General Questions 

Are you a manpower agency?

No, we are not a manpower agency – but interestingly, we do get this misconception a lot! At HRT, we do offer recruitment and executive search services, however, this is just one of the many facets of HR that we cover. Let’s connect so you to know more! 

What specific HR services do you offer?

A thorough browse of our website could help you with that! But, in quicker words, we offer end-to-end services that cover many, if not all, aspects of HR from hiring to firing! Talent Acquisition, Performance Management, Organizational Effectiveness, HR Compliance and Risk Management, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Relations, and Training and Development. And guess what, think of all these in one service – that’s our HR on Retainership. Now that’s a great deal! 

What size businesses do you typically work with?

HRT’s advocacy is to empower local MSMEs in the Visayas and Mindanao at a reasonable and affordable cost. Our growing clientele pool ranges from large nationwide enterprises to small businesses from a variety of industries that just need HR expertise to help their businesses function as efficiently as they should from the inside out. 

Do you provide ongoing HR support or one-time services?

We can provide you with a long-term HR support plan and assistance tailored to your organization’s needs. We can also do one-time services – training, coaching, consultation – given, of course, all services proposed after a thorough assessment of your organization. 

What are the biggest HR challenges your target audience faces?

HR professionals in Cebu face challenges in hiring and retention, employee engagement, compliance with labor laws, and adapting to digital tools. They also need help in conducting trainings and building a strong and resilient workplace culture.

Are there any refunds if I don’t like the service?

Refunds are not available, but we have a termination clause that can allow you to cancel our services with advance notice.

What can you guarantee in your services?

We guarantee the following in all our services:

  • Responsiveness: Guaranteed response times for addressing client inquiries or requests.
  • Compliance: Ensuring that HR services are in line with legal requirements and industry standards.
  • Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality HR solutions and services.
  • Confidentiality: Maintaining the privacy and security of client information.
  • Expertise: Providing access to skilled professionals who can handle a range of HR-related tasks effectively.
What do you need from my end to ensure good service is given?

We need these from our clients to make the partnership successful: 

  • Providing necessary information: The client must offer accurate and timely information we require to deliver the agreed-upon services effectively.
  • Cooperation and collaboration: The client should actively collaborate with us, participate in meetings, and provide feedback as needed to ensure the success of the services.
  • Access to resources: The client must grant access to any pertinent resources, systems, or facilities required for us to fulfill their obligations.
  • Adherence to terms: The client is expected to comply with the terms and conditions outlined in the SLA, including payment schedules, confidentiality agreements, and other relevant terms.
  • Feedback and reviews: Providing feedback on the services rendered and participating in regular reviews or evaluations to assess our performance and address any concerns.

HR on Retainer Service

HR On Retainer Service

Why wouldn’t I just hire an executive instead of getting your HR on retainer package?

Employing a full-time executive or HR team to handle all the mentioned services can be costly. Outsourced personnel are not exposed to internal politics and potential biases in recommendations and/or decision-making.

What happens when I sign up for the monthly HR on retainer package?

Initially, we will assess your existing business processes, identify areas for improvement, and offer recommendations. Next, we will assist you in defining the necessary initiatives and creating a roadmap for implementing solutions. Finally, we will choose a project management tool to track progress together. Additionally, my team is accessible via chat, email, or phone with a set response time guarantee.

Is there a limit to what I can ask?

We strive to be responsive to your inquiries on various topics such as strategic plans, people challenges, due diligence, government compliance, and HR management, among others. However, we cannot guarantee expertise in highly technical fields like legal, engineering, chemistry, math, existentialism, religion, and similar areas. Our aim is to assist you by directing you to the most suitable individual for such specialized matters.

What if I have only one requirement?

We strive to be responsive to your inquiries on various topics such as strategic plans, people challenges, due diligence, government compliance, and HR management, among others. However, we cannot guarantee expertise in highly technical fields like legal, engineering, chemistry, math, existentialism, religion, and similar areas. Our aim is to assist you by directing you to the most suitable individual for such specialized matters.

What is the timeframe of the contract?

A one-year timeframe is needed to jumpstart an HR on Retainership contract, but it takes around 2 years to see significant results. HR projects, initiatives, or changes, especially those that involve human resources, require a long-term approach to yield significant outcomes due to factors such as process implementation, data collection, learning curves, or gradual impact build-up. Additionally, some changes or goals may require sustained effort and consistency over an extended period, depending on the complexity of tasks or goals, before tangible results become noticeable

HR Coaching and HR Skills Training

How does HR Coaching differ from regular training?

