Human resources (HR) looks a bit different within every industry and company, but there are many common tasks and concepts that unite HR needs across the business world. When we’re defining HR for small business, we’re generally discussing either the team members that serve as valuable resources to a company or the people-management function of a company. This second concept is also occasionally referred to as human resource management (HRM).
In this post, I’ll share an overview of what HR for small business looks like, the key HR functions that come into play at almost every company, and finally, when a small business should consider delegating or outsourcing HR.
Human resource management refers to the strategic and coherent approach to the management of an organization's most valuable assets: The people working there who individually and collectively contribute to the achievement of its objectives.
HRM encompasses a range of functions and activities, including but not limited to recruitment and selection, training and development, compensation and benefits, performance management, employee relations, legal compliance, health and safety, HR strategy, culture and change management, and diversity and inclusion.
It's true, HR is complex and important, just like any other function of your business. Often, small businesses don’t have the resources to have a dedicated in-house team of HR experts available to handle functions, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the benefits available to them. Outsourcing HR to a third-party provider, like a PEO, provides a solution.
Let's dive into the key HR functions at small businesses.
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No matter what type of small business or start-up you run, there are certain tasks you’ll have to take care of. The role of human resources within a company (no matter its size or industry) spans the gamut. HR is inclusive of so many functions and sub-functions that even the most adept business owner or manager could have trouble remembering—let alone mastering—them all.
Here is a short list of the most common key HR functions and how they help your business grow:
Employee relations: Seeks to improve employee loyalty, productivity and workplace culture.
You may be wondering: “What size company needs an HR department?” The answer is nuanced: While every company needs experienced HR professionals on their side, not every business needs to have those professionals in-house.
Small businesses can save money and reap the benefits of working with a team of experienced HR pros by outsourcing the functions of HR to a certified professional employer organization or certified PEO for short.
When working with a PEO, you gain access to dedicated HR personnel who will take the time to get to know your company’s exact needs, goals and employees. You’ll also be able to tap into several advantages typically reserved for larger companies, like great deals on employee benefits and the knowledge of HR pros with decades of industry experience. With a PEO, as you scale your business, your HR department will grow with you.
Countless businesses struggle with understanding and keeping up with the never-ending compliance, safety, payroll and benefits requirements. As a result, they spend their valuable time trying to build an HR department from scratch.
Delegating HR tasks to a PEO is worth it for many small business owners, but for time and cost-saving reasons, it's especially important for those who want to focus their resources on generating revenue.
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Axcet HR Solutions understands the world of HR for small business. Beginning on day one, Axcet will help you identify and tackle a full range of human resources tasks, from recruitment and retention to health and safety management.
With Axcet HR Solutions, you’ll find that there’s no end to the benefits a growing company can reap by working with a PEO. Wondering if outsourcing human resources is the right call for you? Reach out to our consultants today to learn more.