Why Ombuds are so relevant now

There are excellent reasons to implement a program at some point.

What makes Ombuds relevant right now? Here are 3 reasons to invest in Ombuds that you might not have considered yet. 

Recruitment/Retention

Pundits who predicted a recession touched off an avalanche of layoffs. Companies need their remaining employees to work harder, which in the current climate causes burnout and turnover.

Investing in an Ombuds program now is an excellent solution, for not only riding out the recession, but being well positioned to meet employee expectations for the next cycle of normal. 

The employee value proposition has changed. Candidates want to be in a company that pays well, puts their strengths to good use and cares about their wellbeing (Gallup) 

 Your current employees want you to provide resources that make their work life easier, align with their values and increase flexibility.

An Ombuds program makes your EVP and recruiting efforts more relevant while improving your retention efforts. Adding an Ombuds program shows candidates and employees alike that you:

• Make culture a priority
• Believe in trust and transparency
• Want to understand the realities of employee experience
• Are Open to surface issues 
• Are Willing to take action

Upskilling

62% of CEOs are focusing on upskilling- training on new skills that help develop your current team into new roles. It’s the competitive edge that tells employees that you value them & their growth and offers the career ladder candidates are looking for. But, it can be difficult to know just what skills to upgrade.

An Ombuds gleans information from their visitors about what skills the organization may be lacking. For example, Poor manager relationships have been the top concern in my practice. 69% of managers report they are uncomfortable talking to their team. To me that indicates a need for communication and emotional intelligence training, I can alert L&D as well as collaborate with them on developing training.

Ombuds enable the leadership to be strategic about upskilling.

Setting HR up for success

HR professionals have had it rough over the past few years, and that's an understatement.

• The pandemic.
• The great resignation
• Adjusting to a remote/hybrid environment
• RTO drama and massive layoffs. 

HR is burned out!  88% said they dreaded work!

HR professionals, especially those new to the profession, need help to carry their heavy burden. Ombuds can be that helpmate. HR helps employees but, really, who helps HR?

HR needs Ombuds to provide a safety net, a quiet space to rant, release stress, get reassurance and maybe a new perspective. Not only that, when HR and Ombuds work together, the number of solutions to issues increases. HR can refocus on strategic company goals like engagement or retention.

So, if you company has been considering an Ombuds, now is a good time to get started planning.  I can help answer your question and ask you a few you might not have thought of.  Book a call now.