Top Ten Challenges When Outsourcing Your HR Function

Outsourcing HR UK is an effective way to streamline your business operations and focus on your core goals. But, to ensure a smooth transition, it is essential to know what you need in an HR outsourcing provider.

Below are the top ten challenges to look out for when outsourcing your HR function.

Here are 10 key things you should do:

1. Check the contract duration when outsourcing HR UK

Is a long-term contract right for you?  Many companies offer retained services. Do you want to be tied in for 1 year, 3 years or 5 years? These types of contracts always suit the HR provider, but is it right for you?

You have no way of knowing what your requirements are going to be over the medium to long term. They could easily change from one month to the next. Instead, look for a contract that’s no longer than a year and includes flexible terms. In addition, like an hourly or monthly rate that reflects your use of the service. That way you won’t end up paying for services you don’t need or use.

Better Contracts With The HR Booth

Doing the right thing is always our main priority and it’s important to us that businesses don’t feel like they have to be locked in to a long contract. Therefore, most of our retainer contracts all have a 90 day notice period. By offering this flexibility, we aim to build trust, foster strong working relationships, and demonstrate our dedication to doing what is best for our clients and their businesses.

 2. Don’t make a decision Under Pressure

We’ve attended hundreds of networking events over the years and it always amazes us the number of HR companies and Consultants who strike fear into people to outsourcing HR UK.

Employment law can appear complicated and employment tribunals are expensive. Furthermore, you might think that buying tribunal indemnity insurance is an easy way to gain peace of mind. The reality is that there are many steps in the process to an employment tribunal. If you have sensible HR policies and procedures in place, you are at a very low risk of losing a claim. If you choose a supplier just because they offer tribunal indemnity insurance you could be paying an unnecessary premium.

No Pressure with The HR booth

At The HR Booth, we pride ourselves on offering advice and support tailored to the unique needs of every business we work with. We understand that every organisation is different, and what works for one may not work for another. That’s why we never adopt a high-pressure approach to encourage businesses to engage with us. Instead, we focus on providing clear, practical guidance that allows business owners to make informed decisions that align with their goals and values. Our priority is always to ensure you feel supported and confident, no matter what decision you choose to make. We’re here when you need us, ready to help in a way that works best for you.

3.Check whether you’re dealing with a call centre

To ensure you are receiving the best when outsourcing HR UK, look out for key language such as 24/7 HR support.

What does the HR company supplier really mean by ongoing dedicated 24/7 HR support? You wouldn’t take legal advice from a call centre, and I wouldn’t encourage you to take HR advice from one either. How can you guarantee the person in the call centre is trained and qualified in the HR areas you’re asking for advice? We encourage you to engage with an HR team trained in the area you’re querying and will personally give you the advice you need.

The Best Support from HR Professionals at The HR Booth

Many businesses have approached us because they’ve been tied in to long contracts with certain well known HR consultancies and they’ve not received the level of support they were originally looking for. They either ended up with an online software or someone on the other end of the phone who doesn’t know much about their business or needs. They would rather take on a contract with us and get the right advice and support they need instead of waiting for the other contract to end.

If you are looking for the right advice from a HR professional, contact us.

4. Check if you will speak to the same Consultant every time you make contact

Effective HR support is about building lasting relationships. You should have a dedicated named Consultant or team of Consultants who work with your business and who know you, your company and your team. If you’re having to speak to someone new every time, you’re always having to start at the beginning, and this does nothing to fulfil you with confidence.

Building Relationships with The HR Booth

We pride ourselves on really getting to know our clients. When engaging with us, you will have a dedicated HR professional supporting you with all your HR needs

5. Check if the service includes face-to-face meetings

You should be able to have a face-to-face meeting whenever you want one. It’s the most effective way for your Consultant to get a full understanding of your business and your people. If you had in-house HR support instead of outsourcing HR UK, this is what you would do. I would avoid providers that restrict meetings simply to keep their own costs down – we love getting out to see our clients.

6. Ask what HR Admin support is included?

You should be able to get admin support around recruitment, job offers, new hires, onboarding, general day to day HR admin and exit process.

The HR Booth Admin Support

Find out more about our HR admin support service on our website.

7. Double check the costs