'It can feel like an uphill battle'

HRD looks at how to lead an effective HR function in a SME environment

BY John Hilton 18 Jul 2018

SME environments can be tough in terms of access to HR resources and high-reactive HR demands, according to Vanessa Frost, head of people & capability at Lumino the Dentists.

Moreover, it can be a tough task attracting the best talent in competition with the offers of larger corporates, not to mention building and maintaining a unique and personal culture – “often on a shoe string”, Frost told HRD.

“Add to that the work sometimes required to ‘prove the value add nature’ of HR functions and it can feel like an uphill battle,” said Frost.

“Pragmatic and realistic commercial wins are desired by key stakeholders in SME environments and staying focused on these is key to success.”

Frost will be speaking at the National HR Summit New Zealand on how to lead an effective and impactful HR function in a SME environment.

“Learning from other professional smarts (and failures) is a great way to inspire yourself and to stay in touch with latest developments in the industry,” said Frost.

So if Frost could give one piece of advice on HR excellence for SMEs what would it be?

“HR in a SME has the potential to be a vibrant and non-red tape ridden career opportunity – implement the initiatives that add direct commercial impact to gain credibility and make a genuine difference.”