, bring us in as early as possible . . . before people’s emotions have fanned the fire.

What are outsourced HR services, and what does it cost?

This process generally begins with an initial consultation to determine your needs and priorities, and then we focus on building the HR systems, policies, procedures and guidelines necessary to support your particular business.  Working closely together, we can define what you want us to do, on-site or remotely, and how any outsourced work will be coordinated with your internal systems and resources.  We offer very competitive pricing that is based upon the specific outsourcing plan, and we offer an excellent value given the close relationship we can build with your managers and employees to support productivity and retention.

What if I already have an HR coordinator?

Lighthouse Solutions is happy to work with existing HR people or teams to be (a) another set of hands when workloads are high, (b) a technical resource and/or mentor, (c) an objective party when risk management issues arise, (d) an external resource to do projects outside the current capabilities, or (e) anything else you need.