When starting a new business, there’s a lot of work to complete. As the founder, you may think about all the people you need to bring on-board to help.
You may want someone to handle marketing, sales, technology and customer service. But there is one key area that is often forgotten – your startup needs human resources.
If you’re starting with a very small team, you may not need a full-time HR person. But it doesn’t hurt to consult with an HR professional to set your company on the right path.
Here are 4 reasons your startup needs human resources:
Hiring the Team
The hiring process begins way before you post a job. There should be a strategy and plan in place. You need to know who to hire and when.
Job descriptions must accurately detail the skills and experience needed for the job. You need to know where to advertise your openings to find the right candidates. Asking effective questions during the interview will help you determine the right candidate to hire.
According to research by CB Insights, startups fail 23% of the time because they don’t have the right team. An HR professional can help you implement solid hiring practices to increase your chances of success.
Legal Compliance
Before you hire, you need to familiarize yourself with the relevant employment laws. For example the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the American Disabilities Act, and the Family Medical Leave Act.
Federal and state regulations change constantly. Your business will be required to follow these laws whether you understand them or not.
As a busy business owner, you may not have the time and resources to keep up. Your startup needs HR to help the business stay compliant and reduce the chance of lawsuits.
Company Culture
Define workplace culture from the beginning. Leadership should model the company’s values and vision. HR’s strategic hiring practices will ensure that only candidates who align with the company’s vision are brought aboard.
Without a defined company culture, you risk allowing toxic work habits to fester. This could lead to low employee morale and low employee retention.
Policies and Procedures
Some startups cringe at the thought of creating policies and procedures. They want to have a fun, relaxed environment and not appear too ‘corporate.’
However, it’s important to set a standard for employee conduct before issues arise. Position your company for success by implementing basic guidelines for your team.
Some HR policies you should consider creating include attendance, performance management, discipline, employee benefits, paid time off, dress code, etc.
Starting a company can be chaotic and time-consuming, but involving HR right from the beginning can make things a lot easier. Hiring the right team, creating a great work environment and staying legally compliant is vital to your company’s success. Receive guidance from an HR consultant to start your business off on the right track.
If you need a trusted HR partner on your team, send me a message. I offer an affordable and customizable approach to your business HR needs.
