HR As A Shared Vision - solutions for small business HR needs

Author : Ada Tai, MBA, CPHR, SHRM-SCP

"HR as a shared service" typically refers to large, multi-location corporations that require centralizing their less strategic HR tasks. These organizations often leverage a call-center HR platform that provides general HR services, such as payroll and HRIS, as well as some specialized services like recruitment and policy inquiries, thus allowing them to focus their efforts on more strategic HR functions. This approach has been proven to reduce costs and streamline support services more efficiently.

In contrast, small businesses without the budget to afford full-scope HR support face a different challenge. In recent years, smaller firms have begun collaborating and sharing support functions, including HR, IT, and finance. This trend emphasizes a common goal among businesses, which I refer to as "HR as a shared vision ". By pooling their resources, small businesses can access common business services, enjoy cost savings, and streamline support without incurring excessive expenses.

A shared HR vision for small businesses is to achieve the companies’ goals through effective and efficient ways of managing people resources. 

One HR professional I admire was a pioneer in creating a shared vision. She pooled together a group of five non-profit organizations and offered them HR support in recruitment and employee relations issues. All of her clients shared similar needs, challenges, and concerns. Although one might think that these organizations would compete for talent, this HR professional encouraged them to collaborate. For candidates who were not successful in one organization's job, she would ask the top candidates if they would be interested in another similar organization within the pool. The results were astounding!

Three of our clients operate in different industries, but the small business network helped the owners meet and become each other's sounding boards. I started working with one of them on several people challenges. The owner then asked if I'd be open to meeting with two other business owners with similar issues. One meeting turned into two, into four, and into a continuous pattern. To enhance their people management skills, three discerning business owners have availed themselves of my customized learning sessions and consultations. These individuals split the cost of attending these sessions, designed to enable them to solve their personnel-related challenges with greater proficiency.

The cost factor and lack of awareness have presented significant challenges to small businesses seeking HR services. Often, these enterprises only seek HR consultation after hitting a wall, such as encountering a human rights complaint, a need to terminate, an extended leave of absence, or turnover issues. However, HR support is a critical tool for expanding business operations. Outsourcing HR support provides a viable solution for small businesses that lack the need or budget for a full-time in-house HR department.

Businesses often seek out HR service providers through various channels, such as networking, referrals, or business advisory services offered by various agencies. Alternatively, some organizations choose to purchase enterprise software that comes bundled with some HR consultation provided by the vendor. When considering potential HR service providers, businesses should carefully evaluate several factors.

1. Define the need for HR service and commit to it

  • ​Often, small businesses are busy with operational duties, and although they recognize the need for professional help, they often do not follow through. 

2.Identify a budget and allow some room for flexibility if people challenges arise

  • Be aware that the common pricing model consultants charge can include hourly, monthly/quarterly, project-based, or retainer-based rates. Businesses should seek out service providers who offer transparent and competitive pricing, and who can deliver value for money.

3. Outline your desired HR support delivery model

  • For example, the delivery can be in-person vs. remotely, on-site vs. on-call, and on a regular touch point vs. as needed.

4. Shortlist 3 service providers 

  • Of course, you can go for fewer or more providers.

5. Assess the providers and select the most suitable one

  • Like a hiring process, you want to evaluate which provider is the most suitable for your business and situation. An experienced HR firm/consultant can help you navigate the complex world of talent management and compliance. Companies should assess the HR provider's experience and expertise. A provider with significant experience in a wide range of HR management and consulting can offer valuable insights and guidance. Previous clients’ reviews, referrals, and consultants’ backgrounds and qualifications can provide valuable information about the quality of service and customer satisfaction. 

To ensure optimal outcomes, it is crucial to cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship with the consultant. As your business grows and evolves, HR requirements will invariably transform. Businesses should treat the HR consultants as business partners and apprise them of changes to ensure they remain equipped to cater to these evolving needs. 

I see. I hear. I experience. is a column created by and written by Ada Tai, a chartered member of CPHR Alberta. The column is written in a blog format where Ada and invited co-authors will present their own experiences and interpretations of the world of human resources and its impact on business management. This and the subsequent posts are copyrighted materials by the author(s) and only reflect their personal views, not CPHR Alberta’s.

Author Bio:  With an MBA Degree, a CPHR, and an SHRM-SCP designation, Ada Tai has been working as an HR professional in a variety of industries for 15+ years. Through her consulting firm, Ada and the team provide a variety of strategic and pragmatic management consulting services.  Ada’s public speaking skills have enabled her to be regularly invited to speak about HR, people management, career search, and networking topics throughout the province. She is also a well-respected Instructor at local universities. 

