Starting from Scratch: How Would You Build an HR Department for a 22-Person SME?

Hello friends, I am joining a small SME in HR. There is no HR department as of now, and I have the responsibility to set up the entire HR function for the organization. The entire staff strength is 22 employees, including myself. I would appreciate your step-by-step guidance on how I should approach this uphill task. I am confident yet also a bit scared. I sincerely appreciate your help and inputs.

You are a lucky person, as you have the challenging job of setting up an HR department. It is a very challenging job that you have. First of all, prepare the files of employees, including their date of joining, contractual and permanent employees, the terms and conditions they are hired on, joining dates, and their work and career history. If these details are not available, develop an employee detail form to gather the necessary information such as employee numbers and company card details. Get to know your employees first and focus on filling the basic areas. Additionally, the attendance management system is crucial.

Key Areas to Focus On

- Work stations
- Job Descriptions
- Person Specifications
- Company Hierarchy
- Designations
- Hiring and Firing
- Performance Appraisals
- Leave Management
- Employee Record Keeping

Inform your employees about the importance of having an HR department in the company by assigning relevant responsibilities.

Start working on developing an HR/Employee manual that covers the selection and recruitment process, probation, inductions, etc.

Regards,
HR Specialist

I sincerely appreciate your inputs. I am really thankful for your guidance in helping me set up the HR function at my new organization. I feel overwhelmed yet satisfied knowing that I am doing the kind of work I have always aspired to do. I am basking in the glory and hope to excel in this opportunity.

Thanks a lot.

Regards,
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