Learning Center
With years of hands-on HR experience supporting small and growing businesses, The Hazel Group is here to share what we know. Our Learning Center covers everything from foundational HR setup to fractional CPO (Chief People Officer) strategy with practical, SHRM-backed guidance written specifically for small business owners who want to do right by their people.
How to Choose an HR Consultant: A Guide for Small and Growing Businesses
When your business reaches the point where employee challenges start taking up more of your time than strategy and growth, hiring a Human Resources consultant may be the next logical step. We explain what to look for in a fractional HR consultant and provide a practical Q&A tool you can use during the selection process to make sure you choose the right partner for your organization.
When Employee Issues Get Complicated, You Don’t Have to Handle Them Alone
Struggling with a difficult employee issue? Get expert, outsourced project-based HR support to handle employee relations, performance, and conflict.
Why SHRM-Certified HR Guidance Matters for Small Business Success
Learn how outsourced SHRM-certified HR support helps small businesses stay compliant, build strong teams, and avoid full-time hiring costs.
What to Do Before the First Interview: A Small Business Owner’s Guide to Hiring Smarter
Before your next interview, set your small business up for hiring success with these four key steps. The Hazel Group can help you build the process.
The ROI of People Strategy for Small Businesses
Discover why strategic HR is essential for small businesses. Learn how smart people practices reduce turnover, improve service quality, and protect your business from costly hiring mistakes.
Why We Recommend Gusto for Small Business Payroll & HR
Learn why Gusto is our top payroll and HR platform for small businesses. Explore features, benefits, and how The Hazel Group integrates Gusto with your bookkeeping and HR needs.
When to Bring in a Fractional HR Leader
Discover when your business is ready for a fractional HR leader. Learn how part-time strategic HR support can resolve people issues, improve hiring, and strengthen culture as you grow.
What Makes a Great Manager in a Remote Workplace
Discover the essential traits and practices of strong remote managers. Learn how regular 1:1s, employee empowerment, and clear documentation improve performance and culture in distributed teams.
Onboarding and Offboarding: How Remote, In-Person, and Hybrid Workplaces Should Approach Each
Learn how onboarding and offboarding processes should adapt for remote, in-person, and hybrid teams. Explore best practices, employee feedback loops, and how The Hazel Group helps create seamless people experiences from start to finish.
How to Create a Career Path and leveling Strategy for Your Team
Discover how to create a career pathing strategy that drives engagement, supports employee development, and scales with your business. Learn the essential components of career path frameworks and how The Hazel Group helps small to mid-sized companies remote and onsite, design tailored, effective growth strategies.
Should Your Small Business Use an HRIS to manage people operations?
Find out if an HRIS is the right solution for managing your small business’s people operations. Learn the benefits, setup steps, and how Hazel Group supports implementation.
HR for Remote Teams: How to Support Culture, Communication, and Compliance
Leading a remote team? Learn how to build HR systems that foster culture, streamline communication, and maintain compliance no matter where your people are.
What Is a Fractional CPO and How Can They Help Your Business?
Discover how a Fractional Chief People Officer supports HR strategy, people growth, and business scalability for small and mid-sized companies without full-time overhead.
How to Scale People Operations Without a Full-Time HR Team
Learn how small and mid-sized businesses can scale HR processes without hiring in-house staff. Explore tools, strategy, and how a Fractional CPO can help.
Contractor vs. Employee: HR Considerations Every Small Business Should Understand
Unsure how to classify your team? Learn the HR and legal implications of contractor vs. employee status—and how proper classification protects your business and culture.
How to Build an Effective Employee Onboarding Process That Drives Retention and Engagement
Learn how to create a structured onboarding process that improves employee experience, reduces turnover, and supports long-term success.
How to Structure an Annual Performance Review Process
Learn how to design an annual and 360 performance review process that supports employee growth, business goals, and organizational development.