Building an HR Roadmap: Where Small Companies Should Start
For small businesses with no formalized HR function, navigating the complexities of hiring, compliance, and culture can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to do everything at once. By focusing your initial efforts on a few key areas, you can create a strong foundation for your team and set the stage for sustainable growth. At Compass HR Advisors, we specialize in helping small companies build tailored HR roadmaps. Here’s where we recommend starting:
Define Your Company Culture
Your company culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the backbone of how your team operates. Doing this work up front will allow you to make smarter hiring decisions, prioritize the right HR projects, and align HR’s objectives with the overall business goals. Ask yourself:
What kind of environment do we want to create?
How do we want employees to feel about working here?
What behaviors and attitudes align with our goals?
How will HR need to be involved in upcoming business priorities?
Establish Core Policies and Compliance Basics
Even small teams need a solid framework for how things are done. Start with the essentials:
Employee Handbook: Outline workplace expectations, time-off policies, and benefits in a clear, easy-to-digest format.
Compliance Check: Ensure you’re meeting legal requirements for hiring, payroll, workplace safety, and anti-discrimination.
Onboarding Process: Create a standardized process to welcome new hires and set them up for success.
Remember to fully utilize your vendor partners for this work. A strong benefits broker, employment attorney, and HR consultant can make a world of difference.
Prioritize Recruitment and Retention
Every hire is critical. To attract and retain top talent:
Effective Job Advertising: Write clear, detailed job descriptions that reflect the role and your company culture, highlighting what makes your opportunity unique and compelling. Help the applicant understand how their role contributes to the company’s overall objectives.
Compensation Program: Establish a clear compensation philosophy that includes salary benchmarks, equity opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits suite. This ensures fairness, transparency, and competitiveness within your industry, helping you attract top talent.
Retention Strategies: Develop a comprehensive Employee Value Proposition (EVP) that highlights what makes your company a great place to work. This might include professional development opportunities, flexible work arrangements, regular recognition programs, and a culture that prioritizes work-life balance. Pair this with consistent feedback channels to keep employees engaged and invested.
Invest in Your Leaders
Strong leaders drive strong teams. Even if you’re a small company, investing in leadership training can pay off immensely. Offer regular coaching, mentorship opportunities, and resources to help managers succeed in their roles.
Need Help Building Your Roadmap?
At Compass HR Advisors, we’re passionate about helping small businesses thrive. Our tailored HR roadmaps provide practical, cost-effective solutions to guide you from where you are now to where you want to be. Whether it’s defining your culture, creating policies, or building a hiring strategy, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Let’s build a better company together. Book a free consultation today to get started on your HR journey.