Contact information: 

Website 

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LinkedIn at adatai or BadaB-Consulting-Inc

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BadaB Consulting Inc. provides a wide range of solutions, including Strategic HR and Succession Planning, Organizational Design & Development, Merger & Acquisition Support, Recruitment, Training Facilitation, Compensation Design, Performance Management, Workplace Investigation, Policy Development, etc. Another specialty of BadaB’s services is personal job search and career coaching. The team has effectively helped over 500 people to find work.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.



An Update from your Board of Directors – September 2025

By Jessica Jaithoo • October 7, 2025
As the governing voice of CPHR Alberta, the Board of Directors meet quarterly to provide oversight and guidance in several key areas. The Board, alongside CPHR Alberta operations, continues to deliver on the association's strategic priorities developed in the 2020 strategic plan. To ensure transparency between our Board of Directors, members and key stakeholders, we are sharing post-meeting messages to inform the steps taken towards advancing our profession and ensuring a financially stable association. The Board of Directors met on September 22, 2025, and the Board’s key messages are as follows: 2026 – 2028 Strategic Plan The Board unanimously approved CPHR Alberta’s new 2026 – 2028 Strategic Plan, which includes a refreshed organizational vision and mission. This forward-looking plan focuses on: Enhancing member value Promoting self-regulation Elevating the visibility of the CPHR designation Fostering a future-ready HR community Implementation begins immediately, with further details to be shared in the coming months. Stay tuned, our new Strategic Plan will be released this fall via email! Board Recruitment The Board has initiated preparations for the 2026 elections. We will once again be seeking CPHR, Retired CPHR, and public members. Additional details will be available in November. CPHR Canada and Collaboration Across Provinces The Board welcomed Philippe de Villers, Chair of CPHR Canada, who presented the national organization’s new strategic plan and the strong collaboration across provinces. Further updates will follow after CPHR Canada’s December Board meeting. You can view the CPHR Canada Strategic Plan here. Financial Management The Board reported that CPHR Alberta remains on track for a balanced 2025 budget, with no current financial risks identified. Engagement Board members will be attending our holiday mingles across the province starting in November. We invite you to join us in celebrating another successful year as a growing HR community. Visit the CPHR Alberta events page and watch your inbox, registration opens soon!  The next Board meeting takes place in November 2025, after which we will again share our key messages. If you have any questions regarding these key messages or the Board of Directors, please contact chair@cphrab.ca . We welcome your feedback!

Supporting Employee Well-Being: How HR Plays a Role in World Mental Health Day

By Jessica Jaithoo • October 7, 2025
Each year on October 10th we commemorate World Mental Health day. A day dedicated to raising awareness, minimize stigma, and promote meaningful connections and conversations about mental well-being. In the modern fast-paced and high-pressured working world, mental health support comes as a crucial element beyond a wellness initiative. It helps to build a more resilient, compassionate, and productive workplace. For HR professionals this day is an important reminder in the role we play in creating a culture that prioritizes empathy, balance, and care. When employees are mentally supported, they are more engaged, collaborative, and better equipped to excel in their roles. Why Mental Well-Being Matters Mental health can affect anyone, regardless of position, age, industry, or experience. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that in 2019, 970 million people globally battled mental health issues. Anxiety and depression being the most common disorders. The economic costs become substantial, with loss in productivity outstripping direct cost of care. Beyond numbers, the impact can ripple through teams and affect morale. Stress, burnout, and disengagement have real, impactful consequences. Acknowledging mental health and proactively making efforts to take care of employees strengthens companies as a whole. How Can Employers Support Employee Mental Health? While there is no “cookie cutter” formula to promote mental wellness – creating an environment where employees feel seen, heard, and supported is key. Here are a few actions HR can implement to make an impact: Foster Open Conversations Break the silence. Openly encouraging judgement-free conversations around mental health can reduce the stigma around the topic. Practicing empathy and sharing personal experiences can encourage others to also discuss their own experiences and current challenges. Access to Mental Health Resources Ensure employees know where they can turn to for help. Having an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with access to counseling, therapy, or mental-health hotlines and online support tools can increase awareness and better access to resources that can help employees whom are struggling with their mental health. HR can also work with benefits providers to increase coverage for mental health services or host workshops that focus on stress management and mindfulness as well as recognizing signs of burnout or emotional distress. Creating an environment within the workplace that promotes these habits also is important. Having quiet spaces to decompress, offering mental health days, or acknowledging small employee achievements can go a long way. Work-Life Balance Having a balance between work and personal life is key in maintaining mental health. Encourage employees to set realistic goals and expectations, honour their time off, and model such balanced behaviour themselves. Flexible work schedules, options to work remotely, regular check-ins, and encouraging boundaries can help employees better manage their workload and reduce burnout. Celebrating World Mental Health Day in the workplace  World Mental Health Day is a great opportunity to remind and emphasize an organization’s commitment to well-being. Here are a few ways HR can promote and celebrate the day: Host a wellness workshop: Invite a speaker or mental-health professional to talk about coping strategies or tools for mindfulness Coffee & Connection: Have an informal meeting where employees can share their own ways to de-stress and support one another Share Resources: Share educational material or mental health tips through internal communication channels Closing Thoughts Mental health shouldn’t just be a one-day topic. It’s a constant year-round commitment to help take care of ourselves. On this World Mental Health Day, we should reflect on how to make our own workplaces safer, fostering compassionate and stigma-free spaces for everyone. As HR professionals we are in a key role to lead this change. We can advocate for open dialogue, sharing helpful resources, and nurturing an inclusive culture that values well-being just as much as performance. By working together, united we can create safer workplaces where employees can thrive both professionally and personally. When people feel supported, everyone benefits. Resources: https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health#tab=tab_2 About the Author: Rheya is a volunteer with the CPHR Alberta Social Media Committee, a young professional passionate about HR and creativity. With a Diploma and Bachelor's in Business Administration from SAIT, Rheya brings experience in project management, SEO, and social media. When not working, Rheya enjoys crocheting, writing a first novel, and binge-watching Harry Potter movies.

