The HR department is responsible for so much more than just hiring and firing, and the solo HR practitioner is often pulled in so many directions that it’s hard to keep up with changing priorities in the profession, said Jennifer Currence, SHRM-SCP, president of OnCore Management Solutions in Tampa Bay, Fla.

Successful change management practitioners spoke about change working best in organizations that traditionally value each employee and respect their potential contribution. You described change management and change as easier in organizations that have a norm of frequent, honest communication.

Your company needs a thoughtful onboarding plan, otherwise your new hires won’t settle in properly and may wind up quitting after just a few months. That much you already know. But how should you structure their experience?