New HR in a Startup: What Are the First Steps to Take in a Young Company?

I joined an organization that is 1 year old, and I am selected as an HR here. What steps should I follow for a newly established business as an HR?

Interesting stage of the career and certainly an interesting question! Before I say something, it would have been nicer and more appropriate if you had also stated your background—particularly experience in the profession and academic qualifications in HR! That would elicit appropriate responses!

Questions to Consider

Having said that, kindly look at the following questions.

1. Are you in the manufacturing industry or some other sector (please state the nature of the industry)?
2. What is the total category-wise strength of the organization?
3. What is the status on statutory compliances?
4. Is there an organizational chart showing levels of responsibilities and reporting relationships in tune with the functional arrangement?
5. Are terms and conditions of employment in place?
6. Is every employee issued an "Appointment Letter"?
7. Are codified rules and procedures of conduct established?

I could go on and on, but it would be beneficial if you collect and compile the above information before focusing on your approach to handling your HR responsibilities. Have you been provided with a job profile by the organization?

Feel free to respond on the message board or send a private message as this could lead to a lengthy dialogue. Decide on how you wish to better equip yourself for the responsibilities you have been entrusted with and how you plan to handle them.

There is a lot of hard work in store for you to establish yourself in the profession and excel!

Cheers!

Regards,
Samvedan
November 26, 2014

OMG, you are just in a similar position as my friend was last year. In fact, he joined a company that started with 3 employees and grew to 43 employees. I am not sure about the present condition of paperwork, etc.

Samvedan and C. Neyimkhan have provided a good list of work details above. The best solution is to start from scratch:

1. Determine the headcount.
2. Prioritize the employee payroll role. Ensure all deductions (PPF, etc.) are done as per the law. If not, start from this month.
3. Take charge of all old attendance registers, resumes, etc., and then start organizing everything.

A little more reference to your standing and we would be in a better position to help you.

Regards,
Jeff Davy

There are 20 employees in my organization; most of them are working in the sales team. I am the new one and the only one in the HR department. I really need guidance on how to set up and grow the HR department because I want to advance my career in HR. This is a great opportunity for me to prove myself. Please guide and help me.

Thank you.

Regards