Many small business owners believe that they don’t need a dedicated HR department. However, they still spend, on average, 18 to 40 hours a week on HR tasks such as payroll, hiring, and training. This can be exhausting for a small team that’s already stretched thin due to other functions.
HR departments are essential to big and small businesses alike. In addition to their day-to-day tasks, they ensure that their organization complies with all applicable laws. HR personnel are also trained to help the company cut back on costs and improve overall efficiency.
Businesses also count on HR employees to actively resolve workplace conflicts and play a leading role in employee hiring, training, and retention. This makes them indispensable to the efficient and effective operations of a company.
Here’s when your organization should consider working with an HR professional.
You Don’t Have The Time
When your business is in its infancy, you’re often going to need to cut costs wherever you can. It’s understandable if you choose to handle HR operations yourself during the early stages, especially if there isn’t enough available work for a hands-on, full-time HR employee.
However, as your business grows and you hire more employees, you might find yourself spending too much time dealing with HR-related responsibilities. If this additional work is leaving you overwhelmed and cutting into the time you could spend improving your company’s standing, it might be time to hire an HR professional.
Your Business Is Growing
As your efforts start to take shape and your company grows, you’re going to hit many milestones. While growth is exciting, it brings its challenges, and you might find business operations getting increasingly complicated.
If you handle HR yourself, you’ll be overseeing new hires, making sure they’re aware of company policies, and answering any questions they might have. With twenty or more employees, these responsibilities become a whole job that requires your time and energy.
Once HR operations become too complicated for you to undertake, it’s time for an HR department. If there isn’t enough work for a full-time HR employee but too much for you to do yourself, you can also consider hiring a part-time professional.
You Want To Define Your Company Culture
The goal that many entrepreneurs set for themselves is to form an organization they love working for. The importance of building a unifying company culture cannot be understated. Your vision and company culture can help make your organization attractive to top talent.
If your organization has a healthy work environment, proper reward systems, and career development opportunities, your employees will be happier, and their productivity will increase.
An HR professional can take care of all these responsibilities through conflict resolution and setting up employee benefits that are win-win for both you and your hires.
Conclusion
Growing your business to the point where you need an HR professional is a huge milestone. It would be best if you took the time to filter through candidates to find someone who meshes well with your company’s culture and helps you bring your vision to life.
If you’re not ready to hand over the wheel to someone else full-time, you could get in touch with an HR service provider that offers consultancy services.