Building a solid HR foundation is crucial for any company, yet many founders find themselves overwhelmed by the complexity of people management. The key is starting with core policies that provide clarity, consistency, and legal protection for both your company and employees.

In this new chapter of our Founders’ Guide, I teamed up with Sion Lewis, our Advisory Board Member and the CEO of HR software company Ciphr, to share a straightforward, founder-friendly approach to HR. This guide is designed for leaders of niche B2B software companies who need to move quickly while building a supportive and compliant workplace.

There’s no need for complexity. Instead, this chapter walks you through the essential policies and practices that will help you stay compliant, attract great talent, and create a strong team culture.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Put core HR policies in place – including employment contracts, data protection, and equal opportunity
• Set up clear and fair compensation and benefits that evolve as your company grows
• Streamline hiring and onboarding so that new employees feel welcome and supported from day one
• Strengthen employee engagement and retention through check-ins, recognition, and development opportunities
• Create a healthy company culture through open communication and a focus on work-life balance

Simple steps to support your team 

Even without a dedicated HR function, this chapter gives you the tools to get the essentials right: writing job descriptions, creating a bonus structure, defining salary bands, and producing a straightforward employee handbook. You’ll also find a practical checklist to track your progress as you go. 

Read the full guide and build the HR foundations your team needs to thrive and scale.