Landis Jackson brought decades of HR leadership experience to her role as Program Chair in the Chiu School of Business at Bow Valley College. A member of the Board of Directors for CPHR Alberta, she’s spent years applying real-world expertise in the classroom engaging and mentoring the next generation of HR professionals, building career-ready skills, and influencing students’ lives beyond graduation. As she looks ahead to the next chapter of her career, transitioning From full time to fractional HR work, Landis reflects on five essential practices every small to mid-sized business owner should know to build strong teams and keep their organization aligned.
1. Start Onboarding Early
According to Landis, “Onboarding starts from the time the offer goes out, not from the time they walk through the door. It is important to immediately engage a new employee and make them feel a part of something.” Sending welcome materials, introducing the new hire to the team, and providing resources that outline expectations help new employees feel valued and informed from day one. This proactive approach sets the tone for a positive experience, supports a smooth transition, and contributes to long-term retention.
2. Structure Staff Interaction and Foster Purpose
Small businesses thrive when employees feel connected to the company’s mission. “Employees today seek purpose and alignment with their workplace values,” says Landis. “A lot of people working right now are looking for some type of reward—and not just a financial one.” Regular check-ins, recognition programs, and opportunities for meaningful contributions all make a difference. When staff understand how their work supports the company’s goals, they’re more likely to stay motivated and committed.
3. Prioritize Employee Development
“You don’t need to spend $5000 to send people on a course,” explains Landis. “Development can be as simple as including employees in projects, asking their opinion, or getting them to bring their eyes and perspective to a particular situation.” Assigning new responsibilities and inviting feedback helps employees build skills and take ownership of their work, boosting both satisfaction and performance. Simple steps like these empower staff and support a culture of continuous improvement.
4. Hire for Alignment and Passion
It’s important to communicate your company’s mission clearly during the hiring process, as not everyone will understand the nuances of your industry. According to Landis, “It’s about alignment—hiring someone who is passionate about the purpose of your business. Small business owners often assume everybody understands what retail is, for example, but they don’t. You want to make sure you hire the right person for that opportunity.” When employees’ personal values are in sync with your company’s, they’re more likely to contribute positively and grow your organization.
5. Measure Productivity with Clear Metrics
For Landis, “It’s important to establish a clear understanding of the specific measures of success that employees can align with. Set expectations clearly so both parties understand what needs to be delivered. That clarity helps get work done—and everyone feels better about it.” Regular reviews and simple tracking tools can help monitor outcomes and celebrate achievements, ensuring work is done efficiently and employees feel accomplished.
By focusing on these five HR strategies—early onboarding, purposeful engagement, ongoing development, hiring for alignment, and clear productivity metrics—small businesses can create workplaces where employees feel valued, aligned, and empowered to succeed.
As one option, Landis points to Bow Valley College programs such as the Human Resources Management Certificate, which can be transferred into the CPHR-accredited University transfer program. These programs support ongoing professional development and help organizations stay ahead in today’s evolving workplace. Whether you’re an HR professional, manager, or business owner, continued learning is a strategic investment in both your people and your organization’s long-term success.
