Question 1 of 12
How many people currently work in your business, including yourself?
Count full-time, part-time, and regular contractors.
Just meSolo operator, no employees yet
2–5 peopleVery small team, early stage
6–15 peopleSmall but growing team
16–30 peopleEstablished small business
Question 2 of 12
Do you have a written job description for each role in your business?
Not in your head — actually written down and shared with employees.
No — roles are informalPeople know what to do but nothing is written down
Partially — some roles have descriptionsA few are documented but it's inconsistent
Yes — most roles are documentedWe have written expectations for most positions
Question 3 of 12
When you hire someone, what does the process look like?
Be honest — what actually happens, not what you'd like it to be.
We figure it out each timeNo set process — every hire is different
We have a loose processWe do similar things each time but it's not formalized
We have a consistent processSame steps, same questions, documented and repeatable
Question 4 of 12
What happens when a new employee starts?
Think about their first day and first week specifically.
They figure it out as they goWe show them around and get them started — no formal plan
We walk them through things informallySomeone shows them the ropes but it's not consistent
We have a structured onboarding planClear first day and first week schedule, same every time
Question 5 of 12
How do employees know what "good performance" looks like in their role?
They don't — it's based on feelI know it when I see it, but it's not defined
I tell them verballyI communicate expectations but nothing is written
We have written expectationsClear standards are documented and shared
Question 6 of 12
How do you currently classify your workers?
Misclassification is one of the most common — and costly — compliance mistakes for small businesses.
I'm not sure — I haven't reviewed thisWorkers are paid but I haven't formally checked classifications
I think they're right but haven't confirmedI believe my classifications are correct but haven't verified
Yes — W-2 vs 1099 is clearly definedI've reviewed classifications and am confident they're correct
Question 7 of 12
Do you have required labor law posters displayed (or accessible digitally)?
Indiana and federal law require specific posters for all employers with employees.
No — I didn't know this was requiredThis is the first I'm hearing about it
I think so, but I haven't checked recentlySomething is posted but I'm not sure it's current
Yes — current posters are displayedWe're up to date with required federal and state postings
Question 8 of 12
How often do the same performance or behavior issues come up repeatedly?
Constantly — the same problems keep coming backI feel like I'm having the same conversations over and over
Sometimes — issues resurface occasionallyWe address things but they don't always stick
Rarely — issues get resolved and stay resolvedWe have a process for addressing and documenting issues
Question 9 of 12
Can your team operate effectively without you being present?
Think about a full day or week away from the business.
No — everything comes back to meThe business stops or struggles significantly when I'm not there
Somewhat — basic things run but decisions stallThe team can handle routine work but escalates most decisions
Yes — the team runs well independentlyClear roles and decision-making means things run smoothly
Question 10 of 12
Do you have a basic employee handbook or written policies?
No handbook or written policiesPolicies exist in my head or through word of mouth
Some things are written but it's incompleteWe have a few documents but no comprehensive handbook
Yes — we have a handbook employees have receivedWritten policies exist and have been shared with the team
Question 11 of 12
Have you experienced a difficult employee situation you weren't prepared to handle?
Think terminations, no-shows, conflicts, performance issues, complaints.
Yes — and it was stressful because I had no processI handled it but winged it the whole way through
Yes — I managed it but wasn't fully confidentI got through it but wasn't sure if I handled it correctly
I have a process for handling these situationsI feel prepared and have documentation to back decisions
Question 12 of 12
What's the biggest HR challenge you're facing right now?
Pick the one that keeps you up at night.
Hiring the right peopleFinding, evaluating, and bringing on good employees
Getting consistency from my teamSame standards, same quality, every time
Scaling without it falling back on meBuilding a team that runs without my constant involvement
Making sure I'm legally compliantNot knowing what I don't know about HR law