Empowering SMBs with Expert HR Solutions: Jill’s Vision for H2R Business Solutions
Writted By: CanadianSME Business Magazine | Originally Published in CanadianSME Business Magazine
From CanadiansSME Business Magazine:
In this exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Jill Zappitelli, founder of H2R Business Solutions, shares her journey from working with large organizations like Sunlife Financial and BlackBerry to launching a company focused on providing small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with tailored HR services. With over two decades of experience in human resources, Jill’s passion for empowering businesses shines through in her work, offering fractional HR solutions that allow SMBs to thrive. Jill talks about the evolution of H2R, the impact of the pandemic on HR needs, and her strategic approach to creating HR solutions that foster sustainable growth and employee satisfaction.
Jill’s focus is leading a team of HR Professionals who provide exceptional HR Services to our clients. We focus primarily on small to medium size businesses that are in need of HR assistance but may not be in a position to hire someone full-time – we provide part-time or ‘fractional’ HR support as our clients need it. Our focus – “From Hiring to Retiring” and everything in between!
As a past member of the HRPA Board of Directors, her Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation combined with a Certificate in Human Resources and a Business Administration Management Diploma from Conestoga College – Jill brings a genuine level of confidence to any organization that finds itself without some HR guidance.
Outside of work, Jill is the mother of 2 active teenage boys. Our HR Apprentice, Millie, is also part of Jill’s family.
Interview
As the founder of H2R Business Solutions, what inspired you to focus on providing HR services specifically for small and medium-sized businesses?
My journey in human resources has spanned over two decades, during which I’ve had the privilege of working with organizations like Sunlife Financial, BlackBerry, and Trellis Mental Health. Throughout my career, I observed a recurring challenge: small and medium-sized businesses often lacked the dedicated HR support they needed to thrive. Recognizing this gap, I was inspired to establish H2R Business Solutions in 2016, aiming to bring clarity, expertise, and structure to SMBs in the realm of people management. Our mission is to enable business owners to focus on running their operations while we handle their HR needs.
H2R offers a range of services, from recruitment to leadership development. Can you share a success story about how your company’s comprehensive approach significantly improved a client’s HR operations?
Certainly. One notable example involves one of our clients. In December 2021, they faced rapid growth, doubling their staff size to over 50 employees, which introduced complex HR challenges. Lacking resources for a full-time HR manager, they sought our expertise. We provided a fractional solution that was both affordable and balanced, assisting with personnel matters, developing a comprehensive Employee Handbook to ensure compliance, implementing a solution for compliance training, and refining their onboarding and offboarding processes. Our consistent presence allowed us to understand their unique culture and build rapport with the staff, leading to a positive and effective partnership.
With the rapidly changing workplace dynamics, especially post-pandemic, how has H2R adapted its services to meet the evolving needs of SMBs?
The post-pandemic landscape has indeed reshaped workplace dynamics. At H2R, we’ve proactively adapted by expanding our services to include comprehensive compliance training, leadership development, and executive coaching. Recognizing the shift towards remote and hybrid work models, we’ve also enhanced our virtual HR support offerings, ensuring that businesses receive seamless assistance regardless of their operational setup. Our commitment to understanding each client’s unique challenges has enabled us to tailor our services effectively during these transformative times.
Your company emphasizes hands-on, on-site HR professionals. How does this approach benefit your clients compared to more traditional HR consulting models?
Our hands-on, on-site approach allows us to immerse ourselves directly into our clients’ environments, fostering a deeper understanding of their culture, operations, and specific challenges. This proximity enables us to develop and implement tailored HR programs and processes that align seamlessly with their objectives. By being present, we can address issues in real-time, build stronger relationships with staff, and drive initiatives that lead to improved performance and efficiency. This method stands in contrast to traditional consulting models that might rely heavily on remote interactions, which can sometimes lack the immediacy and personal touch that on-site support provides.
Looking ahead, what advice would you give to small and medium-sized business owners about prioritizing their HR needs to foster growth and success?
Investing in robust HR practices is foundational to sustainable growth. We advise business owners to prioritize the development of clear policies and procedures, ensure compliance with evolving regulations, and foster a culture that values continuous learning and development. Engaging employees through effective performance management and offering opportunities for professional growth can lead to higher retention and satisfaction. Additionally, considering flexible HR support models, such as fractional or outsourced services, can provide the expertise needed without the overhead of a full-time department, allowing businesses to scale their HR functions in alignment with their growth trajectory.