When Is the Right Time to Hire My First Employee?

Tuesday June 8, 2021

Starting and running your own business normally involves wearing several hats throughout each day. It’s down to you to manage essential functions like sales, marketing, accounting, customer services and more, in order to make your business a success.

A master of multi-tasking, you might find yourself sending emails and answering phone calls whilst simultaneously paying the bills and taking orders from clients. Does this sound familiar?

The value of time and trust

As your business grows, so will demand for your time. And you may find yourself having to turn down opportunities to keep on top of the day-to-day. There is only so much one person can do after all, and you’ll need to take a break at some point to prevent burnout.

If you have reached the stage where you are consistently busy, it’s possible you have considered hiring someone to share the load. But the process of recruiting and training an employee has put you off. It requires time that you don’t have to spare.

Then there’s the risk of it not working out. Trusting your business in the hands of someone new can feel like taking a huge leap of faith.

Investing in people

Although it may seem like a task you don’t have the time for, hiring staff may be an essential step for your business. With the right strategy in place, your first employee can make the difference between you being able to maintain and maximise business.

Knowing when it’s the right time to hire your first employee can feel like a difficult decision to make. But asking yourself the following questions can help.

  • Are you turning down work due to a lack of resource?
  • Is there enough work for another person to undertake part or full time?
  • Is it within your budget to hire someone?
  • Are you ready for the commitment?

If you answered yes to all four questions, it could be time to start mapping out a role and responsibilities for your first employee. But if you answered no to all of the above, we would suggest postponing your expansion plans for now. Make sure you have the demand and means necessary to bring someone on board.

If you had a mixture of yes and no answers, consider a review of your business forecast. You might not be ready to hire just yet, but it always helps to plan.

Still unsure as to whether it’s time to start recruiting for your business? Or have questions about how and when employment law applies? We can advise further.

Give your business a Flying Start with The HR Dept

We can help you navigate the complexities of employment law and have packages designed specifically for micro businesses taking on their first employee.

After getting to know you and the unique needs of your business, we can advise on the qualifications and expertise required to fill a vacant role. From helping you find the right person, to making sure you’re all set with the right documentation for their first day, our Flying Start package is an effective and affordable solution. It will take your business growth to the next level.

Preventing People Problems

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