4 Spring HR Challenges—And How to Tackle Them
After this particularly bone-chilling winter, I’m especially looking forward to flowers blooming and the days getting warmer and longer as spring approaches. But as we round the corner into a new season, your ministry will likely run into some common springtime challenges. Whether you’re managing seasonal hiring or preparing for summer intern programs, now is the time to plan ahead to avoid common pitfalls. Let’s take a look at five HR challenges ministries often face in the spring, and how you can tackle them:
1. Seasonal Hiring and Staffing Fluctuations
As the weather warms up, ministries often experience fluctuations in staffing needs. Whether hiring seasonal workers for summer programs, increasing volunteer coordination, or managing vacation requests, these shifts can put extra pressure on your HR processes.
Start early by identifying roles that need filling and skills required. Create a clear process for temporary or seasonal hires, and ensure you’re in compliance with wage laws, especially if you're hiring minors or part-time workers. Streamlining the process and having clear job description will save you time and stress down the line.
2. Interns and Young Talent
As schools begin to wrap up their year, ministries often have new opportunities to work with interns or younger employees eager to learn and gain experience over summer break. While interns can bring fresh energy to your ministry, there are a few important things to consider, from compliance with wage laws to training and mentorship.
Make sure internships are structured to provide real value to the intern and comply with labor laws regarding paid versus unpaid positions. Be prepared to provide the time, support, and mentorship interns need to truly succeed. It’s an investment in the future of your ministry—and potentially in future full-time employees!
3. Employee Benefits Adjustments
Spring often signals changes to your employees' benefits, from health insurance renewals to retirement plan updates. For ministries, ensuring that your employees understand their benefits and making any necessary adjustments can be a daunting task.
Take the time to review your benefits offerings with employees. Provide clear communications about any changes, and make sure all employees understand how to access and maximize their benefits. Consider hosting a Q&A session to address questions and concerns!
4. Summer Scheduling and Vacation Time
Spring is also the time when employees start planning their vacations. Balancing staff time off while ensuring that your ministry continues to run smoothly can be tricky. If you don’t have a solid vacation and scheduling plan, it can lead to confusion or understaffed teams during critical times.
Make sure your Staff Handbook has a clear vacation policy that outlines how much notice employees need to provide for time off and how scheduling conflicts will be handled. Ensure managers are on the same page about staffing levels and work doesn’t pile up during employee absences. Proper planning allows your team to enjoy time off while maintaining productivity.
Spring brings new opportunities—and challenges—when it comes to managing HR in your ministry. From handling seasonal staffing to navigating employee benefits, these tasks can quickly become overwhelming without the right support. If you’re looking for guidance on any of these challenges, HR on Call is here to help. Whether you need assistance with compliance, creating policies, or managing seasonal hiring, our team of ministry HR experts is ready to provide the expertise and support you need.