A Strategic Guide to Organization Restructuring, Part 1

By Jessica Jaithoo • September 29, 2025
Author: Ada Tai, MBA, CPHR, SHRM-SCP I’ve been watching the pace of corporate restructuring accelerate this year, and it’s striking how no sector seems immune. ConocoPhillips is reducing its global workforce by a quarter. Intel is preparing to slash 24,000 jobs in one of the largest shake-ups in its history. Salesforce is eliminating 4,000 positions as it doubles down on its AI strategy. Paramount Skydance, fresh off its blockbuster merger, is shedding up to 3,000 roles; while Hudson’s Bay, a retailer that’s been part of Canada’s identity for more than 350 years, is closing its doors and letting go of more than 8,300 employees. Add to that layoffs at Starbucks, Amazon, PwC, Burberry and even Recruit Holdings, the parent company of Indeed and Glassdoor 1 , and the picture becomes clear: we’re in the middle of a global restructuring storm, where technology, cost pressures, and shifting markets are re-writing the rules of work. In my recent conversations with business leaders, one theme keeps surfacing: many are contemplating a restructuring of their own. However, they’re not just looking to cut costs; they’re seeking a clear strategy. That’s what this guide is about: how to prepare for restructuring with purpose, clarity, and humanity. Step One: Define the "Why" Restructuring is one of the most complex decisions a company can make. Done poorly, it can destabilize operations and damage culture. Done well, it can reset the business for future success. The starting point is always the “why.” What problems are you solving? Common drivers include: Financial distress - Reducing costs and/or improving profit margin to stabilize the business Market changes - Pivoting toward new products, services, or geographical territories Technology shifts - Re-organizing to adopt AI, automation, or other innovations Efficiency and competitiveness: Streamline structures or flatten hierarchies The objectives must be specific, measurable, and aligned with the company's long-term vision. This "why" is the foundation for the entire plan and is essential for communicating with stakeholders. Step Two: Define the “What” Once the purpose is clear, organizations can proceed to define the scope. Which functions are absolutely critical to preserve? And which areas could be restructured, consolidated, or phased out? This stage is about mapping priorities. In my work with clients, I often find that once they clarify their non-negotiables, the rest of the plan comes into focus much more easily. Step Three: Plan the “How” Too often, companies jump straight to layoffs, but effective restructuring requires scenario planning. Before jumping to layoffs, I’d advise businesses test different options to see which will lead to the best results for their company. This might include a hiring or salary freeze, reduced hours, offering voluntary exits, retraining employees, or re-deploying talent to new roles. Each option carries different financial, operational, and cultural impacts. Running these scenarios before making cuts prevents costly missteps.  Equally important: restructuring can’t be run by a single department in isolation. Organizations need a cross-functional team of leaders, supported where needed by external advisors who bring objectivity and specialized expertise.
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