Know Your People: Fractional HR, Culture, & Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Today’s guest is Karen A. Young, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Founder & President of HR Resolutions, bestselling author, and nationally respected expert in fractional HR, workplace culture, and small-business compliance. With 20+ years in the field—and over 100 clients served annually—Karen helps business owners prevent six-figure HR mistakes, build healthier workplaces, and lead with clarity instead of fear.

From her accidental entry into HR to launching a successful firm, Karen shares the realities leaders often overlook: why honest conversations matter, how small errors can cost big money, and what every employer needs to know before they scale their team.

Takeaways:

Honesty Is Your Best Protection

Most HR crises come from avoiding uncomfortable conversations—not from malice. Clear expectations prevent lawsuits.

Little Mistakes Can Cost Big Money

A single error on an I-9 form can cost up to $1,200—and the average EEOC claim runs over $200,000. Details matter.

Culture Starts with Consistency

Great workplace culture isn’t ping-pong tables—it’s leaders who listen, show grace, and adapt expectations to each person.

Your People Aren’t the Problem—Your Clarity Might Be

Performance issues usually reflect unclear goals, not bad intentions. Communication is everything.

Fractional HR Saves Small Businesses

You don’t need a full-time HR department to stay compliant. Fractional HR fills gaps only when you need it—saving time, risk, and money.

Leadership Is Knowing Your Team

Each employee needs something different to do their best work. Great leaders personalize support without lowering standards.

Quote of the Show

“It’s not the person—it’s the performance.” – Karen A. Young

What Problem Can the Listeners Help You Solve?

Karen works with small businesses that don’t have (or don’t need) a full HR department but still face hiring challenges, compliance risks, culture issues, or documentation headaches.

She’s looking to connect with:

• Business owners
• CEOs and founders
• Office managers
• Growing companies needing HR expertise “on demand”

If you’re struggling with handbooks, hiring, compliance, or difficult conversations, Karen and HR Resolutions can help.

Chapters

00:00 Karen’s Unlikely Journey into HR
 03:21 Did She Always Want to Be a Business Owner?
 05:24 What Is Fractional HR?
 07:48 The Most Expensive Mistakes Small Businesses Make
 12:38 Building a Strong & Healthy Workplace Culture
 16:09 The Craziest HR Situation She Ever Handled
 19:14 What She’d Tell Her Younger Self
 20:26 Pittsburgh Favorites & Fun Rapid-Fire
 21:30 How to Connect with Karen Young

Links:

Website:https://HRresolutions.com
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenayoungfounder/
HR Resolutions:https://www.linkedin.com/company/hr-resolutions/

Ways to Tune In:

Transistor: https://steelcitygrowth.live/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SBtiD6wOmd2EFCYh4PW3Z
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steel-city-growth/id1806713142
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/42813799-b7e8-432a-a9d5-aa6d67b8f8f3/steel-city-growth
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/steel-city-growth-6053619
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteelCityGrowth