We know HR can be a daunting part of running your business, but at Whirks, we're here to simplify the process for you. From our HR kickoff call to ongoing support, our goal is to address every element of your HR needs so you can focus on growing your business.
You may be wondering what the HR kickoff call is all about, .png?width=305&height=250&name=Whirks%20Blog%20Thumbnails%20(60).png)
why it’s important, and what to expect as you get started with our People services.
Let’s walk through the details and answer your most pressing questions.
What is the HR Kickoff Call?
The HR kickoff call is your introduction to the HR services included in our People Package and is the foundation of our partnership. This meeting is a detailed exploration of your business’s HR needs, where we lay the groundwork for success by addressing compliance, creating essential resources, and offering a roadmap for ongoing improvement.
The HR kickoff call typically takes place about a week after you’ve completed payroll implementation.
Your onboarding starts with payroll—the core of our services. You’ll first work with your Client Success Specialist to process payroll, complete your training, and get comfortable with the system. Once payroll is running smoothly, we’ll shift our focus to HR.
Here’s what happens after your first payroll:
- Introduction: I’ll personally reach out to introduce myself and explain how we’ll begin working together.
- Review Services: During our initial conversation, I’ll review your HR package, confirm your company’s address for labor posters, and discuss the risk assessment and handbook.
- Scheduling the Kickoff Call: After our preliminary chat, we’ll schedule a more in-depth HR kickoff call to dive into the details.
What Happens During the Kickoff Call?
During this call, I focus on understanding your current HR practices and building a personalized plan to support your business. Here’s what we’ll cover in more detail:
1. Employee Handbooks
Whether you already have a handbook or need to create one, the kickoff call is an opportunity to establish clear and compliant policies. Existing handbooks are reviewed for updates and best practices, while new handbooks are created to reflect your business’s values and voice.
Handbooks are more than just documents—they’re tools that represent your company and guide employee expectations. Whirks also offers annual updates to keep your handbook aligned with changes in federal or state laws.
2. HR Risk Assessment
The HR risk assessment is one of the most valuable tools we offer. Many small business owners don’t realize how complex compliance can be, especially when managing employees. This assessment provides a starting point for identifying potential gaps and addressing them.
This is a short, 20-question quiz that helps identify areas of compliance or risk in your HR practices. Topics include:
- Wage and hour policies.
- Disciplinary and termination practices.
- Equity and fairness in employee management.
If the risk assessment highlights areas of concern, I’ll break them down into manageable steps. We’ll prioritize the most pressing issues first, then create a timeline for addressing everything else. Depending on your team’s capacity, you can handle some tasks internally, or Whirks can assist where needed.
This process is designed to make compliance achievable, not intimidating. My goal is to give you clear, actionable steps that fit into your daily operations.
3. Labor Posters
Labor posters are another critical component of compliance covered during the kickoff call. We’ll confirm the addresses where your employees work so we can send the required federal, state, and local labor posters.
Once the posters are ordered, we’ll handle updates for you throughout the year whenever there are regulatory changes.
Day-to-Day Support Through the HR Hotline
One of the biggest benefits of our HR services is the HR Hotline. After the onboarding process is complete, Whirks continues to support your HR needs through the HR hotline. This resource is available Monday through Friday, connecting you directly with the People Services team.
The hotline is there to assist with daily challenges like employee issues or policy updates. It also supports larger projects, such as workplace culture improvements or strategic HR planning.
Throughout the year, regular check-ins keep your business on track. Whether it’s updating your handbook, reviewing your risk assessment, or addressing new challenges, the hotline means you always have access to expert guidance.
How We Help Clients Avoid Overwhelm
Starting a new payroll system and learning new processes can feel like a lot, especially in the beginning. Whirks understands that onboarding can feel overwhelming which is why our process is designed to help you transition gradually from payroll implementation to People services.
Why Choose Whirks for Your HR Needs?
We know that HR isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about people. That’s why our HR services are designed to do more than just help you check compliance boxes. We’re here to help you create a stronger, more efficient workplace while freeing you from the headaches of HR management.
Every business is unique, so we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We take the time to understand your specific goals and challenges, then craft HR solutions that fit your needs.
But what makes Whirks different isn’t just what we do—it’s how we do it.
When you partner with Whirks, you’re not signing up for a faceless service or endless call trees. You’re gaining a dedicated team that already knows your business because we’ve been with you through payroll. We’re the same people who’ve helped you process your first paychecks, and now we’re here to take HR off your plate too.
HR is complicated. Your solution doesn’t have to be.
HR is about building a workplace where your team feels supported, protected, and empowered to do their best work. And when your HR and payroll are handled by the same team, everything runs smoother, faster, and with fewer headaches for you.
If you’re ready to take the next step, contact your Client Success Specialist to schedule your HR kickoff call. With Whirks by your side, you can build a compliant, efficient, and thriving workplace.
Not quite there yet?
Learn more about how HR compliance affects your business and what you stand to lose by getting it wrong.
