Grounded HR was founded six weeks before the start of the pandemic by Caroline Chapman, who has worked in HR for 25 years.
Since then, the business has grown from a solo operation to a team of experienced HR professionals. Over the past five years, the consultancy has provided invaluable support to businesses across York and North Yorkshire, plus further afield.
Services include helping businesses recruit and onboard their first employee, acting as an outsourced HR department, and assisting with restructures, disciplinaries and all other aspects of HR.
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Caroline says the pandemic helped her learn to with the flow for business growth and development.
She added: “Around 60% of businesses don’t survive their first five years, so reaching this milestone is something we felt was worth celebrating.”
Caroline founded Grounded HR for two key reasons. Firstly, as a mum of three, she needed more flexibility to care for a very unwell child—something her previous part-time role couldn’t accommodate.
Secondly, she felt that something was missing in HR and wanted to “put the human back into HR.” Ensuring respect and compassion in every situation, whether a dismissal meeting or a company restructure, this has been at the heart of Grounded HR’s approach.
Looking ahead, Grounded HR says it remains committed to supporting micro and small businesses while also evolving alongside its growing clients. Recent developments include a partnership with Breathe HR, a HR software company to provide SME clients with an effective solution for managing employee information and documents.
The addition of Lesley to the team, an experienced recruitment consultant, to help businesses fill and keep hard-to-fill roles with the right person
Additionally, Grounded HR is proud to hold the ‘Good Business Charter’ accreditation and, more recently, recognition as a ‘Living Wage Employer.’
Grounded HR also champions flexible working, ensuring that their own team benefits from ‘Ultimate Flexible Working’—allowing them to set their own hours and take time off without needing permission, the only stipulation is that client needs are met. This approach it says has attracted skilled professionals seeking a more adaptable work-life balance, even enabling one team member to work from Australia before relocating back to the UK.
As Grounded HR embarks on its next chapter, the team says the firm remains dedicated to delivering excellent HR services while embracing innovation and growth.
Caroline and her team look forward to many more successful years ahead.
If you’re a small business looking for HR support, contact Grounded HR to see how they can help you grow and succeed.
