Bringing on a new team member is a big milestone for any business - so first off, congrats! Growth is exciting. Whether you're hiring your very first employee or adding to an existing team, it’s a strong signal that your business is heading in the right direction.
But as exciting as it is, there’s more to hiring than shaking hands and handing over a toolbox or laptop. Behind the scenes, it’s important to have your systems, compliance, and onboarding processes in place to avoid unnecessary stress (and cost) down the track.
Here are a few key things to consider when growing your team:
Understand Your Employer Obligations
In New Zealand, employing someone means taking on a set of legal and financial responsibilities. These can vary depending on whether your new team member is full-time, part-time, or casual, but at a minimum, you'll need to:
- Register as an employer with Inland Revenue (if you haven't already)
- Set up and manage PAYE (Pay As You Earn) tax deductions
- Make the appropriate KiwiSaver contributions
- Maintain accurate employment agreements (these are a legal requirement)
- Comply with the Holidays Act (annual leave, sick leave, public holidays, etc.)
You don’t need to become an HR expert overnight, but getting these foundations right will protect you and your team, and keep you in IRD’s good books.
Set Up the Right Systems Before You Hire
Hiring someone is more than just giving them a job - it's about integrating them into how your business runs day to day.
Before your new hire starts, make sure you have the basics in place:
- A payroll system that automates PAYE, KiwiSaver, and leave calculations
- A simple job description or task list to keep expectations clear
- Tools or software they’ll need (email accounts, job management tools, time tracking, etc.)
- Clear processes for how tasks are done, tracked, or reported
If you're still running things manually or off the back of a notebook, now might be the perfect time to upgrade. Getting your systems sorted early will save time, reduce errors, and make it easier to scale.
Don’t Skip Onboarding (it’s worth it)
A great onboarding process not only makes your new hire feel welcome, it also sets them (and you) up for success. We often see small businesses skip this step, thinking it's more of a "big company" thing. But even a simple onboarding checklist can make a huge difference.
Good onboarding helps you:
- Get your new team member up to speed faster
- Reduce mistakes or miscommunication
- Show that you're organised and professional
- Improve retention (happy team members stick around longer)
Onboarding is a worthwhile investment!
Need Support?
Hiring is a sign of growth, but it’s also a step that deserves careful thought. Whether you're expanding a trades team, bringing on an admin assistant, or adding capacity to your professional services business, taking time to set things up properly will pay off in the long run.
And remember: you don’t have to do it alone. If you need help with payroll, setting up the right systems, or making sure you’re meeting all your employer obligations, get in touch. We work with small businesses all over New Zealand and can help you grow with confidence.