HR Services for Small Businesses: Performance and Development
by Etienne Pretorius
© Etienne Pretorius 2025
“If you are building a culture where honest expectations are communicated and peer accountability is the norm, then the group will address poor performance and attitudes.” – Henry Cloud
Helping employees grow and perform at their best is essential for small businesses. Strategic HR services can simplify performance and development processes, ensuring your team’s growth aligns with your business goals. Let’s explore practical ways to strengthen performance and development in your small business.
Performance Management
1. Implement systems for goal setting, appraisals, and feedback:
Clear goals and regular feedback keep employees focused and improve productivity. Implementing structured performance management systems, even simple ones, ensures transparency and consistency.
Solution: I help set up easy-to-use systems for tracking goals, conducting appraisals, and providing actionable feedback tailored to your business’s size and needs.
2. Develop personalised improvement and growth plans:
Every employee is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. Personalised plans ensure employees know how to improve and grow in their roles.
Solution: I design customised development plans that focus on individual strengths and address areas for improvement, aligning these with your business objectives.
3. Provide performance assessments and management:
Regular performance assessments identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth, helping employees stay on track.
Solution: I offer expertise in conducting thorough performance assessments and providing management strategies to boost productivity and morale.
Learning and Development
1. Identify skill gaps and source targeted training programs:
Understanding where skill gaps exist ensures training efforts are effective. Sourcing the right programs saves time and resources while boosting employee capabilities.
Solution: I conduct skill gap analyses and recommend affordable, high-impact training programs to address your business’s needs.
2. Facilitate leadership development and career progression:
Investing in leadership development prepares employees for future roles and ensures smooth transitions during growth or changes.
Solution: I provide leadership development solutions, including mentoring programs and training workshops, to nurture future leaders within your team.
Career Planning
1. Guide and coach employees in identifying growth opportunities:
Employees thrive when they see a clear path for growth. Coaching helps them identify their strengths and aspirations, improving job satisfaction and retention.
Solution: I offer one-on-one coaching to help employees map out their career paths, creating a win-win for them and your business.
2. Align career goals with business objectives:
When employees’ goals align with company objectives, everyone wins. It creates a sense of purpose and drives collective success.
Solution: I facilitate career alignment sessions to ensure your employees’ growth supports your long-term business strategy.
HR Services Tailored for Your Small Business
As a small business owner, you don’t need to navigate performance and development challenges alone. With expert HR support, you can create a thriving workplace that fosters growth and drives success. Let’s work together to make your team—and your business—the best it can be.