For many small business owners, HR isn’t just a role—it’s a juggling act. One moment you’re handling payroll, the next you’re dealing with a performance issue, all while keeping an eye on ever-changing employment laws. It’s a balancing act that can be tough, especially for businesses without a dedicated HR team or for those relying on a single HR specialist who’s stretched across every function of the business.
The Springfield Business Journal recently explored this challenge, highlighting how small business owners can feel overwhelmed when they lack the HR skills or resources necessary to support their teams. And it’s true—when you’re trying to run a business, HR can feel like a full-time job on its own. You can check out the article here.
That’s where membership with organizations like ours comes in. At Associated Industries, we’ve made it our mission to be that bridge for small businesses until they’re ready to invest in a dedicated in-house HR manager or department. We understand that not every business is at the point where they can justify full-time HR support, but the need for HR guidance doesn’t disappear. That’s why we step in to help you manage that delicate balance.
For HR departments-of-one, the challenge can be even greater. These professionals are often asked to be specialists in every facet of employment law, compliance, employee relations, benefits administration, and more. It’s a tall order. And while they’re doing their best to cover all bases, the reality is that no one person can be an expert in every area of HR. That’s why having a resource like Associated Industries can be a lifeline—providing a team of professionals to support those HR-departments-of-one so they’re not stuck trying to master everything on their own.
Our team also offers outsourced HR arrangements for businesses who need more hands-on support. We know how valuable this can be, especially for small businesses, but we approach it thoughtfully. Just like the article mentions, we’re careful to ensure that our outsourced services are a good fit for the business, and we always advocate that companies invest in in-house HR when the time is right. There’s something powerful about having an HR professional who understands the ins and outs of your specific business, culture, and people.
We don’t believe in quick fixes. Our approach is rooted in ensuring that you’re supported today, but also ready to grow and evolve your HR capabilities as your business scales. And when the time comes for you to bring HR fully in-house, we’re here to help you make that transition as smooth as possible.
So, whether you’re a small business owner wearing all the hats or an HR professional feeling the weight of doing it all alone, we’ve got your back. We’re here to provide the expertise, guidance, and hands-on support you need—until you’re ready to build a team that can do it from within.
Because at the end of the day, we believe that investing in the right HR support at the right time is key to building a healthy, thriving business.