Everything You Need to Know About HR Outsourcing
It can take up a lot of time running a business; as it grows, so will the responsibilities. HR duties can become more and more complex and demanding. When time is swallowed up by these things, there is less opportunity to focus on marketing and business growth. As a result, many companies actively consider outsourcing their HR functions.
It’s essential that the whole process runs smoothly. Quality help should be secured, and the handover needs to be closely monitored. Should anything go wrong, things like personal privacy, accuracy, and compliance could be at risk. It may be that you are considering outsourcing your HR at this very moment. Let’s take a look at the key considerations together right now.
The Internet Can Help You
This can provide an excellent platform for gaining information and locating external providers. When it comes to HR assistance, there are online companies that offer free 24/7 phone services and award-winning HR software. Many provide full insurance and legal protection too.
Some specialist websites also provide helpful blogs on such things as rehiring after redundancy and HR policies for small businesses.
Different People Can Help You
You may simply need an experienced individual to help you with your HR work. They may come to you to perform this task, or operate from another location. HR consultancies are another option. They are basically groups of qualified and experienced people who come together to provide a service.
The other choice would be to employ an external company that specializes in HR outsourcing. The work could be achieved online, and involve emails, phone calls, and video conferencing contact with your business whenever it’s required.
Aim To Stick With One Company
When agreements are drawn up with external HR providers, they are often 12 months’ minimum contracts. Because of the time and work involved in handing over the HR function, it’s not advisable to keep changing companies. This would keep disrupting your company and risk data loss and breaches in continuity.
The bottom line is to find a decent company at a competitive price and to stay with them. Over time their knowledge of your bespoke requirements and staff needs will prove invaluable.
Questions To Ask
Because of the time and cost investment following your choice, it is important to not go with the first company that you find. Consult with several providers and request full details and itemized quotes, so you can make comparisons. Ask about tie-in periods and look for online reviews from clients.
Be sure that the HR company has the necessary expertise that you need. Every business is different, so it’s important that they will be able to fully support you. Both you and your employees will regularly be in contact with them, so it’s important to discover their customer service provision as well.
It Can Save You Money
If you employ your own HR staff you’ll need to recruit and replace them occasionally. They will be your responsibility, and you’ll need to make sure their training and knowledge are up to date and compliant.
In contrast, businesses that employ external HR companies gain access to a pool of experienced and qualified staff. If they come from countries with a lower standard of living this will also help keep your costs down. Two example nations are India and the Philippines.
They Can Provide Impartial Advice
When companies discuss staff disciplinary issues or redundancies and restructure, it can be very stressful. Employees often accuse the managers involved of having their own agendas.
When external companies are the ones making the recommendations and comments, things become less personal and more objective.
They Can Oversee The Recruitment Process
Companies that are growing frequently seek new talent. People also leave businesses for other jobs, or due to retirement or sickness. HR companies can make this their concern. They can handle such administrative tasks as doing background checks on new applicants. They are designed to identify if a person has a criminal record or financial issues.
Job interviews can also be conducted by the outsourced company. The longer they work for you, the more they will understand what you are looking for. Once a job candidate has been successful, the third party can then introduce them to you.
Your Compliance Can Be Maintained
A number of HR issues come under the umbrella of compliance. They include Union laws and health and safety. There are legal requirements regarding the number of hours people work, and what constitutes a legal minimum wage. Added to that are absence issues, including maternity/paternity leave and staff sickness. Immigration is another element that is externally regulated, as well as staff benefits.
Not only do third-party companies have experience with business compliance; they also stay informed of legislation changes. This can take some of the pressure off managers, knowing they can keep this covered. Things like external audits also become less stressful as a result.
You Will Still Have Responsibilities
It may be that you are happy to retain some HR functions as you have in-house expertise. This should help bring prices down when using an external company.
Even if everything is delegated externally, you will still need to oversee things. The company needs to be accountable to you and provide any reports and updates that you require. Should anything go wrong or your employees become unhappy with their provision, you will need to be involved. HR departments frequently deal with sensitive information and financial matters, so poor communication or service will always be something that concerns you.
Other Tasks To Outsource
Payroll is a major aspect including such things as salaries, expenses, and related accounting. Additionally, you could outsource holiday requests, probation, discipline, and dismissal. Staff appraisals can also be included in the company’s remit.
Businesses that maximize the power of outsourcing free themselves up to study their business plans. They are more able to stand back and view the big picture and plan for the future. In turn, money can be saved and additional revenue can be secured.