HR coaching is a personalized, one-on-one or small-group engagement that focuses on developing HR professionals based on real-time challenges and goals. Unlike training, coaching is more interactive and tailored, often focusing on mindset, leadership, and decision-making skills.

Who is HR coaching for?

It’s ideal for HR professionals—from officers to HR heads—who want to grow their leadership skills, gain clarity in decision-making, or navigate complex workplace situations with more confidence

What areas can HR coaching cover?

Topics often include strategic thinking, handling difficult conversations, compliance insights, employee relations, leadership development, and aligning HR with business outcomes. We can definitely customize it to address any problem your company is facing. 

How long does an HR coaching engagement usually take?

It depends on the goals, but engagements typically range from weekly sessions to monthly check-ins, spaced over several weeks or months. We also offer one-off sessions for urgent or specific needs.

How is coaching done?

We can meet face-to-face for a one-on-one coaching session, or we could also meet online via Zoom if that is more convenient. 

Talent Acquisition

Executive Search/Recruitment Services

What kinds of roles can you help us fill?

We handle a wide range, from executive and leadership roles (like Directors, GMs, or C-level positions) to HR, finance, operations, and technical positions. We also recruit for specialized and hard-to-fill roles.

How long does the recruitment process usually take?

It depends on the level and complexity of the role. For most positions, it can take 2 to 6 weeks. Executive searches may take longer due to the more selective nature of the process

Do you offer any guarantee or replacement policy?

Yes, we offer a replacement guarantee if the hired candidate resigns or is found unfit, and if a decision has been made within the 6-month probationary period of that employee. The details are discussed in the service agreement.

What industries do you recruit for?

We work with various industries, but we’ve successfully placed candidates in sectors like food and beverage, BPO, manufacturing, retail, and professional services, among others.

Employee Relations

Employee Handbook Creation

What’s included in a typical employee handbook?

It usually covers your company policies on attendance, code of conduct, benefits, leaves, disciplinary procedures, data privacy, and more. We also include your company’s mission, values, and culture to make it truly yours.

Can you update our existing handbook instead of making a new one?

Definitely! We review your current handbook, identify gaps or outdated sections, and revise it to ensure it’s up-to-date with current labor laws and best practices.

How long does the process usually take?

It usually takes 3 weeks to 2 months, depending on how much input we need from your side and the complexity of your policies. We can work faster if there’s an urgent need.

Will you help us roll out the handbook to employees?

Yes, we can guide your internal team on how to launch the handbook, conduct orientation sessions, and ensure employees understand and acknowledge the contents.

Discipline Management

What does your service include?

We assist in crafting or reviewing your Code of Conduct, guide you on the proper steps for documenting violations, prepare notices (NTEs, NDAs), and coach managers on how to conduct due process. We also support actual case handling if needed.

Can you train our managers on handling disciplinary cases?

Of course! We offer training on progressive discipline, proper documentation, legal dos and don’ts, and how to conduct administrative hearings professionally.

What if we don’t have a disciplinary policy yet?

No problem! We can help you develop one from scratch—aligned with your company values, industry standards, and legal requirements.

Is this only for large companies?

Not at all. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, having a solid discipline process is essential. We tailor our approach based on your size and needs.

Grievance Standardization

What does your grievance standardization service include?

We help design or improve your grievance policy, set clear steps for reporting and resolution, create templates for documentation, and train your team on how to handle issues professionally and objectively.

We already have a grievance process—can you just review and improve it?

Absolutely! We assess your current system, identify gaps or risks, and suggest updates to make it more effective, compliant, and employee-friendly.

Who should be involved in the grievance process?

We help define the appropriate escalation levels—typically involving HR, line managers, and in some cases, a grievance committee. Roles are clearly defined so everyone knows their part.

Will you help train our team to handle grievances?

Yes. We offer workshops for HR and managers on how to receive, document, and resolve grievances professionally—while keeping emotions and bias in check.

Code of Conduct and Ethics

How is this different from a company handbook?

The handbook covers HR policies and operational guidelines, while the Code of Conduct focuses on ethical behavior and principles. Think of it as the “moral compass” of your organization.

What’s included in a typical Code of Conduct and Ethics?

It usually covers topics like respectful workplace behavior, anti-harassment, conflict of interest, use of company assets, data confidentiality, bribery, and reporting misconduct. We tailor it to reflect your industry and values.

