Lisa Thompson, Founder of Iona HR

HR That Works For You

December 12, 20242 min read

At the heart of any successful HR strategy is understanding the unique needs of each client. No two organisations are the same, and that’s why template solutions rarely work.

When we first engage with a client, we focus on getting to know them - not just their business goals but their values, culture, and the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis. This approach helps us create HR solutions that are not only practical but also aligned with their mission.

1. Listening First

The first step is always listening. We ask the right questions to truly understand the issues, from performance management to team dynamics. By listening actively, we gain insights that often go beyond the surface-level problems. This sets the foundation for tailoring solutions that will actually work for them, rather than imposing a generic approach.

2. Aligning Solutions with Values

Purpose-driven businesses, especially those in the charity or housing sectors, have distinct cultures. It’s essential that any HR solution we recommend aligns with the company’s values. For example, we’ve worked with charities that need flexible policies to maintain a supportive, informal culture, while still ensuring compliance and efficiency. By creating solutions that respect their mission, we help them achieve results without compromising their identity.

3. Flexibility is Key

HR challenges often evolve. A solution that works at one stage of a company’s growth may need to be adjusted as the business scales. That’s why we remain flexible with our clients, offering ongoing support to adjust HR systems, policies, and processes as needed. Whether it’s refining recruitment strategies or introducing new development programmes, we work closely with clients to ensure that the solution evolves with their changing needs.

4. Providing Practical and Actionable Guidance

We believe HR should be straightforward and accessible. Clients don’t need more jargon or complicated systems - they need simple, actionable solutions that can be implemented right away. We ensure that our advice is clear and that every solution we provide is practical, with clear steps for execution.

5. Building Long-Term Relationships

We see our work as a partnership. By taking the time to understand each client deeply, we build trust and credibility, creating long-term relationships that extend beyond the immediate HR challenge. It’s this relationship that allows us to support them as their needs change, continuing to provide value throughout their journey.

Tailoring HR solutions isn’t about offering one-size-fits-all strategies. It’s about understanding the intricacies of each client’s needs and values. By doing so, we’re able to create HR solutions that not only solve problems but also support the broader goals of the organisation.

We'd love to hear about your goals and the strategies you're using to achieve them.

Back to Blog

Practical, strategic HR support that helps your business thrive.

NEWSLETTER

Join our community to stay ahead with expert insights tailored for values-driven businesses.

© Copyright 2025 · Iona HR · All Rights Reserved