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The full-cycle HR kit for startups

The full-cycle HR kit for startups will help you establish a solid HR foundation to build your company up for success.

Template by Nguyen Huu Phuc
9 minutes to finish · English · PPTX
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Even before you successfully launch a product, you need to build a strong, high-performing team for your startup.  A fundamental but solid HR process, which includes regulations, communication, on/offboarding, goal management is a must-have. Download (for free) our full-cycle HR kit of templates, checklists curated for startups to kickstart their HR strategy. 

Overview

The first few months of a startup are the most critical. That is when founders need to focus on product development, hiring, and financial management. At this point, building a scalable HR and culture can feel like an afterthought or luxury that may be better suited for larger companies with more established practices. However, as any experienced entrepreneur will tell you— startups don't stay small forever. 

The full-cycle HR kit helps startup leaders: navigate the basics of talent acquisition and retention; onboard new hires; manage performance and compensation reviews; establish company culture from day one. All while ensuring you're not neglecting your core business operations.

The full-cycle HR kit for startups

Employee Handbook

Our story

An authentic company story can engage new employees on many levels. Use this to introduce the company history and excite your new hires (1-2 paragraphs). This may include:

  • What’s the history of your company?
  • How did your idea come to life?
  • Why did you/the founder start this organization?

Company mission

A well-crafted mission statement serves as a framework giving everyone involved a launching point to build from when establishing the company. A mission should tell: Why the company exists? What makes them different? (2-3 paragraphs)

*Tips

Keep it short and concise while finding out why employees join the company. This could be your inspiration to write an effective company mission if you haven’t established one yet

About Us

Treat this as the elevator pitch to introduce your product/platform/service. Include the unique selling points and how they are different from competitors. Try a catch-phase to make a memorable ending. (3-5 sentences)

Some recommended sentences you may use:

  • Company innovates __________________________
  • Company simplifies/solves/eliminates _________ (industry headache/pain point)
  • Company aims to transform ____________(current process or status quo)

*Tip: Use thesaurus! Choose the best wording that resonates with your employees

Logo

Behind every story is a powerful story. Explain what your logo stands for and how it was created to strengthen employee relationship with the company.

Our (Company) Values

In a business context, core values are the highest values that guide company’s actions, unites employees and define its brand. Generally, core values will answer one or all of these questions:

  • What do we want our company to be known for?
  • How will our values distinguish us from competitors?
  • What qualities do we value in employees?

Examples from Airbnb: Champion the mission, be a host, simplify, every frame matters, be a ‘cereal’ entrepreneur, and embrace the adventure.

*Tips to define your core value

You should start with a brainstorming session which you invite a handful of people who understand and embody the traits you want your company to be known for. These could include the founder, CEO, and other company officers, but don’t forget to include some key employees too. Ask each participant to list what they think the company’s values are or should be.

New Hire Onboarding Plan & Checklists

Prepare for new hire:

Working station

Working materials

Onboarding plan or 30/60/90 days plan

System access and initial training

Lunch and welcome activities

Regular/monthly check-ins

[list activity]

[list activity]

[list activity]

Meet with your new hire

Provide an overview of the first week:

First week highlights

Set expectations

Introduce new hire to the team

Review company practices:

Company structure

Employee handbook

Ensure employee has access to tools

Intranet, doors, codes, locks

Employee ID badges

[list activity]

Check-in with new hire

How are they performing at work?

What can you do to assist them?

Anything they want to learn more?

[list question]

[list question]

Discuss performance management

Discuss your approach to feedback

Review performance criteria

Finalize individual goals and team goals

[list activity]

Download for free the full resource 👉

With this kit, you can:

  • Welcome new employees with our onboarding plan and checklist.
  • Fully introduce your company to new hires with an employee handbook.
  • Communicate better with our essential HR email templates
  • Set your startup for future success with our OKR setting checklist.
  • Develop a professional offboarding process with a well-structured checklist.

How to use this template

  • ✂️
    The template is fair use for your own purposes. Feel free to copy or refer to the structure and guidelines inside.
  • 🛎
    Keep in mind that this template is not a legal document and may not take into account all relevant local or national laws.
  • ✍️
    The contents in the template are just a starter. Make sure you insert and edit the variables (name, logos, etc.) to tailor the template to your business.
  • 📟
    Upgrade the material by changing or adding in texts, sections, and visuals.
  • 🖨
    Export as PDF or print it out for easier handling and communication with your team.

Who this template is for

  • Startup founders looking to establish an HR department
  • HR managers who are in charge of the HR processes from recruiting to offboarding.
  • Anyone curious about how to set up HR the right way.

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • 1.
    Is it really free?

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    We’re committed to helping you as much as possible in all things HR. Download and we will keep you updated on hot-baked useful resources coming out weekly.

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  • 3.
    What is Grove HR?

    Grove HR is the best free HR platform that helps SMBs digitize their HR operation so that they can create an attractive digital employee experience.

    Operating on both desktop and mobile, it provides a full employee lifecycle solution from recruitment, onboarding, managing employee records to time-tracking, payroll, and more.

Download now