HR outsourcing that works like your own HR team
Get an outsourced HR department for a monthly fee: unlimited HR advice, contracts, policies and compliance support, with no lock-in.
What an outsourced HR department does
HR outsourcing gives Australian small and medium businesses expert HR support without the cost of employing an in-house HR manager. We become your outsourced HR department, handling day-to-day HR questions, documents and compliance so you can run your business.
You pay a predictable monthly fee, with HR retainer packages from $300 a month + GST and no lock-in contracts. You get one team that knows your business and is on call whenever a people issue comes up.
Australian businesses trust our outsourced HR
Your business is our priority
Outsource your HR and focus on what’s most important: running your business.
Get free initial HR advice
24/7 HR advice
Call or email our HR advisers about awards, pay, leave, contracts, performance or terminations and get clear answers, day or night.
HR compliance
Stay on the right side of the Fair Work Act. Our HR Health Check identifies risks and gives your business a clear action plan.
Build a stronger workplace
Get support with conflict, performance and difficult conversations, and build a positive, productive workplace culture.
HR Policies
Access HR policies and procedures, employment contracts, letters and forms written for Australian workplace laws.
Fair Work Representation
Facing an unfair dismissal or general protections claim? We support you at the Fair Work Commission and partner with top employment law firms.
In-person HR services
Need hands-on help? Compass Onsite brings our HR advisers to your workplace for difficult meetings, investigations and training.
How our HR outsourcing works
1. Initial discovery session
We learn how your business works, review your HR practices and recommend the right level of support.
2. Build HR foundations
We set up or update your essential HR policies, employment contracts, forms and documents.
3. Ongoing HR support
Call our 24/7 HR advice line whenever you need help, for one monthly fee.
What HR functions can be outsourced?
Staying compliant
Modern award interpretation
- Determine modern award coverage
- Classify employees correctly
- Ensure correct pay, penalties, allowances and entitlements
- Outline apprentice and trainee rules
- Manage employee hours, rosters, overtime and shift work
Employment contracts
- Create compliant employment contracts and variations
- Interpret existing contracts
- Implement contract variations
- Enforce contract terms and clauses
- Determine employment types
Fair Work Act & employment law
- Navigate the Fair Work Act and National Employment Standards
- Leave entitlements & public holidays
- Compliance with working conditions
- Implement flexible working arrangements
- Manage redundancy processes
Employee lifecycle management
Performance & disciplinary management
- Guide performance improvement and management processes
- Write and issue corrective and disciplinary letters
- Manage corrective actions and disciplinary processes if needed
- Manage misconduct issues
Termination & resignation
- Conduct workplace investigations
- Meet notice period and procedural requirements
- Calculate and manage entitlements and final pay
- Minimise unfair dismissal and general protections risk
Managing sick & injured employees
- Handle temporary absences and return to work processes
- Conduct work capacity reviews
- Workplace health and safety
- Manage workers compensation claims and return to work
- Reduce litigation risk
Resolving conflict & complex agreements
Harassment, bullying & discrimination
- Fulfil legal obligations to limit and prevent harassment at work
- Investigate and address complaints
- Ensure alignment with state and federal laws
- Manage general protections cases
Independent contractors
- Verify contractor vs. employee status
- Minimise sham contracting risks
- Draft and interpret contractor agreements
- Check super obligations for contractors
Enterprise agreements & bargaining
- Interpret enterprise agreements
- Assess the implementation of a new enterprise agreement
- Navigate the “better off overall” test
- Support enterprise bargaining, agreement renewal or cancellation
Explore our other HR services
Outsourcing your HR? Talk to us.
Common questions about HR outsourcing
Answers to the questions business owners ask most before outsourcing their HR.
What is HR outsourcing, and how does an outsourced HR department work for a small business?
HR outsourcing means handing your day-to-day HR to an external team for a monthly fee. Employment Compass becomes your outsourced HR department: you call or email us whenever you need help, and we handle the HR work behind the scenes. Here’s how it works:
1. We learn about your business, your people and your current HR practices.
2. We set up or update your HR policies, contracts and documents.
3. You call our 24/7 HR advice line whenever an HR question comes up.
4. We support you through difficult processes, from performance issues to terminations.
Want to see if it suits your business? Book your free consultation today.
Which HR functions can a small business outsource?
Most HR functions can be outsourced, so you keep only the decisions that belong with you. Our outsourced HR services for small business cover HR advice, employment contracts, HR policies and procedures, compliance checks, performance and disciplinary processes, workplace investigations and terminations. Businesses especially value:
1. Advice from HR experts on awards and the Fair Work Act.
2. Documents tailored to your business, not generic templates.
3. Support with tricky people issues.
Get the right level of HR support for your business. Contact Employment Compass today.
How much does it cost to outsource HR in Australia, and are there lock-in contracts?
Our HR retainer packages start from $300 a month + GST, with no lock-in contracts and no per-minute charges. The right package depends on the size of your team and the support you need. See our HR retainer pricing or call us to find the best fit.
My business needs urgent HR advice outside of office hours. Do you offer a 24/7 HR advice line?
Yes! We understand HR issues don't always happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. Our 24/7 HR advice line provides Australian businesses with immediate support whenever you need it. Get expert advice on employee conflicts, urgent policy questions, terminations, and more – day or night.
Do you provide outsourced HR services in Sydney, Parramatta, Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne?
Yes. We provide outsourced HR services to businesses across Australia by phone, email and video, and our offices are in the Sydney CBD and Parramatta. Read more about our outsourced HR services in Sydney, Parramatta, Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne to see how we support local employers.
Is HR outsourcing better than hiring an in-house HR manager?
For most small and medium businesses, HR outsourcing is more cost-effective than employing an HR manager. You avoid a full-time salary, super and leave costs, and get a team of HR advisers who deal with workplace issues every day. As your business grows, we can work alongside an in-house HR person or help you recruit one.