Can you help us create our Code from scratch?

Absolutely! Whether you’re building one for the first time or updating an outdated version, we handle the process—from consultation to drafting and rollout, of course, in close collaboration with you, our client.

Do you help with rollout or employee orientation?

We do! We can support with internal communication plans, awareness sessions, and training to make sure employees understand and apply the Code in their day-to-day work.

HR Handbook

What is an HR handbook, and how is it different from an employee handbook?

An HR handbook is an internal reference guide for your HR team. It contains detailed policies, processes, and procedures on how to handle HR functions, like hiring, onboarding, performance reviews, and disciplinary actions, whereas an employee handbook is meant for all staff and focuses on workplace rules and expectations.

We already have some HR policies—can you help us organize them into a handbook?

Sure! We can audit what you have, identify any missing pieces, and format everything into a cohesive, easy-to-use document for your HR team.

How long does it take to develop an HR handbook?

Depending on the complexity and how much content we need to build or revise, it can take 3 weeks to 2 months. We’ll walk you through every step, from discovery to final approval.

Performance Management

Performance Management

What does your performance management service include?

We help design or improve your performance appraisal system, define KPIs or goals, create evaluation tools, and train managers on how to give meaningful feedback and manage performance consistently.

Can you help us address poor performance?

Yes. We assist in setting up performance improvement plans (PIPs), coaching sessions, and guidelines for handling underperformance with fairness and legal compliance.

Can you align the system with our existing HR tools or software?

Yes, we can either adapt to your current tools or recommend low-cost solutions that work for your process. The goal is to make it easy and practical to manage.

Job Analysis &  Standardization

What’s included in your job analysis and standardization service?

We conduct interviews, surveys, and document reviews to define key roles. Then we create or standardize job descriptions, job titles, and job levels across your organization for consistency and clarity.

Can you help us update outdated job descriptions?

Definitely! We review your current job descriptions, validate them with department heads, and revise them to reflect the actual responsibilities and modern workplace needs.

Can you align the system with our existing HR tools or software?

Yes, we can either adapt to your current tools or recommend low-cost solutions that work for your process. The goal is to make it easy and practical to manage.

How do you gather information about each role?

We use structured interviews, questionnaires, workflow reviews, and observations if needed. We work closely with jobholders and supervisors to ensure the information is accurate and complete.

How long does the process usually take?

Depending on the number and complexity of roles, it typically takes 3 weeks to 2 months. We’ll give you a timeline based on your specific needs.

Compensation and Benefits

Payroll Administration

What does your payroll administration service include?

We handle end-to-end payroll processing—computing salaries, overtime, deductions, government contributions, tax compliance, payslip generation, and reporting. We ensure your people are paid correctly and on time, every time.

What payroll schedules can you accommodate—monthly, semi-monthly, weekly?

We can support any payroll schedule your company follows, whether it’s monthly, semi-monthly, or weekly. We’ll align our process with what works best for your operations.

Do you handle government filings and remittances?

We do! We can prepare and file monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to BIR, SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. We make sure everything is accurate and on time to avoid penalties.

What reports will we receive?

You’ll receive payroll summaries, individual payslips, government remittance breakdowns, and monthly or year-end reports as needed. We can also customize reports based on your management’s requirements.

Salary and Benefits Review

How do we know if our pay is competitive?

We’ll show you how your current rates stack up against the market and identify where you may be above, below, or on par. This gives you clarity for hiring and retention strategies.

Can you help us develop a salary structure?

Absolutely! We can help you create salary ranges or bands per role, establish a compensation framework, and align it with job levels, performance, and internal equity.

Will you look at both salaries and benefits, like leaves and allowances?

Yes. Our review includes both monetary compensation and non-monetary benefits such as health coverage, bonuses, leave policies, and perks—because total rewards matter to employees.

Can you help us make our benefits more appealing without overspending?

Yes. We offer practical, budget-sensitive recommendations—like flexible benefits, non-cash perks, or wellness programs—that can increase employee satisfaction without dramatically increasing costs.

Training and Development

Soft Skills Training

What topics do you cover in your soft skills training programs?

We offer a wide range of topics, including communication skills, leadership, conflict resolution, customer service, critical thinking, collaboration, and personal effectiveness. We can also customize topics based on your team’s needs.

Who is this training for—only managers?

