The HR department does more than just screening job applicants and making sure every employee gets their salary on payday. They are busy people, managing employee relations including employee benefits and health administration, and supervising training and development. They also oversee legal matters such as dealing with compliance, filing taxes and keeping crucial files and records.

The role of the human resources department has become increasingly crucial to a business’ success, especially in today’s setting that’s focused on company culture and loyalty. But being competitive in these areas can be difficult for small and medium-sized companies who tend to focus on the business’ core functions rather than managing employees.

For some businesses, the functions of the HR are just too complex and time-consuming. It takes experts to navigate issues successfully. Maintaining a team of HR specialists in-house, however, may not be the most cost-effective option.

That’s why many companies consider HR Outsourcing, a process in which the human resource functions of an organization are outsourced for them to focus on the organization's core competencies.

If you’re a small business owner looking to outsource HR functions, here are some of the top advantages you can enjoy.

1. HR Outsourcing is cost-effective

Outsourcing HR services help start-up businesses avoid overhead costs.

A fully-equipped human resources department requires additional office space and experienced HR staff. Many small or start-up companies, which tend to have smaller working spaces, find it more cost-effective to just outsource HR functions rather than expand to a larger location to meet the needs of an in-house department.

2. Efficient software-based solutions

Time is money. That said, efficiency and productivity are critical to the success of a company.

Outsourcing HR functions provide greater efficiency within human resources systems. They utilize advanced human resources technology that helps modernize important HR functions, including payroll, applicant tracking, compliance management, and benefits administration.

With the help of HR outsourcing providers, employers and managers spend less time doing paperwork and devote more time to improving the effectiveness of the workforce.

3. Risk management for small businessses

Employment and labor laws regularly change, making it difficult for employers to remain updated on regulations and business methodologies that may affect the workplace, including employee-related lawsuits. The problem is, failure to comply can lead to heavy financial consequences.

HR outsourcing firms help businesses reduce risk by taking care of the unwanted compliances, paperwork and other formalities like benefits and insurance claims. They hire HR professionals who keep themselves abreast of the current laws. They also possess knowledge about the latest changes in the market, helping businesses comply with these regulations to prevent lawsuits and false allegations brought on by their employees.

4. Improved employee performance and development

Trusting responsibilities to credible HR outsourcing services can help businesses manage employee performance and development.

HR providers execute performance management plans to make sure employees comply with the company policies and meet the business goals. Outsourcing firms also monitor employee performance periodically, help with their training, and report findings to the employer or manager.

This, in return, minimizes the administrative responsibilities of the managers. When businesses outsource HR solutions, they get more time to pay attention to profits and other core business activities.

5. HR expertise you can trust

Whether it's for questions about recruitment or for a solid employment law advice, you can count on HR outsourcing services to deliver.

They offer pieces of advice about what you can do to achieve the results you want. They provide HR health check on all your current contracts of employment and employee handbooks. Some HR services even provide free resources to assist businesses with employee management including exit interview forms and timesheet documents.

Author Bio: Sophie Harris is a creative writer for HR Dept Australia, a provider of affordable and pragmatic HR services and employment law advice in Australia. Writing about helpful career management solutions for both employees and employers is her cup of tea.