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Common HR Challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises

Human Resource Management
Emgage Blog - Common HR Challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises

The recent trends show that human resource management (HRM) functions, procedures and practices are increasingly important, considering the impact of the knowledge-based economy.

“HR is no longer a support function; it’s the backbone of strategic growth in the knowledge economy.” – Forbes, 2023

Whether it is a small or medium enterprise, human resource constitutes an important area of study.

The production process of goods and services is guaranteed by efficient and careful human resource management.

It creates a satisfactory level of living in society. Human Resources can play an important role in realizing the objectives of the enterprise as an integral source.

Effective and efficient Human Resource Management is the key to a successful organization.

What is the Purpose of HR Management?

  • Strategic planning activities

  • Recruiting employees

  • Tracking and Managing human resource trends

  • Coaching and counselling employees

  • Connecting employees with the organization

  • Conflict management and resolution of employees

  • Performance evaluation of employees

  • Acting as a mentor for the employees

Tips: Tracking HR metrics like turnover rate, time to hire, and employee engagement scores can give actionable insights. Consider using an HR management system in India to streamline such processes.

What Are the Strategic Initiatives That Can Boost Employee Retention?

Retention of employees is a critical issue for companies to compete for talent in a tight economy.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the payoff organizations that focus on employee retention are well worth the time and investment.

Here are some strategies for increasing retention rates the organization should start, at the very beginning of the recruitment process:

  • Recognizing retention starts with recruitment

  • On-boarding and orientation

  • Mentorship programs

  • Employee compensation

  • Perks and benefits to employees

  • Communication ease

  • Continuous feedback on performances

  • Training and development

  • Recognition and reward systems

  • Work-life balance

  • Effective change management

  • An emphasis on teamwork

  • Flexible work arrangements

  • Acknowledgement of milestones, big and small

Fun Fact: Organizations with formal employee recognition programs have 31% lower voluntary turnover rates.

Leveraging a mobile HRMS app in India can enhance employee engagement by offering quick access to payslips, leave balances, feedback, and rewards—boosting satisfaction and retention.

What Are the Common HR Challenges Faced by HR and SMEs?

The Small-Medium Enterprise (SME) sector significantly strengthens the country’s economic progress and international standing.

Millions of jobs, the promotion of industrial development in rural areas, and the production of a diverse variety of products with limited capital investments are regulated and instrumented through the working of this sector.

The Ministry of SMEs estimated that 40% of manufacturing output, over 8% of the national GDP, and many job opportunities both in rural and urban parts of the country are contributed by SMEs.

The survey conducted by the Confederation of Indian Industries states that 20% of medium and 80% of small-sized businesses have no HR department.

“Without HR, even the best strategies fall flat. HR is the driver of organizational resilience.” – SHRM India

It is shocking as, without a proper HR functioning department, the implementation of various people-related policies and process is difficult.

HR is a key to digitising an organization through various procedural means.

Organizations should develop a visionary mindset so that the importance of strategy and the process of managing human capital can be realized.

For structured employee lifecycle planning, many businesses use employee handbook creation services to define roles and expectations clearly.

How to Tackle Common HR Problems Faced in SMEs?

Here are some ways of tackling the most common HR Problems in SMEs:

  • Implementation of leadership development programs

  • Regular staff meetings and communication

  • Workforce training and development

  • Adapting to innovation

  • System of checks and reward

  • Understanding benefits

  • Recruiting talented employees

  • Retaining talented employees

  • Workplace diversity

Tips: With payroll outsourcing services, businesses can focus on HR strategy instead of getting bogged down in compliance and admin.

What Are the Common HR Management Challenges for SMEs?

Along with cash flow, generating new business and marketing, there is a raft of challenges an HR can face in a small and medium enterprise (SME).

These are some customary HR challenges that a small and medium business owner faces:

  • Management of employee performance and development

  • Line managers assuming the role of HR with limited HR knowledge and training

  • Lack of resources and time to deal with any real staff issues to put effective policies in place

  • Retention and training

  • Owners do not acknowledge the need for HR

  • Long-term sickness

  • Meeting employment law regulations with handbooks, contracts, policies and procedures

  • Aligning values

Despite the difficulties and problems faced by modern HR, small employers have options to overcome them.

“You don’t build a business—You build people. And then people build the business.” – Zig Ziglar

Outsourcing all or some HR problems is a quick and popular solution for business leaders wanting to focus on business growth.

To solve these challenges systematically, many organizations choose HR policy audit services to ensure they’re compliant and future-ready.   

Ready to Elevate Your HR Game?

Small and medium businesses deserve great HR, too.

Book your free consultation with our HR experts.

Discover how Emgage helps SMEs simplify compliance, boost productivity, and retain top talent.

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Author

Rudree Bhatt

Rudree is from the marketing team at Emgage. With a flair for organic marketing, she loves content and social media. When she isn't writing, you can find her recording interesting videos for Emgage.