What does good HR support look like?
- Sarah Cooper
- Aug 19
- 2 min read
HR isn’t just about keeping you out of trouble.
Done well, it helps your business to run more smoothly, keeps your team on track and sets you up for long-term growth.
But not all HR support is the same. It comes in three levels, and knowing the difference can help you to choose the right kind of help for your business.
Level 1: Operational HR
Keeping the lights on and the business legally safe.
This is the foundation layer - the essential admin and compliance work that stops things from falling through the cracks.
What it includes:
Contracts and handbooks that are legally sound
HR policies that are clear, practical and protect you
Handling day-to-day issues, like sickness, lateness and conduct
Keeping employee records up to date and secure
Making sure you're compliant with employment law and payroll basics
Level 2: Tactical HR
Fixing problems, improving processes and helping your people to perform.
Tactical HR is about putting better people systems in place - not just reacting to issues, but improving on how things work day to day.
What it includes:
Hiring the right people and onboarding them properly
Helping line managers to handle tricky conversations or underperformance
Introducing consistent performance reviews and feedback
Improving communication and team dynamics
Rolling out policies or processes (e.g., hybrid working, absence management)
Coaching and supporting managers to lead effectively
Level 3: Strategic HR
Aligning your people with your long-term goals.
Strategic HR helps you to plan ahead. It’s about designing the kind of team you’ll need to grow - and creating a structure that supports your vision.
What it includes:
Workforce planning: who to hire, when and why
Identifying future leaders and building career paths
Keeping your company culture strong as you scale
Using HR data to improve retention and engagement
Supporting big changes, like restructures, funding growth or expansion
Which level do you actually need?
If you're still stuck in admin or worried about compliance, start at Level 1.
If you're hiring the wrong people or firefighting team issues, you need Level 2.
If you're planning for growth or thinking about the future, Level 3 is essential.
The best HR consultants can flex across all three. But knowing what level you're operating at helps you to get the right support - and stops you from wasting time and money on the wrong kind.
Want help in figuring out what level of support your business actually needs?
That’s exactly what we do.
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