HIRING YoUR FIRST EMPLOYEE: WHEN IS THE RIgHT TIME FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESs
Going from solo to a two-person team is a major milestone for any founder.
It means you’re growing, you’re bringing in a steady level of work and your vision is becoming a reality.
But when you’re used to doing everything yourself, it can also be overwhelming. What role do you create first? How do you find the right person? Can your business afford to pay a salary?
Here’s how to spot the signs it’s time to hire, figure out what’s right for your business and feel confident taking the next step.
THE sIGNS YOU ARE READY TO HIrE
Maybe you’re so busy looking after your clients, you don’t actually have time to think about what’s next for your business. Or maybe you’re turning down work because you just don’t have the capacity.
Sounds familiar? Congratulations – your business has reached a major turning point. You’ve grown beyond what one person can realistically manage alone.
But before taking the next step, ask yourself a few important questions. Can your business comfortably afford another salary, even if revenue dips for a while? Will there be enough work to keep someone else busy? Are you ready to step into a manager’s shoes and start leading someone else?
If the answer is yes, it’s time to make your first hire.
BUILD THE rOLE AROUND YOUR BUSINESS
Your first hire shouldn’t simply take on the jobs you don’t enjoy. They should free up your time and bring skills that you might be missing. It could be an administrator to handle the paperwork, a bookkeeper to keep your finances on track or a marketing specialist to help you attract new clients.
If you’re not sure, you don’t have to hire a permanent employee straight away. You could start by working with a freelancer or contractor to test a role before making a full-time hire. If you’re looking to develop new talent, an apprentice could also be a great option, with government support available through many apprenticeship schemes.
Whatever route you choose, don’t hire someone to do exactly what you do. Hire someone who complements your skillset and helps your business move forward.
GROW YOUR TeAM WITH THE SUPPORT OF A COMmUNITY
Building your team isn’t just a case of hiring your first employee. There are a few practical steps you’ll need to take too, like registering as an employer with HMRC, setting up PAYE, carrying out Right to Work checks, taking out employers’ liability insurance and providing a written employment contract. ACAS offers free templates and practical guidance to help you get started.
But you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
That’s one of the biggest advantages of joining a coworking community like PLATF9RM. You’re surrounded by founders and small business owners who have already been through the same journey. Ask questions, learn from their experiences and don’t be afraid to get advice from someone that’s been there and done it. Through our in house Business Support and our partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs, you’ll also have access to free mentoring and a wealth of practical resources to help you make confident decisions as you grow.
Because when you’re doing something for the first time, having the right people around you can make all the difference.
HELpFUL TIPS TO MAKE YOUR FIRST HIRe
Working with someone new is going to be a learning curve for both of you, but there are a few ways to make that transition easier.
You might think about hiring someone you know, as that trust is already there and can be a great foundation for a working relationship. If you’re hiring a friend or family member, it’s important to set clear professional boundaries from day one, so that everyone knows where they stand.
Probation periods are a great way to build in a ‘trial’ window so you can make sure the role is working for your business, and for the employee. Plan in a review after the first the months, so you can have an informal conversation about how things are going once they’ve settled in.
Be clear about what you expect from them, outline their responsibilities in writing and document the processes they’ll need to follow. The clearer you are at the start, the easier it will be for both of you.
And remember, you’re learning how to be a manager too. Try not to micromanage every task, but don’t leave your new hire to figure everything out alone either. Regular check-ins and honest feedback will help you find the right balance.
Finally, don’t just hire for the business you have today. Think about where you want to be in 12 months. What skills will you need? How could this person help you get there?
Your first hire should do more than lighten your workload. They should help you build what comes next.
YOUR wORKSPACE IS YOUR BEST RECRUITER
From the interview stage, the environment you choose says something about your company. Inviting a candidate to meet in a bright, professional meeting room sends a very different message from squeezing into the corner of a busy café. It’s your opportunity to show the kind of business you’re building, the values you stand for and the experience you want to create for the people who work with you.
At PLATF9RM, we’ve designed our workspaces to grow with your business. Interview candidates in our professional meeting rooms, work together in our coworking spaces and, when the time is right, move into one of our flexible part-time offices before taking the next step into a full-time private office.
The workspace you choose says something about the kind of employer you want to be. At PLATF9RM, we believe work can be flexible, collaborative and genuinely enjoyable. Instead of offering just a desk, you’re giving your team access to beautifully designed spaces, inspiring meeting rooms, networking events, business support, wellness activities and a community where people can grow both professionally and personally, and work wonderfully together.
The right people won’t just be looking for a job. They’ll be looking for a workplace where they genuinely enjoy spending their time. Professional workshops, yoga and Pilates classes, wine tastings, or a café like the Grounds in PLATF9RM Hove, all add something extra to the working day.
When you’re trying to attract great people, showing them that work can be wonderful is a pretty good place to start.
rEADY TO GROW YOUR TEAM?
Your first hire deserves a workplace that reflects your values and gives your team the best possible start. Because building a great business isn’t just about hiring the right people. It’s about creating a place where they can thrive.
Book a tour of our Brighton & Hove PLATF9RM workspaces today and discover how PLATF9RM can help you make work wonderful from your very first hire.
