Grow2Market Podcast: Happy hiring and HR horrors
In the latest Grow2Market podcast episode, Happy Hiring and HR Horror, I had the pleasure of speaking with Rebecca from SureHR. Rebecca has been a trusted partner to Fractional Teams, helping us and other small businesses adapt and survive in the ever-changing landscape of HR and employment law.
Our conversation centred on how recent changes in UK employment regulations are changing how small businesses approach hiring. New rules, such as day-one employee rights and updates to zero-hour contracts, are creating challenges for small businesses. These changes demand a careful and thoughtful approach to recruitment, onboarding, and employee management.
Rebecca highlighted the importance of preparation at every stage of the hiring process. Rushing to replace a departing employee without reassessing the needs of the business often leads to poor hires. Instead, small businesses should take time to evaluate team structures, skill gaps, and training capabilities before posting a job opening. This deliberate approach helps identify the right candidate and reduces long-term risks.
One of the standout points from our discussion was the need for well-crafted contracts and clear policies. Many small business owners unintentionally put themselves at risk by relying on outdated or generic templates. Rebecca pointed out that having properly drafted documents in place can prevent misunderstandings and costly disputes down the line.
Outsourcing and fractional services
We also explored the growing role of outsourcing and fractional services as alternatives to traditional hiring. For businesses that aren’t ready to commit to a full-time employee, fractional support or contractors can provide flexibility while still delivering necessary expertise. Rebecca shared practical advice on ensuring compliance with regulations like IR35 when working with contractors, helping businesses avoid potential pitfalls. For Fractional Teams clients, IR35 is not a concern due to our business operating and billing model.
Another key topic was the importance of communication and onboarding. Effective onboarding processes and frequent, open conversations between employers and employees can prevent many of the issues that lead to underperformance or workplace conflict. Rebecca highlighted the value of creating an environment where employees feel supported and set up to succeed during their probationary periods.
For small businesses unsure where to start, Rebecca suggested focusing on the essentials: legally compliant contracts, clear disciplinary and grievance policies, and a recruitment process that aligns with the company’s needs and culture. She also offers tailored HR solutions, from foundational setups for startups to more comprehensive support for growing businesses.
If you missed the episode, you can watch it on YouTube, or listen to it below. Rebecca has also shared a checklist of HR essentials, which is a great resource for any business owner looking to strengthen their HR practices.
This article has been written to support an episode of the same name in the Grow2Market podcast series, dedicated to exploring sales and marketing strategies in the B2B tech industries.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, comments, or support with any of the topics addressed.
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Tim Meredith
Hi! I'm Tim Meredith, CEO at Fractional Teams. I write about the latest industry insights and give advice on Unified Comms development and growth.
