If you are a SME, it may be that you get by without any Human Resources support. Perhaps you only have a handful of employees and manage people support yourself. Specialist Human Resources expertise is a cost that you can do without. You may be asking yourself, why do I need Human Resources?
What is Human Resources?
First, what is Human Resources, or HR? You may understand HR as a mostly administrative function. HR commonly deal with people processes such as recruitment and pay. HR usually produce company contracts, handbooks and policies for employees.
Human Resources are also often perceived as an advisory function. HR may advise employees and managers on people matters, such as sick pay or holiday entitlement. HR regularly liaise with managers and employees to agree on the way forward, such as arrangements to work from home.
However, the role of Human Resources in business growth and development is often overlooked. People are your most expensive and important asset. Specialist HR knowledge can support long term strategy. You need the right people, in the right place, at the right time.
Why do I need Human Resources?
There may be specific times in the development of your business where the question ‘why do I need Human Resources’ becomes important. If…
- You need support understanding rapid employment law changes.
The Covid-19 outbreak of 2020 is an example of where there were frequent, complex changes to the employment situation. HR experts could advise on these rapid changes, such as furlough. HR specialists would help interpret what can sometimes be complicated and unclear changes. A people expert can then support you and your employees through the change.
- Your number of employees is increasing.
HR specialists can support with the challenges of increasing the size of your workforce. From ensuring that costly recruitment campaigns are successful, to developing the skills of your current employees. HR can also develop the supporting structures and systems to manage a larger workforce, such as job descriptions, employment policies and pay structures.
- You have specific people issues.
HR experts can support you with specific employee issues. Perhaps an employee is disputing their pay or claiming unfair dismissal. It is important that these issues are dealt with properly to avoid employment tribunal claims. This could be a good time to invest in expert HR advice.
- You don’t want to spend your time on people issues.
You are a busy person and your time can best be spent on other activities. A HR specialist can ease the time pressure on dealing with employment management. An investment here can lead to savings elsewhere.
Find out more
You could try an introductory book, such as HR for Small Business for Dummies.
Or contact me if you would like to discuss your specific HR issue.
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product via a link on this page, I get a small commission. The product does not cost you any more.