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Strategic Human Resources
Strategic human resources will benefit your business
People are the heart and soul of any successful business. In addition to streamlining day-to-day HR needs, People Puzzles offers tailored strategic HR solutions designed to boost productivity and employee engagement, create a dynamic and inclusive workplace culture and enable business growth.
Our Board-level HR Directors, each with extensive expertise across a wide range of industries, collaborate with your leadership team on a flexible, part-time basis. As a result, you gain top-notch knowledge without the cost or risk of a full-time hire. We ensure that your people become your greatest competitive advantage, accelerating your progress and reaching your goals faster.
What is strategic HR?
If you think you know HR, think again. HR is not solely concerned with hiring, firing and paperwork. The goal of strategic human resource management (SHRM) is to align your people strategy with your business objectives. This results-driven, forward-thinking approach helps you build high performing teams and improved commercial outcomes – while also nurturing an inclusive, people-first culture.
We go into more depth on strategic HR in our knowledge hub
How is strategic HR different from conventional HR?
Strategic HR looks at the bigger picture unlike traditional HR, which emphasises daily operations and compliance:
| Traditional HR | Strategic HR |
| Focuses on recruitment and admin | Aligns people with business goals |
| Reactive problem-solving | Proactive, long-term planning |
| Compliance-driven | Growth-focused & commercial |
| Transactional processes | Data-driven decision-making |
Our method: People first, business always
Generic, off-the-shelf HR solutions are not something we support – your business deserves more. Every company is different and every HR strategy should suit that. Our customised approach guarantees that your people and approach are complementing each other to propel long-term success.
Strategic HR delivery:
- Understanding your business – Deep-dive assessment of your company’s structure, challenges, and people strategy
- Crafting the HR roadmap – Designing a bespoke HR strategy aligned with your growth trajectory
- Implementation & execution – Rolling out leadership programmes, performance frameworks, culture initiatives and more
- Ongoing review & optimisation – Measuring impact, refining strategies, and staying ahead of industry trends
Our strategic HR services
HR strategy development
Your business roadmap to success begins with a rock-solid HR strategy. Through our proven Discovery process, we examine your people dynamics, find areas of talent deficiency and develop a future-proof action plan for your company.
Workforce planning and talent acquisition
Hiring is about attracting the right people to drive your business forward – not just about filling posts. We help you find, develop and keep the best people, building high-performance teams with improved retention, succession planning and recruitment tactics.
Performance & productivity management
Employees who are motivated and valued do their best. We provide goal-setting frameworks, performance reviews and incentive systems to keep your people results-oriented and involved.
Employee engagement and workplace culture
A flourishing culture drives output and creativity. Working with you, we shape a workplace where your people feel empowered, inspired and driven to excel, where every individual feels seen, heard and valued.
HR analytics & employee data-driven
We use HR analytics and people data to make deliberate, strategic decisions that increase efficiency, optimise workforce planning and drive development, with our proven toolkits driving measurable performance improvement and commercial results.
Why choose People Puzzles?
Unmatched HR expertise
Our team is made up of 80+ top-tier HR Directors with Board-level corporate credentials, who have transformed over 1,000 businesses across the UK. Their expertise spans all industries, ensuring you receive sector-specific, tailored solutions.
Adaptable, flexible support
Strategic HR without the overheads of a permanent hire lets you access the benefits of a full-time HR department without the full-time cost. We don’t do contract tie-ins or hidden costs so it’s a low-risk, flexible way to work.
Data-led, people-driven
Our method guarantees your people strategy is measurable, flexible and business-aligned by combining modern HR analytics with human intuition.
Strategic HR Success Stories
The first case study is on scaling a fast-growing tech company under challenge of poor leadership structures and substantial people turnover.
Solution: We used performance projects, workforce development and succession planning.
Results: turnover was reduced by 25%, and leadership effectiveness jumped by 40%.
The challenge for a retail chain entering new markets was a scalable HR strategy that made sense.
Solution: HR analytics, simplified hiring and workforce planning optimisation.
Result: employee productivity up by 30%, and revenue per employee raised by 20%.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What are the main advantages that strategic HR offers?
Strategic HR enables companies to raise employee engagement, boost productivity and generate sustainable development. While operational HR helps the policies and processes of day-to-day business, strategic HR takes a step back and provides a longer term plan to deliver your business ambitions.
How does People Puzzles approach HR in different companies?
Part-time, experienced HR leadership is what we offer; your People Director is embedded into your team to craft and apply a customised people strategy. Unlike traditional consultancy, we don’t just diagnose, we stay and deliver the work at your side.
Does strategic HR fit small companies?
Yes! Strategic HR is not reserved for big companies – in fact, its impact is often most significant felt in growing businesses. Our adaptable, accessible answers enable SMEs to scale sustainably and effectively.
Ready to future-proof your company?
With Strategic HR allows you to develop your people and create a competitive advantage. Let us discuss how we could help your company to flourish.
