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Reaching that 15-30 employee threshold brings a crucial decision for business owners: is it time to hire a dedicated HR person? Before taking that leap, Julie Wheeler of Clarity HR makes a compelling case for considering fractional HR services as a strategic alternative that could save your business money while providing superior expertise.

When businesses cross this growth threshold, they typically face one of two scenarios: either they've experienced a negative event highlighting their compliance gaps, or their office manager has become overwhelmed as simple HR tasks evolve into complex responsibilities requiring specialized knowledge. The misconception that employment regulations only matter once you reach 50 employees leaves many small businesses vulnerable to costly mistakes.

Wheeler explains that fractional HR offers distinct advantages over hiring a single full-time generalist. Rather than paying for 40 hours weekly of limited expertise, fractional services provide access to a collaborative team of specialists with diverse industry knowledge and regulatory expertise. This approach delivers high-level guidance that might otherwise be unaffordable, especially considering the rising salaries commanded by experienced HR professionals.

Perhaps most valuable is the unfiltered perspective fractional HR professionals provide. Unlike employees who might hesitate to challenge the owner's perspectives, external consultants can directly address problematic practices without fear of repercussions. "An employee doesn't always have that leverage to say 'you hired me as an expert, why aren't you taking my advice?'" Wheeler notes. "We're going to give them our best advice to protect them and their organization, regardless of whether they're going to be happy with that answer."

For business owners wondering if they need HR support, Wheeler offers a simple litmus test: listen to your employees. When staff members begin questioning policies, seeking clarification on procedures, or documenting issues independently, these are strong indicators your HR infrastructure needs attention. These challenges are common in growing businesses, and addressing them proactively creates an environment where expectations are clear and the organization is protected from compliance risks.

Ready to explore if fractional HR is right for your business? Schedule a discovery call with Clarity HR today and take the first step toward comprehensive HR support tailored to your organization's unique needs.

🎙️ Connect with Chrissy Myers and discover how resilience, expertise, and community can transform your world:

🔗 Follow Chrissy on LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes insights, leadership tips, and updates on her journey as the CEO of two thriving businesses.

📘 Grab your copy of 'Reluctantly Resilient' to learn how Chrissy turned challenges into opportunities and how you can do the same in your life and business.

🤝 Explore Clarity HR and discover how Chrissy’s team simplifies HR for small businesses, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

💼 Visit AUI to see how Chrissy's employee benefits expertise can help you build a healthier, happier workforce.