Whether your company is large or small, sometimes an outside perspective from a human resource (HR) consultant is beneficial. Whether you hire a large firm or an independent consultant, you will have the advantage of experts who can assess your current HR processes for compliance. Consultants also can help navigate through delicate labor issues and the potential minefield of hiring, compensation and benefits. Here are three good reasons to hire an HR consultant:
Avoid potentially costly litigation by establishing best employment practices and training, and upgrading sensitive recruitment practices. Consultants can recruit and hire employees.
Help the company get through times of change by covering hiring and compensation, as well as investigating, documenting and dismissing employees.
Save money by contracting instead of employing a full-time HR executive.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Identify the services you want
To maximize your investment, decide what you want an HR consultant to accomplish before hiring one.
I recommend:
Get an idea of what a consultant might do for you by reviewing these menus and samples of services from M2 and HROptions. Test your HR savvy with a free quiz.
Advertise for help
Use industry job banks to view resumes and list your contract or position.
I recommend:
Post an ad by category and by city at iHireHR. You don't have to be a society member to use the career centers of ASTD, the American Society for Training and Development, or SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management.
Hire a large firm with multiple specialists
The bigger your company and the higher the stakes, the greater the odds that you'll need a major HR consulting player to help address your staffing challenges. Get recommendations from other executives or do your own investigation.
I recommend:
Browse for large firm solutions at BestOfHR. Consultancy Precept offers a wide range of services and specialists. For a company with national service connections, go to Innovative Employee Solutions.
Hire a small firm for custom solutions
Small companies and independent consultants can offer flexibility in HR consulting that's especially helpful for smaller businesses.
AT&T Enterprise Solutions The Most Innovative Network Mngmnt Capabilities in Telecommunications. att.com/enterprise
HumanResourcesConsultants Get a Free Datasheet From a Leading HumanResourcesConsultants Company & Integrate Learning, Compliance, Performance, Compensation and Succession. www.cornerstoneondemand.com
Mercer: Human Resources Consulting
Mercer consultants work with Human Resources departments to enhance the financial and retirement security, health, productivity, and employment relationships of the global workforce.
Hewitt Associates
Provider of multi-service HR business process outsourcing (BPO), and fully integrated HR outsourcing and consulting.
AON Consultants
Worldwide consulting firm offering help with benefits, talent management and rewards strategies and other HR solutions.
Watson Wyatt Worldwide
A global human capital consulting firm working to help clients improve business performance.
Accenture
Global management consulting and technology services company.
Hay Group
HR consultancy that strives to develop talent, help people be more effective, and motivate them to perform at their best.
Personnel Decisions International
Global human resources consulting firm with distinctive expertise in building leadership talent that provides real competitive advantage.
Best Sites to Learn More
Human Resources Consultants Association
Association of HR Consultants with a vast array of specialties including staffing, benefits and compensation, diversity, HRIS, outplacement, training and development, and organizational development.
BuyerZone.com: HR Outsourcing
Buyer's guide to HR outsourcing as well as a form for free human resources outsourcing quotes from up to six vendors.
AT&T Enterprise Solutions The Most Innovative Network Mngmnt Capabilities in Telecommunications. att.com/enterprise
HumanResourcesConsultants Get a Free Datasheet From a Leading HumanResourcesConsultants Company & Integrate Learning, Compliance, Performance, Compensation and Succession. www.cornerstoneondemand.com
Outsource HumanResources Maximize the Value of Your People. Get Free Quotes from HR Providers! HRO.BuyerZone.com
Find Quality Consultants Save Time & Money With Better Results. Find a Consultant for Your Project Needs in IT, Business & Management, Engineering, Manufacturing & more. www.consultantforce.com
Sage Abra HRMS Streamline HR & Payroll Administration. Save Time & Money. Learn More Here! www.SageAbra.com
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