When you’re running a small business, you have to wear a lot of hats and perform many different job roles. From sales and marketing to IT and technology, you have to know everything that is going on inside your business. HR is an essential part of this puzzle, making up an integral part of your business. If your HR begins to slip, you could find yourself breaching regulations and facing legal action – something that no small business wants. That’s why it’s so important that you are aware of the HR best practices for small businesses.
In this article, we’ll talk you through some of the best practices when it comes to HR for your small business, as well as exploring the key question that many small business owners find themselves asking: should I outsource my HR?
Key areas of HR for small businesses
There are a few key HR best practices that all small business owners should be aware of. In this section, we’ll take you through some of the most important aspects of HR for small businesses.
Employment law
One of the most important aspects of HR is ensuring that your business is compliant with employment law. This can be a complex area, and it’s important to seek legal advice if you’re not sure about what you need to do.
There are a number of laws that you need to be aware of, including the National Minimum Wage, working time regulations, and the Equality Act. It’s also important to have written contracts with your employees, setting out the terms and conditions of their employment.
Training and development
Another key area of HR for small businesses is training and development. This is a vital part of keeping your employees engaged and motivated, and it can also help to improve their skills and knowledge.
There are a number of different training options available, from online courses to face-to-face workshops. It’s important to tailor the training to your employees’ needs, and to make sure that it’s relevant to their job role.
Performance management
Performance management is another essential part of HR for small businesses. This involves setting out expectations and goals for employees, and then assessing their performance against these.
Performance management can be a difficult process, but it’s essential for ensuring that your employees are meeting your high standards. It’s also a great way to identify potential problems early on, and to provide support and guidance to employees who may be struggling.
Should you outsource your HR?
So, we’ve talked about the key areas of HR that all small business owners should be aware of. But what if you don’t have the time or resources to manage HR yourself? Is outsourcing HR the right option for you?
If you need an HR service for your small business, outsourcing is a great option that offers many benefits. These include freeing up your time to focus on your business, and gaining access to specialist knowledge and expertise.
However, there are also a few things to consider before making the decision to outsource your HR. Make sure that you research different outsourcing providers and compare their prices and services, as well as reading reviews from past and existing customers. It’s also important to ensure that you have a good working relationship with your HR provider, and that they are able to meet your specific needs.
In summary
HR is an essential part of any small business. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can ensure that your HR is compliant with employment law, and that your employees are properly trained and managed. If you’re finding it difficult to manage HR yourself, then outsourcing may be the right option for you.
