In many small businesses, HR doesn’t begin with a fully staffed department or an experienced team—it often starts with one person. Sometimes, that person is hired specifically to handle HR, but more often, they find themselves in the role unexpectedly, with little formal training and a long list of responsibilities. Whether you're managing HR on top of your regular job or are the sole HR point of contact for your company, this webinar is built to support you from the ground up.

“HR 101 for Departments of One and Small Business” is designed for those who are new to HR or managing it as a solo practitioner. If you've recently taken on HR responsibilities, are supporting a small business, or are simply unsure where to start, this session will provide you with the guidance, tools, and confidence to move forward effectively.

This webinar begins by acknowledging the unique realities of managing HR in small organizations. Unlike large enterprises, small businesses often lack formal processes, existing HR infrastructure, or specialized support. You may be responsible for everything from payroll and hiring to compliance, employee relations, and training—all while learning as you go. This session will help you make sense of these demands by breaking them down into manageable steps and identifying which areas to prioritize first.

You’ll learn how to create a strong HR foundation by focusing on essential elements such as basic employment policies, proper recordkeeping, effective hiring and onboarding practices, and maintaining compliance with employment laws. These components are critical not only for staying legally protected but also for building a workplace that employees trust and respect.

Beyond compliance, the session will also explore how to begin shaping a positive workplace culture, even in small teams. You’ll gain insight into people-first strategies that don’t require a large budget or complex programs—just a thoughtful approach and practical execution. We’ll talk about how to introduce engagement practices, set up simple but meaningful performance processes, and start laying the groundwork for long-term HR success.

Importantly, this is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The webinar acknowledges that every small business is different, and it’s designed to be flexible and adaptable to your unique situation. Whether you're a startup founder wearing multiple hats, an office manager stepping into an HR role, or a new HR professional building a department from scratch, this session will help you navigate the path ahead.

By the end of the webinar, you’ll walk away with:

If you’ve been looking for guidance, clarity, and a starting point to make HR work in your small organization, this session is for you. Join us and take the first step toward creating an HR function that’s not just reactive, but strategic and impactful.

Areas Covered 

Who Should Attend    

Why Should You Attend 

If you’ve recently stepped into an HR role—or HR responsibilities have suddenly landed on your plate—this webinar is exactly what you need to get started on the right foot. Managing human resources for a small business or as a department of one comes with unique challenges. From juggling compliance and employee relations to onboarding, benefits, and culture-building, the demands can feel endless. Without a roadmap, it’s easy to feel lost or uncertain about where to focus your time and resources.

This session is designed to eliminate that uncertainty. You’ll gain clarity on what really matters in the early stages of building or managing HR functions, and walk away with a framework that you can immediately apply. Whether your goal is to ensure compliance, support your team, or lay the foundation for future growth, this webinar provides a clear path forward.

We’ll cover the key components every HR function needs—from policies and procedures to employee engagement strategies. You’ll learn how to prioritize your efforts, avoid common mistakes, and build credibility as an HR leader—even if you’re still learning the ropes yourself. Most importantly, you’ll gain access to practical tools and resources that will help you establish a people-first HR approach, one that aligns with both your organizational goals and employee needs.

This is not a high-level theoretical session. It’s real-world, hands-on support for those who are actively managing HR tasks and looking for guidance. If you’re a small business HR professional, an office manager wearing multiple hats, or simply new to the HR field, this session will give you the structure and confidence you need to succeed in your role.

Topic Background    

Stepping into the world of Human Resources can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the field or have unexpectedly taken on HR responsibilities in a small business. Many professionals find themselves wearing multiple hats, with HR duties added to their role without much formal training or guidance. For those in these situations, it can be hard to know where to begin or how to ensure you’re covering all the critical areas of compliance, employee support, and workplace culture.

This webinar is specifically designed for individuals who are new to Human Resources or managing HR functions on their own—whether you’ve just started a dedicated HR role, are part of a department of one, or have found yourself overseeing HR in a small business setting. You don’t need years of experience or a deep background in HR to succeed, but you do need a solid starting point and a framework that allows you to build confidence, structure, and success.

In this session, we’ll walk through the foundational elements of HR, explore common challenges faced by solo HR practitioners, and outline strategies for setting up sustainable HR practices. You’ll gain practical tools and resources that will help you create a people-first culture while also ensuring compliance and strategic alignment within your organization.