Outsourced HR: Your partner in support

A true partner in enhancing your HR function

One of the biggest misconceptions about outsourcing HR functions is that it will somehow undermine the in-house HR professional. Many people worry that bringing in external help will make them look inadequate, or worse — that it could jeopardize their job.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Outsourced HR isn’t about replacing you. It’s about enhancing your capacity to do your job better. It’s there to support you and provide additional expertise where and when you need it most. Whether you need help navigating complex compliance issues or dealing with tricky employee relations, a third-party professional is an extra set of hands, not a threat to your role.

The practical benefits of outsourced HR

So, what does this support look like in practice? Here are three ways that outsourcing HR functions can help you be more effective:

A sounding board for complex issues

One of the biggest challenges of being the only HR person in an organization is the isolation. You don’t always have someone to bounce ideas off of or help validate your approach. An external HR team means you have a network of experienced, skilled advisors to consult with when tricky situations arise, whether it’s a difficult termination, conflict resolution, or navigating a performance management situation.

Support with sensitive situations

An external advisor can help with challenging tasks that you might not have faced before — like managing a high-stakes termination or dealing with a complex employee relations issue. Having access to advisors who’ve been there / done that can provide the guidance and support you need to handle these situations.

For instance, if you’re dealing with a complicated termination, an outsourced HR professional can help you structure the conversation, provide documentation, and ensure everything is handled appropriately and compassionately. They give you the tools to handle complex issues with confidence.

Enhancing the HR function

Outsourced HR can help you demonstrate the value of the HR department to leadership by ensuring that no important tasks fall through the cracks. As you transition functions to an external team, you’ll have more time to focus on strategic initiatives — like workforce planning, talent development, and employee engagement. This helps raise the profile of HR within the organization, showing that it’s a critical driver of organizational success.

Build the case for outsourced HR

Bringing up the need for additional HR support can be a delicate conversation, particularly if you’re worried it may reflect poorly on your performance. However, framing the discussion in the right way can help your manager see that outsourcing is an effective and cost-effective solution that benefits both you and the organization.

Here are three tips to help pitch external HR services to your leader:

1. Highlight what’s working: Start by outlining the areas where you excel. Showing that you’re capable in key areas will help your manager see that you’re adding value to the business.
2. Present outsourced HR as a cost-effective solution: Instead of framing it as an admission of being overwhelmed, position it as a way to optimize the HR function.
3. Suggest phasing it in: Start small by outsourcing one or two functions or projects and scaling up if needed. This will allow your organization to test the waters without making a full commitment right away.

A strategic partner for your success

Outsourcing isn’t about replacing you — it’s about supporting you. By leveraging an external HR team to handle time-consuming tasks you can focus on fostering a thriving culture, driving employee engagement, and / or aligning HR strategy with organizational objectives.

Think of outsourced HR advisors as an extension of your team. They help you work more effectively without adding extra pressure to your workload. With the right support, you can elevate your HR function, making a bigger impact on the success of your business.

Ready to thrive in your HR role?

Whether you’re struggling to keep up with day-to-day tasks or want an experienced advisor to help with complex employee issues, our team of HR advisors is here to collaborate with you. We’ll work alongside you to make sure your HR function runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on the initiatives that matter most.

Reach out to our HR advisory to learn how we can support your specific needs. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to help you meet your goals and make HR a cornerstone of your company’s success.

To learn more, connect with Hali VanVliet, Partner, HR Consulting.