HR Roadmap for a Newly Launched Business
This one is for you, founders of early-stage startups and anyone launching a new business venture.
Starting a company is a whirlwind. You’re building products, chasing revenue, and wearing every hat imaginable. HR? It’s easy to push that off. But if you can get the people foundations right early on, this will save you headaches (and dollars) down the road.
That’s why we created a simple HR Roadmap for your first year as a startup leader. It breaks down what to focus on at each stage:
First 3 Months: Nail the basics (compliance, payroll, onboarding)
First 6 Months: Build structure and start shaping your culture
First 12 Months: Think big - strategy, scalability, and leadership growth
It doesn’t have to be complicated. A little planning now means fewer fires later and a stronger foundation for your team to thrive.
This is by no means a comprehensive checklist, but this should help you determine where to start. And if you’d like a sounding board, reach out to us at ScaleSmart HR Solutions. We are always happy to chat with founders about how to set up HR in a way that matches your vision and stage of growth – complimentary and with no strings attached!
First 3 Months (Foundation & Compliance)
Legal & Compliance
Register for employer tax IDs (federal, state, local)
Set up payroll system for wage & hour compliance
Complete required labor law postings
Determine whether E-Verify is required and ensure I-9 forms are completed and stored
Draft employee handbook/policies
People & Processes
Define employee vs. contractor classifications
Create onboarding process (offer letters, contracts, background checks)
Establish timekeeping & recordkeeping systems
Benefits & Pay
Select health insurance or determine requirements
Create PTO/leave policy (even if informal)
Set up workers’ compensation insurance
First 6 Months (Structure & Growth Readiness)
Policies & Compliance
Update employee handbook for clarity & compliance
Ensure compliance with FLSA, EEO, ADA, FMLA (if thresholds met)
Standardize performance documentation practices
Compensation & Benefits
Review pay structure for equity & competitiveness
Evaluate benefits package (health, retirement, wellness, perks)
Culture & Engagement
Define and communicate company values & mission
Hold regular all-hands/team meetings
Launch feedback loop (pulse surveys, check-ins, stay interviews)
Talent & Development
Develop job descriptions for all roles
Document recruiting & onboarding processes
Identify training needs & provide development opportunities
First 12 Months (Scalability & Strategy)
Strategic HR
Conduct HR audit for compliance & readiness
Create workforce plan aligned to business goals
Establish succession planning for key roles
Culture & Retention
Launch structured performance review process
Create recognition/rewards program tied to company values
Build inclusion practices appropriate for company size & stage
Talent & Leadership
Provide management training for first-time leaders
Define career development paths & growth conversations
Operations
Evaluate HR tech (HRIS, ATS, performance tools)
Document HR standard operating procedures
Benchmark engagement & turnover rates
Building a business is hard enough so you shouldn’t have to reinvent HR along the way. Start small, stay compliant, and build intentionally. The earlier you invest in your people foundations, the faster you can scale with confidence!
If this all seems like too much, fortunately, you’re in the right place. ScaleSmart HR Solutions has your back no matter what stage your company is in. Whether your plan is to move from one employee to two, or 100 to 200, we have tailored solutions for a fraction of the cost of a full time hire. That’s just one more way we’re helping you scale smart.
