Overview
In 2016, a growing real estate and property management company with approximately 25 employees approached VIVO seeking a long-term HR partner. They needed support building a solid HR foundation, creating processes from the ground up, and fostering a stronger company culture.
Challenge
The company had a wide range of HR needs, including compliance, benefits, performance management, and employee development, but lacked a dedicated HR resource.
At the time, steps in various HR processes were done piecemeal by different people, resulting in inconsistent processes and policy enforcement.The company needed a partner who could develop these processes and policies and really build the HR function from the ground up.
VIVO Solution
VIVO became a fully integrated extension of the team, supporting the business at every level. Our goal was to build a strong foundation, create consistent and efficient processes, and cultivate a more connected, people-focused culture. Our approach focused on three core areas:
- Lay the Foundation for HR Operations:
- Clarify roles and assign accountability for HR functions
- Build and implement a payroll process in partnership with accounting/finance and leadership
- Lead an RFP process to select and implement a new, fully integrated HRIS system
- Ensure ongoing compliance with HR laws and best practices
- Improve People Processes & Strengthen Employee Experience
- Establish a consistent, timely performance review process
- Support leaders through performance issues with team members, including identifying opportunities for improvement and coaching
- Partner with an insurance broker to find cost-effective, flexible benefits programs that provide more options for employees
- Launch the company’s first-ever 401(k) plan through an RFP process
- Be a resource for employees who have questions or issues with team members/supervisors; mitigate low-level issues to prevent escalation
- Introduce a team member recognition program and establish a regular team meeting cadence to celebrate wins
- Enhance Recruitment, On/Offboarding, & Growth
- Create an organizational chart and identify internal growth opportunities
- Standardize the recruiting process, including job requisition, position descriptions and posting, candidate screening, and candidate engagement
- Formalize the termination process and conduct exit interviews to inform retention strategy
Result
Over the past seven years, VIVO has transformed this company’s HR operations from piecemeal efforts into a cohesive, strategic function of opportunity and growth.
The first few years of our partnership were primarily about creating structure and ensuring we had the right processes and systems in place. As the company (and our partnership) matured, our focus shifted toward employee development, engagement, and company culture. As managers and leaders developed more experience with HR areas and issues, they have been able to manage some of the “easier” conversations with team members, which has allowed us to focus on higher-level, strategic initiatives.
By building relationships, implementing scalable processes, and driving accountability, the company has grown into a more efficient, people-focused organization positioned for long-term success. We continue to serve as a trusted partner, supporting the business as they grow and evolve.
