Why does a Start-Up need HR?

HR is an important function in any business, and for most, developing a high performance team, ensuring consistency and fairness and providing appropriate support to the people you employ, is of high priority. Furthermore, there is the peace of mind that you are working in line with current employment law and minimising potential workplace conflict and legal claims.

We talked with Frances Clements, a Senior Partner at Mclean HR. Fran is an HR Generalist with over 20 years experience across a range of industries, in recent years specialising in aligning HR strategy with business objectives for rapid-growth SME’s.

She shared with us several reasons why a start-up specifically will benefit from establishing good HR practices from an early stage:

• Setting up a new business from scratch is extremely demanding. Those tasked with this challenge must wear a number of different hats, often drawing time away from the core business aims. By partnering with an HR service that specialises in start-ups, you will be secure in the knowledge that your employment law obligations are met, allowing you to focus on developing your business.
• From experience, we know that getting organised from an early stage, saves time and money in the long run. We have frequently been asked to assist clients who have discovered this too late, spending considerable time, energy and stress unpicking and resolving issues that have arisen due to lack of HR policy and process. Ensuring T&Cs are fit for purpose and consistently applied sounds simple, but without this from the outset, there is a high chance of HR ‘headaches’ down the line.
• By enlisting professional HR support, you will be in fit shape to demonstrate the appropriate HR compliance and employment practices, expected of your start-up by third parties. Whether this is part of your next stage of investment, or when submitting bids for work, your HR policies and processes will be scrutinised. We can ensure your start-up meets and surpasses all these requirements.
• It is not only investors or clients who want to see that an organised business has been established, but this is also vital in attracting and retaining employees. Working for a start-up will appeal to a certain type of individual. Often someone who is able to work very flexibly and is prepared to accept a level of uncertainty. Ensuring they see the business as a professional and organised employer, will be critical to relieving any concerns they may have, and building confidence that they will be supported during their employment.

Mclean HR is made up of a small team of experienced professionals. After working for many years with small businesses, they gained valuable insight into the needs of a start-up at different stages of growth. With this experience, they have introduced 3 packages specifically for start-ups, HR Set Up, HR Now, and HR Start Up +. Whether the aim is to get organised from the get-go, navigate compliance issues, or simply to free up time to focus on other business priorities, Mclean HR can support your business. For further information on their HR services for start-ups, please visit their website.