Every small business needs HR support on occasion whether it is for recruitment, ensuring wages and annual leave are processed effectively or for disciplinary procedures. But for a small business it might simply not be feasible to have its own HR department and this is where retained HR support is an ideal solution.

For large companies with numerous employees and perhaps several offices, an HR department will be essential to ensure the smooth running of the business. But for smaller organisations, a dedicated department can be superfluous. There are simply not enough employees to make it worthwhile. But that does not mean HR support is unnecessary… far from it. HR is a vital part of any business and one of the elements which keeps a successful firm driving forward smoothly and effectively.

An outsourced HR department will be employed by several smaller businesses and will be able to offer each of them advice and guidance on a range of issues. It will be staffed by experts in their field, specialists who are aware of the ever-changing legal landscape including changes to employment law and Health and Safety and equal rights legislation. They can advise small businesses on how these changes will impact them and make sure they are legally compliant as well as offering advice on conflict resolution.

Recruitment can be a time consuming process but it is also vitally important. An outsourced HR department can take up this responsibility including advertising for vacancies, collating and analysing applications and arranging interviews. They will understand how to attract talented candidates and what incentives are most appealing. Once the successful applicant has been selected, the HR experts can make the job offer, check references and eligibility and arrange a start date and induction. The more efficiently this is done, the quicker the new employee can start which means the business can move forward without extra pressure being put on the existing workforce.

HR experts will also have their finger on the pulse when it comes to training opportunities. The world moves on apace, including in technology, but specialists will be able to identify the most worthwhile courses to ensure employees are aware of the latest innovations which can only benefit their business. They will also be able to answer queries on payroll, sickness and holiday rights, all without disruption to the business’ working day.

For small businesses, more than any other, every penny counts. By outsourcing HR, a deal can be struck which will be less expensive than the full time wages of an HR department. Expert advice and support will also be on hand when needed but without the full-time commitment to a permanent role.