Hiring Your First HR Person: What to Expect and Why It Matters

As a small business, hiring your first HR person is a significant milestone. It's a decision that marks the beginning of a new chapter. It can be the start of your business starting to unlock the full potential of its people.?

With the upcoming employment law changes set to take place in the UK, the timing couldn't be better. Here’s what happens when you bring a dedicated HR person on board and how it can positively impact your business.

The Shift: From Ad Hoc to Strategic

Before hiring an HR professional, many small businesses handle HR tasks on an ad hoc basis. Responsibilities like recruitment, compliance, and employee experience often fall to business owners or managers. Busy with the day to day they often lack the time - and sometimes the skill to manage these processes well. Building a dedicated HR function brings a structured approach, ensuring everyone on the team can focus on core strengths.

Enhancing Recruitment and Retention

One of the first noticeable shifts is in recruitment. A skilled HR person will refine your hiring process, ensuring you attract, select - and onboard the best people. Effective onboarding, increase new hire retention and help new team members integrate into the company.

Compliance and Risk Management

With employment law changes on the horizon, compliance is more critical than ever. An HR professional will be up to date on these changes and will help create a safety net for your business. Sometimes the value of having a dedicated HR person is less tangible. A great HR person will avoid challenges by getting ahead of the risks you didn't see coming.

Employee Development and Engagement

A great HR person focuses on developing your employees, helping them grow their skills and advance in their careers. They will help put in place training programs, performance management, and clear pathways for progression. This not only enhances individual performance but also boosts overall team engagement and satisfaction.

Creating a Strong Company Culture

HR can be instrumental in shaping and maintaining your company culture. They ensure your values are lived and breathed by everyone in the organisation. By reinforcing a positive work environment through aligned systems and processes, they help foster a culture where people feel valued and motivated.

Preparing for Employment Law Changes

Navigating New Regulations

The upcoming employment law changes in the UK bring new challenges and opportunities. An experienced HR professional will guide your business through these changes, ensuring compliance and leveraging new regulations to your advantage.

Future-Proofing Your Business

By staying ahead of legal changes and industry trends, your HR person helps future-proof your business. They will develop strategies to adapt to evolving employment laws, keeping your business agile and resilient in a dynamic regulatory landscape.

Hiring your first HR person is an investment in your business's future. Don't navigate these changes alone. Get in touch with Human to understand how we can support you in this transition.?

We've spent the last 11 years helping organisations build great teams and strong cultures. We'd love to help you harness the power of great HR, ensuring your business thrives beyond the upcoming employment law changes.