Not at all. Soft skills are essential at all levels. We train frontliners, supervisors, and senior leaders alike, with content tailored to their roles and responsibilities.

Is this done online or in person?

We offer both options—online via Zoom or other platforms, and in-person sessions, depending on your preference and location.

How long are the training sessions?

It depends on the topic and depth. Sessions can range from 2-hour learning bites to half-day or full-day workshops. We’ll recommend a format that works best for your team’s schedule.

How often should we run soft skills training?

Ideally, it should be part of a continuous learning strategy. We can help you map out quarterly or biannual training plans to develop different skill areas over time.

Organizational Effectiveness

Culture Building/Alignment

What are the signs that we need culture alignment?

If you notice high turnover, inconsistent behavior across teams, employee disengagement, or leaders not “walking the talk,” it might be time for a culture check. We help you realign your people to shared values and expectations.

Is culture building only for big companies or rebrands?

Not at all. Even startups and SMEs benefit from having a clear culture early on—it sets the tone for hiring, leadership, and growth. And for growing companies, aligning culture helps maintain unity as you scale.

What does your culture alignment process involve?

Our process may include values clarification, employee feedback tools, leadership alignment sessions, internal communication planning, and embedding behaviors into policies, onboarding, and daily operations.

How do you ensure culture isn’t just a one-time initiative?

We help integrate your desired culture into everyday processes—like hiring, performance reviews, recognition, and even discipline—so it becomes part of how your company operates long-term.

How do we measure progress in culture change?

We use tools like engagement surveys, culture pulse checks, feedback mechanisms, and observable behavior indicators to track shifts and guide your next steps.

Health and Well-Being

What does your health and well-being service include?

Our service focuses on promoting physical, mental, and emotional health in the workplace. It includes stress management workshops, wellness programs, health screenings, employee assistance programs (EAP), and creating a supportive work environment that encourages work-life balance.

Can you help us set up a mental health support program?

Yes. We can guide you in establishing Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), mental health awareness campaigns, workshops, and access to counseling services, ensuring your employees have the resources they need to maintain their mental well-being.

Do you offer support for remote or hybrid teams?

Absolutely! We design well-being initiatives that work for all kinds of work environments, whether employees are in the office, working from home, or in a hybrid setup. Virtual fitness sessions, online wellness challenges, and remote mental health resources are just some examples.

Will offering health and well-being programs increase company costs?

Investing in employee well-being often leads to long-term savings by reducing healthcare costs, improving productivity, and decreasing turnover. We work with you to create cost-effective programs that align with your budget.

HR Audits

What does your HR audit service include?

Our HR audit covers a wide range of areas, including recruitment practices, compensation and benefits, employee records, training and development, performance management, compliance with labor laws, and HR policies. We provide a detailed report with findings and actionable recommendations.

How often should we conduct an HR audit?

It’s generally recommended to conduct an HR audit annually or bi-annually, but it can also be useful after significant organizational changes, like mergers, restructuring, or when new laws are introduced.

How do you conduct the audit?

We conduct face-to-face interviews with key HR personnel, review relevant documents (like policies, employee files, and contracts), analyze data from HR systems, and benchmark your practices against best practices or legal requirements.

Can you help us implement the changes recommended by the audit?

Yes! We don’t just provide recommendations; we also offer implementation support, whether it’s updating policies, training your team, or re-engineering HR processes to ensure everything is optimized and compliant.

HR Compliance and Risk Management

Employee on Record

How does the Employee on Record service work?

We manage payroll, benefits, taxes, compliance, and employee documentation on behalf of your company. Your business oversees the employees’ work and performance, while we ensure all HR, legal, and regulatory obligations are met.

Do you handle payroll and benefits for employees on record?

Yes, we handle everything related to payroll processing, tax deductions, social security contributions, benefits administration, and government filings to ensure full compliance and timely payments.

What are the costs associated with Employee on Record services?

Costs vary depending on factors like the employee’s role and the scope of services required. We offer competitive pricing based on your needs and will provide a detailed breakdown in our proposal.

Outplacement Programs

Is outplacement only for large companies?

No, outplacement services are beneficial for companies of all sizes. Whether it’s a large downsizing or a small-scale layoff, outplacement provides valuable support for your departing employees and helps maintain morale within the company.

Will employees get personalized coaching or just generic advice?

Each employee receives personalized coaching tailored to their career needs and aspirations. Our career coaches work one-on-one with each participant to develop a strategy that’s aligned with their career goals.