Best HR Support Options for Seattle Small Businesses

Key Takeaways:

• Identify your HR needs and knowledge gaps before outsourcing support.

• Small business HR support doesn’t have to look one specific way; each business has unique needs that different models support best.

• Growing your business while managing HR is tricky and fractional support can help you level up your compliance without bringing on new HR headcount.

• Finding Seattle HR services that are local and understand the complexities of our region’s regulations are key to success.

Types of Human Resources Support

HR Consulting comes in a variety of packages—you can work with a consultant directly, get retainer-style support from an HR provider, or join HR membership. Some employers choose to bring on part-time or fractional HR partners if they don’t have enough work for a full-time position.

Let’s dig into the pros and cons of each style of human resources support.

Freelance HR Consultants

For small businesses just starting out, hiring a freelance HR consultant on a project or hourly basis can be a good way to get the insights and expertise you need while sparing your budget the expense of a full-time employee.

Before hiring a freelance HR consultant, make sure you have a contract with terms you are comfortable with, understand what projects they specialize in and where you may still need extra support, and if there are any additional costs (payroll software, job postings, etc.) they expect you to cover.

Pros of Freelance HR Consultants:

• Lower commitment than a full-time HR role, you can pay for the level of support you need.
• Can begin to build the foundation of an HR department by establishing documentation and recruiting processes.
• Human resources support can grow alongside your business as you scale.

Cons of Freelance HR Consultants:

• Consultants may specialize in one area but lack important knowledge in another.
• Availability may be limited due to other clients, cannot always respond immediately.
• Hiring an individual may come with more risk than working with an agency or other HR provider.
• Quality and expertise vary considerably.
• Consultants based outside of Washington may not understand our unique employment laws and regulations.

HR Software

There are several varieties of software or online based HR services available today. This has made accessing information easier than ever, providing on-demand support for small business owners. Platforms differ in what they offer, so decide what you need and confirm how each one verifies that its information and tools are accurate and compliant.

Pros of HR Software:

• HR software can provide expertise for small business owners at a lower cost than other HR consulting services.
• HR software is available on demand so employers can access templates or tools when they need them.
• Some platforms combine technology with human expertise, verifying what they are providing is compliant.

Cons of HR Software:

• HR software can’t provide or replace human judgement. Employee relations questions, terminations, and accommodations rarely are a one-size-fits-all situation.
• Information quality varies from platform to platform. Checking who and where information comes from is key. If you make a decision that is non-compliant, that will fall on your business, not the software.
• HR software covers only some pieces of the HR puzzle. It can supplement, but not replace, the full range of support an HR consultant provides.

Outsourced HR Support

Some small businesses find success partnering with an HR consulting firm to outsource HR work. This model suits businesses whose support needs fluctuate throughout the year. Perhaps a hiring surge of seasonal staff requires extra recruiting help or special projects like open enrollment season need extra hands.

A third-party HR provider gives you access to experienced, vetted experts who can work on-site or remotely. For remote work, confirm the consultant knows Washington and Seattle-specific laws well.

Pros of Outsourced HR:

• Lower overhead costs when compared to a full-time salary, benefits, and equipment.
• Provides expert compliance support for complex regulations.
• Scales with your business, increase services during in-demand periods without a long-term commitment.
• Establish better systems and processes with expert support that will help guide your HR department as it grows.

Cons of Outsourced HR:

• Quality varies widely, so vet providers carefully to be sure they have the expertise you need.
• Consultants know less about your company and need more time and regular hours to learn your culture, managers, and business priorities.
• Limited day-to-day presence. With fewer hours, you may still be the one handling employee needs and making management decisions.
  

HR Membership

HR Membership is a unique model offered by Archbright to small businesses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California. With membership, small businesses unlock access to HR and safety experts that can answer your questions and provide tools and resources that help you stay compliant.

Some membership tiers come with legal support from our partners at Workplace Law Group, an annual employee handbook review, and labor services. Membership is an affordable option for small to medium sized businesses that need extra HR support but aren’t ready to hire in-house HR experts or counsel.

In addition to benefits like the HR Hotline and policy templates in mozzo, our HR and safety resources hub, members also receive a discount on for-fee services like HR Consulting, HR Investigations, Recruiting, Strategic HR Consulting, and more.

For many of our members, membership with Archbright is the best HR support option for their small business. Whether you’re a non-profit, new startup, or established business, we provide support that can grow with your needs. Based in Seattle for over 90 years, Archbright has helped thousands of local businesses navigate local laws, employment challenges, and compliance needs.

Seattle Specific HR Challenges

For businesses within the City of Seattle, there are specific laws and regulations that impact how you handle Human Resources in your organization. Archbright members receive compliance alerts for major changes and can reach out to our HR Advisors on the HR Hotline with any questions they may have, from compliance to employee relations. It is important to choose HR consulting services that are locally based and have a deep understanding of our region’s specific industries and challenges.

Increased Worker Protections in Seattle

Seattle has some specific employment laws that are important for business owners and HR teams to understand. These are in addition to Washington State laws and include areas like:

• Seattle minimum wage
• Paid Sick and Safe Time
• Secure Scheduling, for certain large retail and food-service employers
• Wage Theft Ordinance requirements
• Fair Chance Employment for employees with criminal backgrounds
• Commuter Benefits Ordinance
• Domestic Workers Ordinance
• And worker-protection and notice or posting requirements

HR Consulting Services Should Support Your Growing Business

Whether you’re new or growing, choose HR support that can scale with you. Support that fits your needs now and leaves room to expand later saves you time and money. Growth may look like the ability to expand to additional hours, access the right specialty experts as you navigate safety or legal needs, or additional services offerings like recruiting, HR investigations, and other HR support as you navigate new challenges.

Why Archbright is the Right Choice for Seattle Small Businesses in Need of HR Consulting Services

Archbright gives you access to experts, resources, and tools that help you establish solid policies, plus for-fee services that allow you to expand service as your business grows. We’ve supported Seattle small businesses for 90 years and aim to build lasting relationships with our members. We’re a trusted HR resource and a second-opinion on sensitive situations, with reliable resources that free you to get back to the ten-thousand other tasks on your plate.

Learn more about Archbright Membership →