What Are the Benefits of Virtual HR Support for Small Businesses?

Managing employees comes with responsibilities that can be difficult to navigate, especially for small businesses without a dedicated HR department.

From managing sickness absence and performance concerns to understanding employment law, there are times when having access to experienced HR advice can make a real difference. However, employing an in-house HR professional isn't always practical or financially viable.

Virtual HR support offers an alternative, allowing businesses to access professional HR advice remotely, without needing someone physically based at their workplace. It can be a flexible and cost-effective way to manage employment matters with greater confidence.

What Is Virtual HR Support?

Virtual HR support involves working with an HR professional who provides advice and guidance remotely, typically through telephone calls, video meetings and email. Rather than having an HR advisor based at your workplace, you can access support when you need it, wherever your business is located.

Some businesses only need occasional advice on a particular employee issue, while others benefit from ongoing HR support to help manage their day-to-day responsibilities.

Virtual HR consultants can assist with employment matters including workplace policies, employee relations, recruitment, performance management, sickness absence and disciplinary procedures. Although the support is delivered remotely, it can still be tailored to your business, employees and individual circumstances.

5 Benefits of Virtual HR Support for Small Businesses

Access to HR Expertise Without Employing Someone In-House:

For many small businesses, employing a dedicated HR professional isn't necessary or affordable, but that doesn't mean employment matters are any less complicated.

Virtual HR support allows businesses to access experienced advice without the ongoing costs associated with employing an HR advisor, including salary, pension contributions and other employment expenses.

It can be particularly useful for business owners who manage HR responsibilities alongside running their business but occasionally need specialist guidance.

Flexible Support When You Need It:

Some businesses experience relatively few employee issues, while others need more regular assistance during periods of growth, organisational change or when managing difficult employment situations.

Depending on the provider, virtual HR services may be available on a pay-as-you-go basis, through individual projects or as part of an ongoing arrangement.

This allows businesses to choose support that reflects their circumstances rather than committing to a level of HR provision they may not need.

Support Regardless of Your Business Location:

With remote HR support, businesses aren't restricted to working with consultants based in their immediate area.

Telephone and video meetings make it possible to access advice from an HR professional elsewhere in the UK, which can be helpful for businesses operating across multiple locations or employing remote workers.

It also removes the need to arrange travel or face-to-face appointments for matters that can be managed effectively online.

Practical Guidance With Difficult Employee Situations:

Employee relations matters can be challenging, especially when a business owner or manager has limited experience dealing with them. Concerns involving employee performance, sickness absence, grievances or disciplinary matters often require careful consideration, clear communication and an understanding of the appropriate procedures.

However, effective HR advice isn't simply about explaining what employment law says. It's about understanding the circumstances, identifying potential risks and helping employers decide on a fair and practical approach.

Virtual HR support can help managers explore their options, prepare correspondence, plan meetings and consider the possible implications of different decisions. Having access to an experienced, independent perspective can be especially valuable when emotions are involved or a situation has become difficult to manage.

A More Proactive Approach to Managing Employees:

HR support isn't only useful when something has gone wrong. Virtual HR consultants can help businesses put appropriate processes in place, review existing policies and improve how managers approach everyday people management.

This might involve developing employment documentation, introducing performance review processes, supporting recruitment or helping managers address concerns at an earlier stage. Taking a proactive approach can reduce the likelihood of avoidable problems developing and help businesses establish more consistent ways of managing their employees.

Is Virtual HR Support as Effective as Face-to-Face HR Support?

Much of the advice and guidance businesses need can be provided effectively through telephone calls, video meetings and email.

Employment documents can be reviewed remotely, managers can receive guidance before difficult conversations, and HR consultants can attend employee meetings virtually where appropriate. However, there may be situations where face-to-face involvement is preferable, particularly where circumstances are complex or require someone to be physically present.

The most suitable approach will depend on the issue, the needs of the business and the employees involved. What matters most is the quality of the advice, the consultant's understanding of the situation and their ability to provide practical support.

How Do You Choose the Right Virtual HR Consultant?

When looking for virtual HR support, it's worth considering more than simply the cost of the service. A HR consultant should take time to understand your business, explain your options clearly and provide advice that is practical for your circumstances.

It's also useful to establish how support is delivered, what services are included and whether you can access assistance on an occasional or ongoing basis. For small businesses, having a consistent point of contact can be especially valuable. Building a relationship with an HR consultant who understands your organisation can make it easier to address future concerns without having to explain your business circumstances each time.

Ultimately, the right arrangement should give you confidence that you can access reliable guidance when employment matters arise.

Need HR Support?

BloomHR provides friendly, independent virtual HR support to small businesses across the UK. From one-off employee relations advice and workplace policies to ongoing HR guidance, we help employers manage their people responsibilities with confidence.

If you're considering virtual HR support for your business, BloomHR offers a free 30-minute guidance call to discuss your needs and how we can help. Contact us for more information.