Managing every aspect of human resources — from hiring and training to compensation, retention, compliance, and employee engagement — all on your own can feel overwhelming. Yet many organizations rely on a single HR professional to handle it all. While the role is challenging, it’s also an opportunity to make a significant impact.
Below are four actionable tips to help you succeed as a one-person HR department.
1. See the Big Picture
Start by building strong relationships with company managers and leadership. Understand their priorities, challenges, and expectations of HR. By being approachable and proactive, you’ll be the first to know about potential personnel issues rather than the last. This also allows you to set realistic expectations, establish credibility, and align HR practices with short- and long-term organizational goals.
2. Align HR with Business Strategy
Don’t let daily administrative tasks overshadow your strategic contributions. Share your expertise with management to influence company-wide decisions. Develop a clear HR roadmap and secure leadership buy-in. By positioning HR as a strategic partner rather than just a support function, you’ll help drive organizational success and showcase the value you bring to the business.
3. Leverage the Right HR Tools
Organization is essential when you’re running HR solo. Investing in an appropriate Human Resource Information System (HRIS) can transform your workflow. A right-sized HRIS can help you efficiently manage payroll, attendance, benefits, and performance evaluations while providing powerful analytics and reporting to inform leadership decisions.
4. Stay Informed and Connected
You may be the only HR professional in your organization, but you’re not alone. Stay up-to-date on employment laws, HR trends, and best practices. Build and maintain a professional network — including HR peers, mentors, and legal experts — before a crisis arises. Access to trusted advice and resources ensures you can confidently navigate complex issues.
Bonus Tip: Choosing the Right HRIS for Your Company
Many HRIS platforms are tailored to smaller organizations and one-person HR teams. Take advantage of services that match your organization’s unique needs with the right vendors — often at no cost. The right system can streamline your workload, increase efficiency, and give you more time to focus on strategic initiatives.
