Startup Essentials: Building High-Performing Teams
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For startups, success isn’t just about having a great idea – it’s building and maintaining a strong team!
But how do emerging companies stand out and attract top talent in a competitive landscape dominated by larger, more established players? And with limited resources and expertise, how can they tackle HR challenges, from day-to-day operations to compliance, without getting overwhelmed?
These questions were the focus of a recent event hosted by Startup Terrace Kaohsiung. Held on 14 March 2025, the forum aimed to help startups address key HR challenges, with actionable strategies and real-world insights from Decode HR Taiwan and Swingvy Taiwan.
Crafting a Strong Talent Strategy
A strong HR foundation is key to a startup’s growth, however, many founders assume it’s is unnecessary in the early stages.
Karan Lin, DecodeHR’s Business Development Manager in Taiwan, highlighted its importance while sharing the essential skills for leaders to create a structured yet agile HR framework.
She also stressed the value of cultivating a strong company culture. For startups, building a positive and engaging culture is crucial. It attracts the right talent and ensures alignment with core values. Without this foundation, maintaining consistency and keeping employees engaged can become increasingly difficult as the company grows.
Karan then discussed the priority of crafting a compelling Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and building a strong employer brand to attract and retain top talent.
When it comes to talent management, hiring is just the starting point. Startups must focus on recruiting and retaining the right people, while utilising HR tech tools and tapping into external resources to stay competitive.
“These strategies are essential in creating an environment where employees can thrive, even in a fast-paced and ever-changing workplace,” noted Karan.
Boosting HR Efficiency and Compliance with Digital Tools
HR compliance can overwhelm startups, especially when balancing flexible employment models with labour regulations.
Cindy Lin, Business Development Manager of Swingvy Taiwan, addressed the key compliance risks and challenges faced by startups, especially given their common constraint of limited budgets. She also explored how digital HR tools – like automated payroll, AI-powered compliance monitoring, and time management software – can streamline operations and mitigate risks.
She then shared best practices for startup HR compliance, including a case study on using HR technology to build effectively an internal compliance culture.
The ensuing Q&A segment was lively, with engaging discussions and a flurry of questions. The conversation explored varied topics, including the importance of leadership, and the best questions to ask candidates at HR interviews.
This startup forum provided a great opportunity for startup founders and HR managers to address some of their key people challenges. The main takeaway? Startups may not have the resources of big companies, but with the right strategies and a strong culture, they can stand out and build a team that drives long-term success.
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