10 Must-Have HR Resources and Tools for Small Business Owners
Explore essential HR resources for small business owners to manage hiring, payroll, compliance, and employee engagement efficiently. Get the right tools to streamline HR tasks and enhance workplace productivity.
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As a small business owner, you wear many different hats; the hat of leadership, owner, salesperson, marketer, and human resources professional. You could be handling everything from invoicing to onboarding new clients on any given day.
With minimal time and resources, HR responsibilities—like onboarding and training new employees—may seem least like the least important ones on your list. That is where HR resources for small business owners and leadership come into play.
However, these tasks are critical to the success of your business, and without someone else to focus on it, you have to be the person managing all the moving pieces.
If you’re having trouble navigating the complicated waters of human resources, we’ve got you covered. Below are 10 HR resources for small business owners that should be kept close by for HR questions or issues that you’re not well-versed in handling or you’re too busy in leadership.
Top 10 HR resources for small business owners
Wear the HR professional's hat and run your business empire with these top 10 HR resources for small business owners by your side.
1. SHRM employee handbook Builder
87% of the mid-sized organizations carry the employee handbook as their gospel. (Source: Gusto)
Don’t underestimate the importance of a well-constructed employee handbook as a convenient and important way to communicate your workplace policies expectations clearly.
It can also help resolve disputes and might even be referred to in litigation if an employee has a legal issue. Check out the Society For Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) handy handbook builder for guidance.
2. HR resources toolkit for business owners
Great leadership and employees can take a business from nothing to a beloved organization with a long list of clients and customers. However, the art of interviewing can be very difficult, especially if you don’t know what questions to ask.
3. Employment practices liability guide
Even today, at most workplaces, safety is an illusion. You need to keep your business safe, regardless of what happens with or to employees. That's where employment practices liability coverage comes into play and can be critical for your business.
4. The secrets behind employee engagement
Get the most out of your employees by keeping them engaged, which usually means they’re also productive and happy with their work. This fun guide shares tips for boosting employee engagement and information about your organization's key drivers of this.
Note: You need to be a member of the HR Exchange Network to access this guide, but the membership is free.
5. HR guide to more strategic payroll
Payroll processing can be a tedious and time-consuming task. But there are plenty of efficient tools to use out there, such as a payroll calculator to determine payroll deduction amounts. However, you need to make sure the tool fits your business. Not only does an inefficient payroll process lead to angry employees, but it can also cause tax and compliance issues that will be costly to fix. Learn how to implement a comprehensive and efficient payroll system with this thorough resource.
6. The complete HRIS buyers guide
Are you looking for a human resources software product to help you organize your administrative responsibilities? Rather than make a hasty investment, take your time and choose wisely using this jam-packed buyer’s guide.
7. Society For Human Resources Management
A good onboarding process is critical to the success of new employees. They need quick access to the right tools and technology to get started while being educated on their values and culture on the leadership’s behalf.
To create or update your onboarding process, check out this guide to onboarding new employees from the Society For Human Resource Management (SHRM).
8. Compliance connection
Ensuring that you’re compliant with all of the various federal and state employment laws is essential. Doing so, however, is often easier said than done as laws are constantly changing. Check out ADP’s Compliance Connection for the most up-to-date compliance resources and avoid legal issues.
9. Learning and development trends
Offering employees training and development opportunities is essential to keeping them satisfied while encouraging them to grow professionally and within the company. Learn more about the latest learning and development trends and how technology can help leadership implement successful learning and development programs.
10. Recruiting solution
Employee recruitment strategies have drastically changed over the past five years. If you’re not using the most up-to-date recruitment solutions like recruiting CRM, you could be missing out on top talent. This guide shares how you can hire great employees using technology.
Apart from these resources, you also need a few tools.
HR resources for small businesses: Essential tools for success
Managing human resources for small business owners requires the right tools to streamline hiring, payroll, performance management, and employee development. While some businesses use all-in-one platforms, others choose individual applications based on their needs. Here are five essential HR resources for small businesses and an alternative for simplified HR management.
1. Applicant tracking systems (ATS)
An ATS simplifies the hiring process by automating resume filtering, interview scheduling, and candidate management. Some systems, like SmartRecruiters, specialize in HR resources for small business recruitment, while platforms like Gusto integrate ATS with payroll and HR tools. Pricing varies, with costs ranging from free plans to monthly fees per active position.
2. Performance management software
Performance management tools help set goals, conduct 360-degree reviews, and provide actionable insights. A Betterworks study found that employees receiving meaningful performance feedback are more engaged and productive. Platforms like AssessTeam offer standalone solutions, while BambooHR provides an integrated module. Pricing typically ranges from $2 to $27 per employee per month.
3. Payroll and HR platforms
Payroll software automates wage calculations, tax filings, and employee benefits, ensuring compliance with regulations. Some platforms, such as Paychex, focus solely on payroll, while others like Gusto and Paychex provide comprehensive HR resources for small business needs, including new hire reporting and time-off analytics. Costs start at $17 per month, plus per-employee fees.
4. Learning and development tools
Investing in employee training through a learning management system (LMS) boosts engagement and retention. Betterworks research indicates that lack of career development is a major factor in employee turnover. Free and paid LMS options, such as Rippling’s talent management module, offer tailored learning experiences.
5. Reward and recognition software
Recognition plays a vital role in employee motivation and retention, particularly for small businesses looking to foster a positive work environment. Reward and recognition software enables companies to appreciate employee contributions, track recognition trends, and boost engagement. Platforms like Empuls provide data-driven insights into how appreciation impacts workplace culture, helping businesses create a more motivated and productive team.
Empuls: The ideal reward and recognition solution
Empuls is an all-in-one platform designed to enhance employee engagement through meaningful rewards and recognition.
With powerful analytics, businesses can track adoption, budget utilization, and the effectiveness of recognition programs. Empuls helps small businesses cultivate a culture of appreciation while improving overall workforce satisfaction.
See up to 67% improvement in overall eNPS score. Implement Empuls and access value badges, spot awards, and peer awards for in-the-moment recognition. Get approval-based awards to seek nominations and include jury panels
Schedule a call now to know how Empuls can change your business.
Stay informed
Use these resources to stay informed and manage the HR duties on your plate. Onboarding a new employee or updating your employee handbook may not be the tasks you want to take care of, but they’re critical for the success of your business. With a little help, it will be easier to manage these responsibilities until you can hire someone to do it for you. These were the 10 HR resources every small business owner should keep.
FAQ's
What is human resource in small business?
Human resources in a small business refers to managing hiring, payroll, compliance, training, and employee relations to support business growth and workforce productivity.
How to set up HR for a small business?
To set up HR, define policies, create an employee handbook, establish payroll and compliance processes, implement HR resources for small business, use HR software for automation, and ensure proper onboarding and engagement practices.
What HR services do small businesses need?
Small businesses need essential HR resources for small business like recruitment, payroll processing, employee onboarding, compliance management, performance tracking, benefits administration, and employee engagement strategies.
