Not every HR staffing need begins with an open position. Sometimes an organization has the right team in place but needs additional expertise to complete a major project, meet an important deadline, or tackle an initiative that requires skills outside the existing team.

From compensation reviews and benefits initiatives to policy updates and special HR projects, bringing in specialized HR talent can give organizations the additional knowledge and capacity they need without permanently restructuring their teams.

At Arlington Resources, we specialize in Human Resources staffing and help companies identify experienced HR professionals who can support both ongoing operations and specific business initiatives.

When a Project Creates an HR Staffing Need

HR departments manage a wide range of responsibilities throughout the year, but certain projects can significantly increase workloads.

An organization may need additional HR expertise when:

• Reviewing or updating compensation programs
• Revising policies and procedures
• Supporting benefits initiatives
• Managing a major recruiting project
• Addressing employee relations needs
• Completing affirmative action planning
• Implementing new HR processes
• Preparing for periods of organizational change

These projects still have to move forward while the HR team manages its regular responsibilities.

Adding specialized support can provide the extra capacity needed to keep both daily operations and strategic projects moving.

Match the Expertise to the Project

One advantage of project-based HR staffing is the ability to look for professionals with experience that directly aligns with the work that needs to be completed.

For example, a compensation initiative may benefit from a professional with deep compensation experience, while a benefits project requires an entirely different HR skill set.

Rather than expecting one HR professional to be an expert in every area, organizations can bring in targeted expertise based on the project’s requirements.

Arlington Resources’ HR specialization provides access to professionals across areas including compensation, benefits, employee relations, HRIS, labor relations, payroll, recruiting and other HR functions.

Protect Your Existing Team’s Priorities

Major projects can create competing priorities for internal HR teams.

When employees have to divide their attention between daily responsibilities and an additional initiative, routine work can slow down while important projects take longer to complete.

Additional HR support can help organizations distribute responsibilities more effectively.

Internal team members can remain focused on employees and core business needs while project-based professionals concentrate on defined deliverables.

The result is not simply additional staffing. It is additional capacity at a time when the organization needs it most.

Build Flexibility Into HR Project Planning

Project staffing can also give organizations more flexibility when determining how much support they need and for how long.

Some initiatives might require assistance for several weeks, while others could continue for several months.

Arlington Resources provides temporary and contract HR staffing for both short- and long-term needs. This allows organizations to add qualified professionals based on the scope and duration of the work rather than making every staffing need a permanent addition to headcount.

Find the Right Fit for the Organization

Technical expertise is important, but project professionals also need to work effectively with the existing team.

Understanding the organization’s management style, company culture and strategic plans can help ensure that an HR professional is positioned to contribute effectively.

Arlington Resources works with clients to understand their specific staffing requirements and proactively screens and interviews HR candidates. During temporary assignments, feedback is gathered from both the hiring manager and interim associate to help ensure the placement continues to be a good fit.

That relationship-driven approach can be particularly valuable for project work, where professionals may need to become productive quickly and collaborate with multiple stakeholders.

Project Experience Can Benefit HR Professionals, Too

Specialized assignments can also create valuable opportunities for HR professionals.

Project work can allow candidates to:

• Apply specialized HR knowledge in new environments
• Gain exposure to different organizations and industries
• Build experience with complex initiatives
• Expand their professional network
• Add new accomplishments to their resumes

Some contract assignments may also lead to full-time opportunities, providing another potential path for professionals exploring their next career move.

How Arlington Resources Can Help

Arlington Resources has specialized in placing Human Resources professionals since 1997 and works with organizations ranging from start-ups to large corporations.

Depending on the need, Arlington Resources offers temporary, contract, direct hire and dedicated search solutions. Its HR-focused recruiting network includes professionals across functions such as benefits, compensation, employee relations, HRIS, labor relations, payroll and recruiting.

That specialization allows Arlington Resources to look beyond simply finding an available candidate and focus on finding HR expertise that matches the client’s specific need.

Final Thoughts

The next challenge facing an HR department may not require another permanent position. It may require the right expertise at exactly the right time.

By incorporating specialized HR talent into project planning, organizations can add capacity, access specific skills and keep important initiatives moving without losing focus on everyday HR responsibilities.

Arlington Resources helps organizations identify experienced HR professionals who can step in, contribute and provide the specialized support needed to move critical HR projects forward.