Intelligent SME.tech Issue 43 | Page 22

? EDITOR ’ S QUESTION //

IF SMALL COMPANIES LAY DOWN STRONG FOUNDATIONS
FROM THE OUTSET ,
ALLOWING THEM
TO BUILD THE TEAMS AND GROW THE CULTURE THEY WILL NEED AS THE BUSINESS EXPANDS , THEY WON ’ T NEED TO PAINFULLY
UNPICK OR COURSE- CORRECT
FURTHER DOWN THE LINE .

G ood people practice is vital for any business , but perhaps most of all for SMEs . If small companies lay down strong foundations from the outset , allowing them to build the teams and grow the culture they will need as the business expands , they won ’ t need to painfully unpick or coursecorrect further down the line .

HR has undergone a transformation in recent years , from a support function to a strategic necessity geared to driving workplace culture , fostering a positive work environment , promoting employee morale and achieving business objectives . The early years of a growing business can be an amazing adventure for a team , if they are well supported .
Getting the details right is critical . Employees in any workplace need to be provided with employment contracts and onboarding materials that clearly outline key company information and role expectations . Beyond that , invest time and thought in ensuring the workplace is safe and inclusive and give all staff a point of contact to go to with concerns .
At all times , consider your culture . The way your team works together early on will become embedded in the business very quickly . The great news is you are a small business , so you can use this to your advantage . Do it any way you wish to – the time is now . Eat lunch in the park ? Encourage everyone ’ s view in meetings ? Have walking meetings once a day ? Culture is more than a few value statements on a page . Creating a positive environment from the start is very often fundamental to a business ’ s success .
Start-ups are dynamic environments , so listen to your people and their needs . Keep asking for feedback and don ’ t be afraid to pivot . When things start to accelerate , grow the team in a responsible way , with all that entails . Take on diverse candidates , not carbon copies of yourselves – people with different , complementary perspectives will help you grow and form your unique culture in the future . Diversity leads to happier employees , more innovation and a stronger desire among staff to remain with the company – all of which improve the bottom line .
Look for specialist advice from experts that care about the same things as you do . As you grapple with the challenges of growth , recognise that HR in this evolving , complex world is a specialist discipline , and it is worth finding independent , specialist collaborators who share your values . You ’ ll save time and trouble by reaching for flexible , fractional , affordable support , not only for recruitment but for all people-related business , from employment policies to managing ongoing .
Lastly , remember to enjoy the process – and mark the milestones of success as you go .

START-UPS
ARE DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENTS , SO LISTEN TO YOUR PEOPLE AND THEIR NEEDS .

ALISON FILKIN , CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER , RESPONSIBLE RESOURCING AGENCY

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Intelligent SME . tech