Essential Questions to Ask HR During Key Stages of Your Employment Journey

So many employees need more information from their company or their HR department, yet the majority of them never ask the right questions. Whether they don’t want to come across as not knowing this information in the first place or don’t have the confidence to ask seemingly difficult questions related to compensation or career growth, these employees run the risk of missing out on valuable information. 

Worse, it’s not just tactical, day-to-day information such as “When is my self-appraisal due?” “Where can I find a company org chart?” or“How many days off do I have left?”. By not asking the right questions these employees may miss the opportunity to progress in their role with the company and even in their career. 

Consider the example of one employee, who we’ll call Catherine.

She told us how, as a younger employee, she didn’t really understand her company’s approach to promotions. She was reluctant to ask specific questions – in her words, she didn’t want to seem too aggressive – and just assumed her hard work would be rewarded.

However it turned out that her company didn’t consider new employees for promotions until they had worked there for at least two years, and even then, only after they completed a certain level of professional development.

Looking back, Catherine regrets not asking questions much earlier in the process. “It would have helped if I had the answers I was looking for much earlier in the process,” she said. “But without it, I definitely felt overlooked, underappreciated, and unmotivated.” 

To help you avoid a situation like this, this article highlights many questions you should consider asking. We’ve organized them so they fall into five different categories, representing the entire employee lifecycle – everything from interviewing to onboarding to career development and more. 

We also offer subcategories within these topics to help break the questions out into natural themes and help you make sure you get exactly the information you need. 

During the Interview Process

The interview process is the perfect time to ask many different questions. As a potential new hire, you should feel comfortable attempting to get as much information as possible and the hiring team will appreciate your efforts. 

Company culture

• What is the team dynamic like in this department or group?

• Does the company support work-life balance and/or remote work arrangements

• Can you describe how the onboarding process works for new hires?

Expectations and responsibilities

• What are the key responsibilities for this position?

• How would my performance be evaluated?

• Are there opportunities for professional development for this position?

Company policies and procedures

• What are the company’s policies in areas such as remote work or flexible hours?

• What is the company’s position on diversity and inclusion (or other similar topics)?

• If needed, what is the process for addressing workplace concerns?

After Being Hired: Onboarding and Beyond

While the interview process is a natural time to ask questions, they shouldn’t stop there. Instead, employees should feel empowered to continue to ask questions as they get acclimated to their new company.

Orientation and training

• Can you describe the orientation program for new hires? What is included?

• Are there training resources available for new employees? Could I take part?

• How can I pair up and seek guidance from a mentor in the company?

Benefits and compensation

• Can you clarify the benefits package, including health coverage and retirement plan options?

• How do salary increases and bonuses work?

• How are vacation days accrued? What is the process for taking time off?

Performance management and feedback

• How often will I receive feedback on my performance?

• What is the process for setting goals and objectives during my first few months?

• Are there formal performance reviews? How are performance appraisals conducted?

After Being Part of the Company for a Short Term (Three to Six Months)

Career advancement opportunities

• What are the potential career paths within this company for someone in my role?

• How does the company support employees interested in pursuing further education or certifications?

• Are there leadership development programs available?

Company updates

• How does the company communicate changes in policies or procedures?

• What is the process for providing employee feedback on new initiatives?

• Can you share any recent company achievements or future plans?

Employee engagement and satisfaction

• What measures does the company take to assess employee satisfaction?

• How can I get involved in company events or employee resource groups?

• Are there any initiatives in place to promote employee wellness?

Questions Related to Company Culture and Community

It’s important to fully understand the company’s culture and how employees may come together as an unofficial community. Research has shown that companies with a positive culture tend to have happier, more productive employees willing to go above and beyond in their roles. 

Workplace environment

• How does the company foster a sense of community among employees?

• What activities or events does the company host to foster collaboration and teamwork?

• Does the company do anything to focus on employee engagement?

Inclusion and diversity initiatives

• How does the company promote diversity and inclusion?

• Is there a specific team designated focused on fostering an inclusive workplace?

• Can you provide any examples of how differing perspectives are valued in decision-making?

Employee recognition programs

• How does the company recognize and reward employee achievements?

• Do we have any peer recognition programs in place?

• What role does leadership play in acknowledging employees’ contributions?
  

Ongoing Feedback and Support

Finally, it’s important to have ongoing conversations to get feedback, positive direction, and support. You should feel comfortable asking the following questions to make sure you have continued access to all the information you need to succeed.

Communication channels

• What are the official communication channels for discussing workplace concerns

• How can I provide feedback on company policies or practices?

• Are there regular team meetings or forums for discussing ongoing projects?

Support for professional growth

• What resources are available for employees looking to improve their skills?

• Are there opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration and learning?

• How can I express interest in new projects or responsibilities?

Addressing challenges and issues

• How does HR handle conflicts between employees?

• What steps should I take if I'm not satisfied in my current role?

• Can I reach out directly to HR for personal concerns, and how is that handled?

Ask the Right Questions and Make Sure You Get the Information You Need

Having the confidence to ask many different questions at various stages of your employment lifecycle can help in so many ways. You’ll gain valuable insights into company culture, expectations of your role, opportunities for personal and professional development, and much more.

In addition to giving you the information you need, it creates a two-way communication effort that demonstrates your interest in the company and its success and your personal commitment to your career path – all characteristics any company will appreciate. 

Understanding how challenging it is for employees to ask about benefits and upgrades can help HR be better prepared. An employee communication software provides an intuitive platform that empowers employees to ask important questions and access critical information effortlessly, offering a secure space for all their needs. Explore the features below to see how Workmates can streamline communication and support.

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Author Bio:

This article is written by a marketing team member at HR Cloud. HR Cloud is a leading provider of proven HR solutions, including recruiting, onboarding, employee communications & engagement, and rewards & recognition. Our user-friendly software increases employee productivity, delivers time and cost savings, and minimizes compliance risk.