5 HR tips for practice and office managers wearing too many hats

You’re Not an HR Department – and That’s Okay

If you’re a Practice or Office Manager in a small to medium or growing business, chances are you wear a lot of hats. Bookkeeper, scheduler, facilities wrangler, team therapist and unofficial HR manager.

And let’s be honest: You’re handling contracts, onboarding, team issues, and policies… all while trying to keep the wheels turning and usually have a core role as well!

But here’s the truth: You’re not meant to know everything about HR - and that’s okay.

As an HR consultant working with businesses like yours, I see the same challenges come up again and again. So here are 5 quick tips to make your HR life a little easier:

1. Keep Position Descriptions Up to Date

They’re not just paperwork - they help set expectations, manage performance, and reduce disputes. A quick review once a year can save headaches later.

2. Don’t Delay Tricky Conversations

If something feels “off” with a staff member - address it early, calmly, and with documentation. Avoiding it doesn’t make it go away (in fact, it usually gets worse).

3. Make Onboarding Count

Onboarding isn’t just filling out forms. It’s your chance to set the tone, build engagement, and reduce turnover. A checklist and simple welcome process can make all the difference.

4. Know Which Award Applies

Even if your business pays above award, you still need to comply with the correct modern award for conditions like leave, penalties, and minimum entitlements.

5. Don’t Do It Alone

You don’t need to be across every policy, every law, or every “what if.” Having someone in your corner - even just a phone call away - can give you peace of mind and help you lead with confidence.

Need help? I partner with office and practice managers to provide ongoing, practical HR support - so you can stop Googling and start leading.

Let’s have a chat. 📩 Send me a message or book a quick intro call.