A startup company’s greatest challenge is success, and success can be achieved with the right team. In order to attract the talent needed for your team it is necessary to have a dedicated HR department that is equipped with the strategies and blueprint that will lead to success.
The HR team is a key component to the startup success. They are able to not only fill the roles needed, but they manage employees, address needs and minimize risks. Depending on the size of the company, this department may be a single HR professional or it may be a team of 20. In any case, the function and role of the HR team should be clear and concise with a vision and strategy in hand.
Laying the Groundwork for HR Strategies
The human resource department is the first interaction that potential talent will have with the company. It is their job to know the vision and direction that the company is headed and work towards that goal. It is essential to have a model of how the HR department will operate within the company and strategies that they will follow in order to achieve success.
- Hiring Process: There are multiple steps to the hiring process. The first step is to showcase the vision and culture of the startup company on social media through posts and incorporating employee testimonials. Next, it is necessary to identify core competencies by utilizing job advertisements and descriptions that will convert followers into potential candidates. Once a list of candidates has been collected, the next step is to interview and evaluate those that have the traits and behaviors that match the culture of the startup company.
- Onboarding New Employees: Now that a candidate has been hired, it is vital to the culture of the company that the new employee has a positive experience during the onboarding process. Many new candidates can get lost during this process and can feel isolated or overlooked. Prior to a new employee’s start date, it is imperative that there is strong communication, their workspace is prepared and that all paperwork is ready when they arrive. The onboarding experience is enhanced with a current colleague that will conduct a welcome tour and introductions. Continuing to reiterate the company’s vision and culture is a recipe for success.
- Cultivate a Company Culture: Developing a culture for a startup is not a set of rules, it is an environment of acceptability. By setting the culture, the company is communicating what behaviors and values are acceptable for success. Startups that encourage feedback, communicate to staff at all levels and transparency within teams and upper management are just a few of the positive company cultures that can be cultivated into a successful startup.
- Encourage Employee Growth: Identifying skill gaps, designing training sessions and offering continuing education is a key strength for the HR department. Being able to offer these developmental programs to employees will pay off in employee retention. This in turn will aid in the success of the startup by creating loyalty between employee/employer.
Final Thought
The HR team plays a major role in the success of a startup. It is the first impression that potential employees have of the company. From hiring, to payroll and benefits, to company culture, the HR team is the point of contact that every startup needs. Without an HR team it is harder to implement new practices and will take longer to achieve success.