Call us on: 0345 646 5201 or email [email protected]
Glossary
Strategic HRM: A future-focused approach to HR that integrates people strategies with business objectives.
Workforce planning: Ensuring you have the right people in the right roles at the right time – now and in the future.
HR analytics: Data-driven insights that inform decision-making and workforce optimisation.
Succession planning: Identifying and developing future leaders within your business and developing the organisational structure to help them progress.
Employee engagement: The emotional and professional commitment employees have towards their work and organisation – crucial for retention.
Want more information?
Have a look at our dedicated strategic HR knowledge hub:
What does strategic HR do
What does an HR strategist do?
What are the 5 p’s of strategic HRM?
What is the difference between strategic HR and traditional HR?
Talk to us today
At People Puzzles we not only handle HR; we also turn it into a strategic factor for business success. Our customised, data-driven, expert-led strategy guarantees that your people are not only managed but empowered to move your business forward.
See what our clients say!
Your support was instrumental in us delivering a successful consultation
Director of Finance, National Hair & Beauty Federation
Following the completion of our restructure, I wanted to get in touch to say thank you. Your support was instrumental in us delivering a successful consultation. We are extremely grateful for your measured and sound advice, helping us to navigate such a sensitive situation, and we look forward to working with you again in future .
Lynn guided me out of my comfort zone to help me achieve my goals
Samantha Freeman, Management Accountant, Wirtgen Group
I could not recommend Lynn more, she guided me out of my comfort zone to help me achieve my goals and to think about things from an alternative perspective. I have also had a few people comment on the positive changes they can see in me which is a result of our sessions.
Sarah is a trusted advisor and sounding board to both me and my team.
Claire Watkin, Managing Director, Trendsetter
Working with People Puzzles has enabled me to step out of the day to day running of the business and concentrate on our future strategic direction. Sarah has helped us focus on how we develop our future leaders, cross team collaboration, and enhance overall business performance, as well as supporting the achievement of B Corp status.
The achievements of the People Strategy made a measurable difference.
Craig Bennett, Chief Executive Officer, Sigma
I can't thank Paula enough for all her support over the last 3 years. Her time with us turned out to be much longer than any of us expected but I guess this reflects the extraordinary events and circumstances we’ve encountered since 2019. The achievements over this period made a measurable difference to engagement and has helped Sigma transition our people policies from that of an SME into market leading large corporate. Thank you.
Lynn was always positive and listened when it mattered
Coaching Client – Wirtgen Limited
I cannot give Lynn enough thanks for the help that she gave me to better understand myself and help me find the answers to some tough questions. Lynn was always positive and listened when it mattered, Thanks again Lynn.
I have been able to build a proactive relationship with Pauline
Amy Fisher, MD, Doby Verrolec
I have been able to build a proactive relationship with Pauline. I came into this role last year with an agenda for growth and we have been working together across employee engagement, contacts and policies.
Pauline developed our people strategy with a robust methodology
Jeremy Royle, MD, YourNRG
Pauline’s hands on approach helped us to build on the work we have already taken and develop our people strategy with a robust methodology to meet the current needs and future growth of the business.
Working closely with one local and very knowledgeable person
Amy Fisher, MD, Doby Verrolec
The real benefit of People Puzzles is that your business and industry sector needs are matched with one of the People Puzzles Directors. This means you work closely with one local and very knowledgeable person who can quickly understand the people needs of the business.
Working with Sarah has been a rewarding, productive and an educational experience
Chief Operating Officer, Salford Primary Care Together
We wanted to understand more about what was driving our organisational culture, key risks and issues, what our priorities should be, and to understand what we could achieve with our limited resources. Sarah brought commitment, pragmatism, and positivity to our challenges which helped us achieve many of our goals including organisational restructures, re-design of several key HR processes and upskilling of our teams.
Pauline has very quickly gotten to grips with Your NRG.
Managing Director, Your NRG
Pauline has very quickly gotten to grips with Your NRG, and has brought to our attention some processes that need our focus as a result of our recent rapid growth. We are pushing on with the more pressing operational day-to-day strategies and initiatives whilst also educating the SMT on their overall understanding of ‘cradle to grave’ employment. Pauline continues to work diligently and tirelessly for Your NRG and I am delighted to have her ongoing support alongside us as we continue on our journey to realise our levels of ambition.
Changed the way we approach our senior meetings and develop our strategy.
Chair, Regular Cleaning
Shaun worked closely with me and the senior team and taught us a lot. Shaun dedicated time for each team member and encouraged, educated and guided them to be the best they can be. We achieved so much in the time we worked with Shaun and he has helped to change our focus from working in the business to working on the business giving us time to dedicate to the progression of the teams that make up the rest of our family.
Jill has worked on many projects as our part time HR Director.
Founder, Aura
One was around sick days which she has now reduced by 75%. This has significantly minimised the disruption it was causing.
Stewart's work has been a major factor in helping us achieve our ambitious targets.
