“Working with Lindenberger Group has been truly transformative for our organization. Their strategic approach to updating our HR practices and their exceptional support throughout the process have significantly improved our operations and communications around company policies and procedures. Marcy’s expertise and dedication have been invaluable, making a profound impact on our team and mission.”
— Nicole Davis, Executive Director, Center for Food Action
Introduction
Center for Food Action (CFA), a leading non-profit organization in northern New Jersey, engaged Lindenberger Group to update their Human Resources practices. CFA provides vital services for our neighbors facing food insecurity and also provides rental, utility, and heating assistance, along with counseling and advocacy for low-income individuals and families. With a mission to alleviate hunger and homelessness, CFA needed a robust HR framework to support their dedicated staff and operations.
The Challenge
CFA, serving 100 towns between Bergen and Passaic counties, faced the challenge of updating their employee handbook, which had not been revised since 2015. The outdated policies were no longer aligned with current laws and practices, especially in the wake of significant changes due to the pandemic. Additionally, CFA needed to address various staffing issues and reorganize their operations to ensure efficiency and compliance.
Solutions Implemented
Nicole Davis, Executive Director of CFA, collaborated with Marcy Schneider, an HR Consultant from Lindenberger Group, to revamp their HR practices. Over several months, Marcy implemented the following key strategies:
Employee Handbook Update: Marcy led the project to update CFA’s employee handbook, ensuring it was comprehensive and compliant with current laws and regulations. The handbook was phased in with extensive reviews and approvals from the board, senior staff, and executive team, culminating in a well-structured company wide rollout.
Strategic Rollout Plan: The updated handbook was introduced through a strategic rollout plan. Marcy conducted meetings with senior managers first to ensure they understood the new policies, followed by an all-staff meeting to communicate the changes effectively.
Staff Reorganization: Senior leadership recognized the need for a reorganization. Marcy guided CFA through the process, addressing structural inefficiencies and aligning roles to better meet the organization’s goals.
Narrative Support: Marcy provided narrative support for internal communications, helping Nicole craft messages that resonated with staff and maintained transparency, especially during new hires and separations.
Outcomes
The collaboration between CFA and Lindenberger Group resulted in significant improvements:
Updated and Compliant Handbook: The new employee handbook brought CFA up to date with current laws, ensuring compliance and clarity for all employees.
Effective Communication: The strategic rollout plan and narrative support improved communication within the organization, fostering understanding and acceptance of new policies.
Organizational Efficiency: The reorganization streamlined CFA’s operations, enhancing overall efficiency and effectiveness.
Enhanced HR Management: With Marcy’s expertise, CFA established a solid HR framework that supported their mission and addressed real-life issues, such as changes in legal substance laws and their impact on workplace policies.
Reflections
Nicole Davis reflected on Marcy and Lindenberger Group’s continuous positive impact on CFA. Their approach to updating the employee handbook and addressing organizational needs was methodical, thoughtful, and respectful, ensuring all stakeholders were engaged and informed throughout the process.
Conclusion
The work of Lindenberger Group, through Marcy Schneider’s expertise, highlights the transformative power of effective HR management in a non-profit organization. Their efforts not only resolved existing challenges but also established a robust HR framework that supports CFA’s mission and future growth. This case study demonstrates how strategic HR outsourcing can drive significant organizational improvements and support business objectives.