What It’s Like to Work with The People Collab: HR Support for Growing Businesses

HR support can mean a lot of things.

An outsourced helpline. A policy pack. An in-house hire. A consultant who hands you a PDF and disappears.

At The People Collab, that’s not how we do things.

We’re here to help growing businesses build people practices that are strategic, human, and actually work in real life. Not just on paper.

So if you’ve been wondering what it actually looks like to work with us, here’s a peek behind the curtain.

1. We meet you where you’re at

Every business is different. Some clients come to us mid-growth spurt, unsure how to support their team through the chaos. Others have had a tricky people issue and realise they need stronger foundations.

Wherever you're starting, we begin with listening. We get to know your team, your challenges, your values, your goals and then tailor support that fits.

“Emma brings a rare blend of deep expertise and genuine empathy, making her an invaluable partner no matter the size or stage of your business.” — Paul Burdekin, CEO – The Upside

There’s no template for “good HR.” We make it feel relevant, clear, and doable.

2. We become part of your team

This isn’t a cold, transactional relationship. We’re embedded.

Whether you bring us in for a set number of hours each month, or for a specific project, we work with your people, not just around them.

We’ll show up in your communication channels. Join team meetings. Coach your leaders. Be the person your managers feel safe coming to when they don’t know how to handle something.

“Emma’s guidance has added real value to our operations, and her collaborative, down-to-earth approach made the whole process seamless.” — Scott James, Managing Director – Pacific Manufacturing

You get a trusted partner, not a policy machine.

3. We zoom out and zoom in

Yes, we’ll help you build a People & Culture strategy aligned to your business goals. But we’ll also help you navigate that awkward performance conversation next week.

You don’t have to choose between big-picture strategy and practical support. We bring both... because you need both.

This might look like:

• Mapping out your people roadmap for the next 12 months

• Reviewing your current policies and simplifying what’s overly complex

• Coaching a new manager through their first 1:1 structure

• Supporting a restructure, exit, or rapid hiring phase with calm, confident guidance

We roll up our sleeves and get in it with you.

4. We help you build internal capability

Our goal isn’t to make you reliant on us forever.

We support, upskill, and empower your people so they feel confident, not confused. That might mean running a manager workshop, setting up templates for performance reviews, or providing conversation scripts for tricky situations.

We're always thinking: how can we make this easier and more sustainable for your team to own?

“Emma doesn’t just offer theory—she delivers thoughtful, actionable guidance that reflects a real understanding of people and culture.” — Paul Burdekin, CEO – The Upside

Because long-term culture doesn't come from outsourcing. It comes from within.

5. We make HR human again

No corporate jargon. No fear-based language. No compliance for compliance’s sake.

Just kind, clear, real world support that helps your business and your people thrive.

Whether you're scaling, navigating change, or just trying to keep up with growth, you're not alone.

“We engaged Emma for support with a relocation contract and were thoroughly impressed with the result. The turnaround was fast, the communication warm and professional, and the process seamless from start to finish.” — Madeleine James, CEO – Australasian Retail Projects

We’re here to guide, support, and walk alongside you every step of the way.

Wondering if it’s time to bring someone like us in?

If you're thinking:

• “We’ve outgrown DIY HR but don’t need someone full-time”

• “We need support for our managers, they're trying but unsure”

• “I want to build a great culture, but I don’t know where to start”

  …that’s where we come in.

Let’s make HR feel human, useful, and aligned to your business. Not a burden.