HR consulting for small and mid-sized businesses in Red Deer and Central Alberta
Practical HR. Stronger workplaces.
Running a business comes with people challenges. You do not have to work through them alone.
I help business owners and leaders navigate employee concerns, build confident managers, and put practical HR processes in place. Whether you need advice on a difficult situation or support as your business grows, we will find an approach that fits your workplace.
Book a free 30-minute introductory call.
HR help for small and mid-sized businesses
- A staff member files a complaint
- You need a fair process, a written record and a decision you can defend.
- Things not working out with an employee
- You need the right notice, the right final pay and a respectful meeting.
- Your handbook is old or missing
- You need policies that match Alberta legislation and align to your workplace.
People decisions can take more time than you have
You care about your team and want to do the right thing. A difficult conversation, an ongoing performance issue, or uncertainty about the next step can take your attention away from the rest of your business.
You may know what needs to change and need help making it happen. Or you may need someone to help you work out where to start.
That is where I can help.
Does any of this sound familiar?
- A manager keeps putting off a conversation that needs to happen.
- You are spending too much time working through the same employee concerns.
- Expectations are unclear, and performance conversations are not leading to change.
- Your business has grown, but your people processes have not kept up.
- You want to understand what your employees need and turn their feedback into action.
A balanced approach to your people and your business
Good HR considers the needs of the business and the people who make it work. I make the effort to understand your workplace, explain your options clearly, and help you move forward with practical steps.
My approach brings kindness, clear expectations, and accountability to the same conversation.
Support that fits what you need
- HR advice and ongoing supportA trusted person to talk things through with, whether you have a question today or need regular support as your business grows.
- Leadership training and coachingPractical support to help managers give useful feedback, handle difficult conversations, set expectations, and lead their teams with confidence.
- HR strategy, engagement and talent managementConnect your people priorities to your business goals, act on employee feedback, and develop the talent your workplace needs.
- Additional supportPolicies and employee handbooks, performance and difficult decisions, and workplace bullying and harassment investigations.
Hi, I'm Gwen
I bring experience leading HR for an organization with approximately 900 employees across 50 locations, supporting around 100 leaders. I understand the day-to-day decisions managers face and the work it takes to turn good intentions into consistent practice.
Through Balanced HR Solutions, I bring that experience to business owners and leaders who want practical advice and support they can use.
“Leave them better than I found them” is a rule I live by.
Free tool
Alberta vacation pay calculator
Work out vacation pay and vacation time for an employee in a few seconds. It uses the 4% and 6% rules from Alberta Employment Standards.
Vacation must be taken within 12 months after it is earned. This is an estimate of Alberta minimums. A contract or policy can grant more.
Service
Vacation time
Vacation pay
Under 1 year
Not required
4% of wages
1 to 4 years
2 weeks
4% of wages
5 years or more
3 weeks
6% of wages
A clear scope and fees before we begin
Support is available by the hour, through a defined project, or on an ongoing basis. We will discuss what you need and agree on the scope and fees before work begins.
Based in Red Deer. Working with Central Alberta businesses.
In-person support is available across Red Deer and the surrounding area, with virtual options when they suit your business.
Let's talk about what you need
You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Tell me what is happening, and we will talk about where support could help.
Start with a free 30-minute introductory call.