In our experience, many companies face recurring HR challenges—recruitment processes drag on, onboarding is incomplete, and workplace safety regulations seem overwhelming. While a quick solution is necessary, hiring a full-time HR manager might not be feasible right away. That’s why we’ve introduced our interim HR management service: a dynamic, flexible solution that delivers expert knowledge precisely when it’s needed most. Could interim HR management be the missing piece in your company’s success story?

What is Interim HR Management?

Interim HR management involves bringing an experienced HR professional into your company for a fixed period to manage and optimize HR processes, resolve urgent issues, and provide strategic advice. This isn’t just a temporary fix—it’s about having a seasoned expert who delivers the solutions you need and achieves specific goals within a set timeframe.

Who Needs an Interim HR Manager?

The need for an interim HR manager varies based on a company’s size, sector, and specific challenges. According to Helen Pärli, CEO of Smartful Growth, rapidly growing companies often experience HR issues as their processes struggle to keep pace with expansion.

Common challenges include labor law compliance, such as contract preparation and updates, and structuring efficient onboarding processes. Workplace safety regulations can also become complex without dedicated HR leadership.

An interim HR manager offers tailored solutions to these problems. Their extensive experience allows them to quickly navigate challenges and implement effective solutions.

Helen identifies four primary reasons companies turn to Smartful’s interim HR managers:

1. Unexpected Employee Departure: If a full-time HR manager suddenly leaves, there’s an immediate need for a temporary solution. An interim HR manager steps in to keep HR processes running smoothly, preventing setbacks from lack of HR leadership.
2. Parental or Sick Leave: It’s often impractical to replace an employee on extended leave with a permanent hire. In these cases, an interim HR manager is a flexible and cost-effective alternative, ensuring ongoing projects and processes remain on track.
3. Part-time Workload: In smaller companies or for specific projects, the HR workload might not justify hiring a full-time manager. An interim HR manager provides the expertise needed on a part-time or project basis, driving necessary changes and supporting HR strategies.
4. Growing Companies: Startups and fast-growing businesses often face HR challenges that outpace their capacity to manage. An interim HR manager helps build strong HR processes and recruit top talent, all while keeping strategic goals in focus.

Who Can Benefit from Interim HR Management?

Interim HR management is valuable across different company sizes and industries:

• Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: These companies may not need a full-time HR manager, but it’s critical to have efficient, compliant HR processes. An interim HR manager provides the expertise to establish a solid HR foundation for future growth.
• Growing Startups: Startups in rapid growth often face HR challenges they can’t quickly solve. Interim HR managers offer targeted solutions and strategic advice to ensure sustainable growth, keeping employees motivated and productive.
• Large Corporations and International Companies: While large companies typically have established HR departments, local offices may require temporary, flexible support. An interim HR manager can fulfill short-term needs, helping align HR with broader organizational goals.

How Interim HR Managers Add Value

Interim HR managers are highly skilled professionals who can assist in key areas:

• Recruitment and Retention: Supporting business growth by attracting and onboarding new talent.
• HR Process Optimization: Enhancing efficiency by improving or creating HR systems.
• Legal Compliance: Ensuring HR practices align with labor laws and regulations.
• Employee Training and Development: Designing training programs that foster employee skill growth.

Why Choose Interim HR Management?

Interim HR services offer several advantages over hiring a permanent HR manager:

• Quick Solutions and Flexibility: Interim HR managers are often available to start quickly, bringing broad experience across different industries. They are adaptable and can meet your company’s needs swiftly.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Because they work on a temporary basis, interim HR managers are a cost-effective solution for companies that don’t need a full-time HR manager. Plus, there are no long-term commitments or additional costs associated with a permanent hire.
• Experience: Interim HR managers have a wide range of experiences from working with various companies, bringing best practices that they can implement right away.
• Results-Oriented: Since their role is temporary, interim HR managers are laser-focused on achieving specific goals within a set timeframe.

Potential Risks

While interim HR management offers many benefits, there are also risks to consider. Since interim managers are temporary, maintaining long-term continuity can be challenging. Additionally, it may be harder for an interim manager to fully integrate into the company culture and instill core values in a short period.

That’s why it’s essential for company leadership to work closely with the interim HR manager to align on goals and steer HR processes strategically.

Find the Best Solution with Smartful

If you think your company could benefit from an interim HR manager, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll work with you to find the best solution tailored to your company’s needs!