Managing a small business is often overwhelming as these businesses struggle to manage their most valuable asset, their people. 

That’s because decision-makers in small businesses wear many hats. Few of these companies have a dedicated HR department that can manage critical functions like compliance, recruitment, and employee development. 

Another issue is that small businesses sometimes can’t afford having an HR team. Another challenge is not knowing who to hire to do what in the company. 

This is where an HR consultancy for a small business comes in. 

Research has found that nearly 80% of companies use HR outsourcing services owing to their benefits of cost optimization and HR expertise. 

These consultancies understand the challenges small businesses face and how to resolve them. They know how to guide them through the human management process. 

In this article, we’ll explore the top challenges small businesses struggle with, how HR consultancies can help small businesses and startups, and the top services they can offer. We’ll also cover how to choose a strategic partner to boost your company’s growth.

HR consultancies for small businesses vs enterprises: Challenges 

The role of an HR consultancy differs significantly between large enterprises and small businesses primarily in the scope, specialization, and strategic focus of the services provided.

For a small business, an HR consultant's role focuses on building the foundational HR infrastructure and providing hands-on support. They act as an outsourced HR department, handling day-to-day administrative tasks and ensuring compliance.

For a large enterprise, the role shifts from a hands-on generalist to a specialized strategic partner. The consultant works with an existing internal HR team to address complex, high-level challenges or to provide a fresh, objective perspective on a specific area of business.

The unique HR challenges small businesses face 

Lacking a dedicated and experienced HR team creates challenges for small businesses, including startups. 

These challenges include legal risks, difficulties in attracting and retaining talent, and a lack of organizational structure.

Compliance and legal risks 

For small businesses, staying compliant with labor laws is a major hurdle. Navigating complex and ever-changing regulations related to employment contracts, social insurance, and payroll can be a significant burden, especially without in-house legal or HR expertise. 

Mistakes in these areas can have severe consequences, from hefty fines to costly legal disputes. 

A small business HR consultancy can provide expert guidance to ensure compliance, mitigating these risks and safeguarding the business.

Recruitment and talent management 

Competing for top talent is another significant challenge for small businesses. They often struggle to match the salaries, benefits, and career advancement opportunities offered by larger companies. 

In addition, small businesses often don’t have a clear recruitment cycle or hiring process. This can reduce their hiring capabilities and lead to frequent bad hires.

Lack of structured hiring, can include failing to write realistic job descriptions, conducting effective structured and unstructured job interviews, and other hurdles. 

This results in a high employee turnover, reduced productivity, and reduced employee engagement and morale. They also lack the ability to calculate the cost of employee turnover.

An HR consultancy for small businesses can help by developing strategic recruitment plans, creating effective hiring materials, and establishing efficient interview processes, enabling the business to attract and retain the right people.
 

HR policies and strategy 

Without a solid HR foundation, small businesses can experience a variety of internal issues. From a lack of a clear company and salary structure, performance management systems, and employee handbooks, all of this can lead to low morale, disengaged employees, and no clear direction. 

Small businesses often lack an HR strategy, which can help direct various business and operational efforts.

Further reading: HR for Startups: Challenges & Opportunities with HR Services

How HR consultancies can help small businesses 

By partnering with a consultant, small businesses can transform their HR functions from a burden into a proactive asset.

Here are a few benefits:

Building a foundation for growth 

A solid HR infrastructure helps small businesses grow. Consultants help create essential frameworks such as clear organizational charts, equitable compensation structures, and well-defined job descriptions. 

This structured approach prevents operational chaos during expansion, ensuring new and old hires have clear roles and paths for development.

Focusing on core business activities 

By delegating complex and time-consuming HR tasks to a consultant or HR consultancy, business leaders can redirect their energy to revenue-generating activities like sales, client relations, and strategic planning. 

This strategic focus is crucial for driving the business forward and achieving long-term success.

Further reading: Strategic HR: The Evolution from Support Function to Business Partner

Streamlining HR operations and cutting costs 

One of the most important HR services consultancies offer is auditing current processes to identify inefficiencies and implement more streamlined systems. 

For example, they might introduce automated payroll software or a simplified applicant tracking system (ATS). 

Outsourcing time-consuming functions like payroll and benefits administration to an HR consultancy for small businesses significantly reduces administrative overhead. 

This allows your team to focus on core tasks, leading to better productivity and cost savings.

Choosing the right partner: Tawzef for HR and Consultancy 

Navigating the complex world of HR doesn't have to be a solo journey for small businesses. Finding the right partner is critical, and Tawzef for HR and Consultancy is a trusted and strategic partner for many small businesses in Egypt and the Middle East.

Our approach is built on providing tailored solutions and HR services for companies. 

A key part of our process is conducting a GAP analysis, a strategic service that helps small businesses pinpoint their specific pain points. 

This audit provides a clear roadmap for addressing issues and building a more effective HR framework. By identifying and solving these critical gaps, Tawzef’s team ensures every solution, from policy implementation to talent management, is directly aligned with your company's unique needs and goals.

Beyond strategic HR planning, Tawzef offers a range of practical services that directly address common small business challenges. 

Our expertise in manpower outsourcing and payroll outsourcing allows companies to offload administrative burdens and focus on core business functions. 

Besides HR consultancy services, At Tawzef, we offer various recruitment services. 

This delegation not only saves time but also ensures compliance with complex and ever-changing labor laws, mitigating legal risks. 

At Tawzef, we’re experts at creating comprehensive HR strategies and policies, essential for building a structured, scalable, and engaged workforce. 

We have worked across a range of industries including but not limited to banking, oil and gas, energy services, marketing, FMCG, construction, among other industries.

Conclusion 

By working with an HR consultancy for small businesses, companies can develop these foundational policies, creating a more professional, organized, and positive work environment that fosters growth and success.

HR consultancies can help small businesses by providing a strategic, cost-effective solution to the above challenges and others, offering expert guidance and support on demand.

If you need help guiding, developing, and supporting your small business and its growth, get in touch with Tawzef for HR and Consultancy services.

We help small businesses in various industries and sectors across Egypt and the Middle East. Get in touch and let’s start growing your company together!