Why Do Startups Need HR Professionals?

As many startups get off the ground, forming an organized and robust team of human resources professionals is often regarded as a low priority, or even as entirely unnecessary. However, HR professionals bring value to growing businesses by performing a number of essential duties, including recruiting and hiring, developing current employees, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and improving the business's brand image and company culture. Here's a closer look at these four important functions of HR professionals in startups.

Recruiting and Hiring New Talent

Having limited resources often forces startup founders to take on multiple responsibilities, including the recruiting and hiring of new employees. While founders may be the most knowledgeable about a company and its needs, professionals with a formal HR education are uniquely equipped with the expertise needed to acquire standout new employees. From recruiting candidates and reviewing resumes to choosing and training new hires, HR professionals are typically the most qualified to build a team that can help a business grow and succeed.

Developing and Supporting Current Employees

HR professionals also support current employees by ensuring that they are properly compensated and feel content and secure at work. Because startup employees often face long hours and multiple responsibilities, HR professionals can act as a morale-boosting support system and help prevent burnout, low productivity, and high turnover. HR professionals can also support leadership by settling disputes and managing queries and complaints.

Ensuring Legal Compliance

Startup founders are always busy, which can make it hard to keep track of a company's legal obligations and regulatory requirements. An HR professional's job description often includes responsibilities related to making sure the startup is following all labor laws and regulations while avoiding liabilities. As new industry rules and regulations are introduced, the HR professional can help with ensuring future compliance.

Building a Better Business

When employees are happy, positive word-of-mouth feedback introduces the company's core values to a wider audience and can position the business as an attractive option for job seekers. By continually measuring and prioritizing employee satisfaction, HR professionals are key stakeholders in establishing and maintaining a startup organization's brand image and company culture. Businesses can naturally grow and improve when current and potential employees and clients think positively about the company's values and mission.

Tulane School of Professional Advancement wants to join you in your journey to starting and expanding your small business, from discovering how to promote your brand to learning the latest in tech in your industry or priming yourself with the most relevant HR knowledge with a Professional Certificate in Human Resources Fundamentals. No matter your schedule, Tulane SoPA will help grow your skills as a business leader with flexible online and hybrid courses designed specifically for driven, working professionals just like you. Learn more about our programs by requesting more information today.