This is the kick-off to The Ultimate Small Business HR Guide, a 7-part series where we review the fundamentals of what a small or medium-sized organization needs to know, do, and plan for to build a smooth HR system and a great workplace. Every two weeks, the next article in the series will be posted on our Insights page. Here is what to expect:
Part 1: Small Business Human Resources
Part 2: Recruitment and Retention
Part 3: Compensation and Benefits
Part 4: Engagement, Training, and Development
Part 5: Compliance and Policies
Part 6: HR Technology Options
Part 7: Getting Help with HR
Running a Business Without HR
As a business owner, you understand all too well the daily grind of managing multiple tasks. Your day might start with handling payroll; before you know it, you’re solving personnel problems by the afternoon. This constant switching between roles can make it challenging to concentrate on the bigger picture of your business. Integrating human resources support can lighten this load considerably. It allows you to refocus and get back on track with the goals you set out to achieve when you first started your business.
What Does HR Do?
You might question the importance of HR for small or medium-sized businesses, especially if employees can simply talk to you about their concerns. The answer is straightforward: HR is key for compliance with employment legislation and keeps administrative duties from piling up.
Among its many tasks, the HR department deals with employee relations, oversees training and development, team engagement, benefits administration, recruitment, and, most importantly, ensures compliance with local labour laws, builds policies for your organization, and does the administration that comes with all these tasks. HR’s dedicated focus on these areas helps prevent you from getting caught up in the nitty gritty, allowing you to lead with clarity and purpose.
Summary
We have created a 7-part practical guide designed to assist small business owners in managing human resources effectively. It is crucial to understand that HR isn’t just a necessity for big companies. Implementing good HR practices can streamline your operations, enhance overall efficiency, and ultimately provide you with more time to focus on growing your business while creating a better working environment for everyone.
Remember, articles in this online series will be posted every two weeks on our Insights page!