"Start with what is Right rather than what is acceptable."

Three key elements — money, a sellable product/service, and PEOPLE. 

Getting HR right from the start isn’t just a "nice-to-have"; it’s essential for saving time and money in the long run.

Here are four HR fundamentals every startup and SME should establish as early as possible:

1. STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE – Are you set up to avoid unnecessary trouble with regulators? Establishing compliant practices is the first step to staying out of costly legal complications or wasting your precious time been investigated by regulators.

2. RECRUITMENT– Do you know who you need, what skills and experience, and how to assess for the right fit? Hiring the wrong person can drain time, money, and morale—getting this right is crucial.

3. COMPENSATION – How do you decide what to pay and what goes into it? This is key to attracting and keeping the right talent.

4. BASIC POLICIES – Have you set clear guidelines on flexible work arrangement, expenses, and conduct? These basics help protect both the company and employees by setting expectations from the start.

You may ask, "Are these all possible to put in place for a SME or startup?"

The answer is YES.