HR for Startups: 5 Must Haves for Founders & CEOs

HR for Startups: 5 Must Haves for Founders & CEOs

Firstly, congrats on your business! If you’ve landed here, I’m guessing things are going well (or at least moving fast), and that’s no small feat.

You’re probably at that exciting, slightly overwhelming point where you're about to hire your first employee or maybe you’ve already got a few people onboard. 

Either way, you’ve been doing what I lovingly call HR winging-it. You’ve got contracts in place but deep down, you know that might be where the structure ends.

Let’s be honest…You’re now getting questions about annual leave policies or flexible working, and suddenly your “check it with me” approach isn’t working out anymore. Even worse, every Monday before your first coffee, someone’s asking, “Hey, got five minutes for a quick chat?” (Spoiler: it’s never just five minutes.)

Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone.

If you're a CEO or Founder who’s been juggling HR alongside literally everything else, here are my top 5 HR must-haves to help you stop winging it and start leading with confidence.

1. Employment Contracts (Signed!)

Every employee needs a contract. No exceptions. Yes, technically, someone turning up to work, getting paid, and doing their job could still be considered an employee, even without a signature (pending jurisdiction)...BUT A signed contract brings clarity, protects both sides, and sets the tone for a professional relationship. Always get it in writing.

2. Employee Handbook : Your Culture Bible

Think of this as the heart of how you do things. It doesn’t need to be corporate or rigid, it just needs to be clear.

From how to book annual leave to your stance on remote work, to more sensitive areas like maternity or grievances, your handbook ensures everyone’s on the same page. It’s the best way to create consistency, fairness, and a great first impression.

3. Disciplinary Policy & Procedure

Nobody wants to use this, but when you need it, you really need it. A well-written, disciplinary procedure outlines how you’ll manage issues like conduct, performance, or attendance.

It’s about protecting your team, your culture, and your business. And trust me, having a clear policy avoids a world of awkwardness and legal grey zones.

4. Appraisal & Feedback System

Performance reviews don’t have to be painful or time consuming.  They can actually be empowering.

Set up a transparent appraisal system with clear goals and KPIs. This gives your team the feedback they crave, and gives you the peace of mind that everyone’s aligned.

Bonus? It also gives you documented evidence of praise, or performance concerns when you need it most if it comes to difficult conversations down the line.

5. GDPR & People Data :Get It Right

Still tracking annual leave in a notebook or spreadsheet? Holding CVs in a Dropbox folder and can never find them. 

Tools like BambooHR or BreatheHR are made for businesses like yours. They’re cost-effective, user-friendly, and help you manage everything from onboarding to holidays to performance, all with a click and full GDPR compliance. Both are cost effective but Breathe HR is the more reasonable of the two ( last time I implemented it was £22 per employee for up to 20 employee) T&C’s apply 

 Ready to move away from “Winging It” ?

If any of this feels like a nudge in the right direction for you, let’s talk. My team and I can help you get these five essentials in place….without the jargon, overwhelm and big costs.

Drop us a note and let’s see how we can support you and your growing team.