Gerry Simmonds, Safpro
Stewart helped to align our senior team around business goals and implemented clear people plan has been a major factor in helping us achieve our ambitious targets. We have grown 20% over the past two years and with the team we now have in place this growth is set to continue.
Lynn's work as our trusted HR consultant and my mentor has been absolutely invaluable.
Oktawia Ellis, HR Manager, We Seal
I have the distinct pleasure of working with Lynn at People Puzzles. Her work over the last few years as our trusted HR consultant and my mentor has been absolutely invaluable. Lynn is an expert in her field, she is very knowledgeable, encourageing, supportive, and an effective leader. She is also really funny and a pleasure to be around! I learned a lot from Lynn and I would strongly recommend her.
The impact Lynn has had on our challenges are beyond my expectations
James Laxton, Managing Director, Laxtons
She has engaged with all our staff and her approach is a breath of fresh air for the business. The support she has given me has made some difficult issues appear straight forward and she has given a new lease of life in the business. We would not have been able to get to where we are now without her wealth of experience and hands on people approach and I am excited to see what the future brings working with Lynn.
Every team leader can now make decisions in line with the vision
Roy Bowie, Managing Director, GreenBlue Urban
I used to have the view that HR was managing difficult cases and moving people on with occasional recruitment support. But what People Puzzles does is so much more than that. It’s about the development of the business and its people as a whole which has been the biggest eye opener for me.
Working with Gill has helped us develop a People Plan which goes beyond compliance
Bernard Sellars, Managing Director, Lindum Packaging
Working with Gill from People Puzzles has helped us develop a People Plan which goes beyond compliance – it has helped us as a team to achieve greater alignment and engagement with the business strategy and goals.
I found the personal development coaching I received from Lynn to be very beneficial.
Alex Calvert, Marketing and PR Account Manager, Intandem Communications Ltd
I found the personal development coaching I received from Lynn to be very beneficial. Lynn helped me to work on some very clear objectives with a good balance of supportiveness and knowing when to challenge and push me out of my comfort zone!
We are now in a strong position from a people perspective, to leverage the future
Craig Bennett, CEO, Sigma Group
Paula developed a clear People plan and road map, which has significantly moved us on. She has developed the existing HR team, and ensured that we progressed quickly on all the initiatives that we identified. I’m confident that based on the last 6 months, with Paula’s input and contribution, we are now in a strong position from a people perspective, to leverage the next 6 months and beyond.
A very professional team
Chris Morling, Founder & CEO, Money.co.uk
It’s been brilliant to have such knowledgeable consultants help us to empower our people. Stuart and Sophie were incredibly flexible, adapting their services to our business and existing culture. I’d highly recommend People Puzzles.
Shifted my view of HR!
Gavin Pooley, Managing Director, Liquidline
I used to think that HR was all about employment law compliance and managing the administration basics. I didn’t get the hugely positive impact strategic HR could make to the business – I do now!’
Transformed my understanding
Managing Director, B2B Supplies and Support Services
Having Alison on the team is like having another MD/MBA in the business. She has totally transformed my understanding of HR.
Fantastic support!
Kerry Berry, Director, S&K Berry Associates LLP
Lynn has been a fantastic support to us and an ongoing fountain of knowledge. If you have a business and/or staff you need to take care of, you need a Lynn on your team!
Such a detailed process
Sue Ford, Director, Bridge Case Management
Lynn ran a detailed process and I wasn’t allowed to get away with anything – All relevant issues were included and dealt with objectively.
We’ve accomplished a lot!
Joseph Carr, Managing Director, Carrs Pasties
This is an inspiring story and it’s all true. I can’t believe it’s about us! We’ve accomplished a lot over the last 18 months.
Helping us shape the business
Stuart Hill, CEO, WNDirect
Carole has helped me and the business massively and added real value while helping us shape the business.
Vee has delivered a huge amount for the company
Bertie Kerr, Managing Director, Albany Associates Ltd
Vee started with a baseline study of where we were. She then presented a work plan to deliver over the coming months and while some priorities have changed it is impressive to look back and see how much has been achieved. She has become a trusted member of the senior team, providing advice and guidance on difficult topics and is regularly consulted by staff for her input.
Alison joined Valleys to Coast on an interim basis and 18 months later is still with us!
Joanne Oak, Chief Executive Officer, Valleys to Coast Housing
Alison has been instrumental working with me to recruit to a permanent role. Alison’s approach has been one of partnership, contributing as part of the strategic leadership team, which has been critically important given the turbulence the organisation has been through. Alison is always available, responsive and I would highly recommend her for expert HR support
Over the last 3 years, People Puzzles has helped build a very strong people culture
Phil Dupont, Director, RVT Group
We now have a clear Vision for the Companies 5 Pillars, In-house manager, leadership ‘Power 90’ Training and a rhythm of key meetings throughout each year. This has had a direct contribution to the significant growth of the company in the last 3 years… With this support from People Puzzles continuing, the company continues to grow both financially and culturally for the benefit of all.