Frequently asked questions
HR Consulting Frequently Asked Questions
Learn how assessments, projects, remote consulting, pricing, information handling, and fractional HR support work.
How long do policy and handbook projects take?
For standard engagements, allow 5–10 business days for the initial draft of one policy, form, or defined toolkit; 2–3 weeks for an initial handbook audit and update; and 3–5 weeks for an initial new handbook draft. Timing begins after the agreement, required deposit, complete materials, and discovery are in place. Revisions, legal review, and rollout follow the agreed schedule.
When will I hear back after submitting an inquiry?
Expect a personal reply within two business days. If you request a proposal, we aim to provide it within 3–5 business days after receiving the information needed to define the scope. Complex projects may require more time.
Is the introductory conversation free?
Yes. The introductory conversation is free, typically lasts 20–30 minutes, and can be held by phone or video. We discuss your needs and identify a sensible next step. There is no obligation to purchase services. Detailed document review and consulting work are separately scoped.
What is the HR and Workforce Infrastructure Assessment?
It is a structured review of workforce systems, documentation, leadership practices, HR processes, and organizational risks. Leadership receives a maturity scorecard, findings report, executive presentation, and prioritized implementation roadmap.
How much does the assessment cost?
The standard assessment is $1,500. A $750 non-refundable deposit is required to schedule the engagement, and the remaining $750 is due before delivery of the final findings and roadmap.
Can the assessment be completed remotely?
Yes. Documents can be collected through a client-specific SharePoint folder, leadership interviews can be conducted virtually, and findings can be presented through a virtual executive session.
What documents may be requested?
The request depends on scope, but may include policies, handbook materials, job descriptions, onboarding documents, forms, organizational charts, performance tools, employee-record checklists, workforce reports, and written procedures. The assessment does not require unrestricted access to every employee record.
Who should participate?
Participation typically includes the owner, executive leader, administrator, operations leader, or manager responsible for workforce decisions. The number of interviews and participants is confirmed in the engagement scope.
How long does the assessment take?
Plan for approximately 2–3 weeks from completed document intake and leadership interviews to the findings presentation and roadmap. The agreement, required deposit, and complete materials must be in place. Document readiness, interview scheduling, scope, and client review can change the schedule; dates are confirmed before work begins.
Can Holt implement the recommendations?
Yes. Recommendations may lead to a defined implementation project or fractional HR engagement. The client may also implement recommendations internally or use another provider.
Can services be purchased without an assessment?
Yes. Individual policies, forms, toolkits, coaching sessions, and focused bundles are available when the need and scope are already clear. An assessment is recommended when several problems are connected, priorities are uncertain, or leadership needs an independent view of the overall system.
How is HRIS implementation support priced?
Implementation support is custom quoted by modules, workforce size, data readiness, rollout phases, and included consulting capacity. Projects may use milestone billing or phased monthly support, including multi-month rollouts. Software and vendor fees are separate. Your written scope defines extensions, changes, and post-launch coverage.
Does Holt Workforce Strategies work outside Kansas?
Yes. Many assessments, policy reviews, process-design projects, analytics services, leadership sessions, and fractional engagements can be delivered remotely. State-specific legal interpretation may require local counsel.
How is client information protected?
Engagements use defined information requests and controlled access. A client-specific SharePoint folder may be established for document exchange. Clients should not send confidential employee documents through the public website form.
Does Holt provide legal advice?
No. Holt provides HR consulting, operational assessment, process design, documentation support, and workforce strategy. Legal interpretation and legal review should be performed by qualified counsel.
Is Holt a PEO, payroll provider, staffing agency, or law firm?
No. Holt Workforce Strategies is an independent workforce strategy and HR consulting firm. It does not process payroll as a PEO, place temporary employees as a staffing agency, or provide legal representation.
What is fractional HR?
Fractional HR provides recurring access to experienced HR leadership for a defined amount of time or scope. It can include leadership meetings, employee-relations guidance, project oversight, workforce planning, management support, and implementation accountability.
Are payments and deposits refundable?
No. Payments and deposits are non-refundable, as stated in the engagement documents and Terms of Service.
How do investigation coaching and direct investigation services differ?
With process coaching, your designated investigator conducts interviews, collects evidence, and reaches findings with guidance from Holt. Direct investigation services involve Holt conducting agreed fact-finding and documenting findings, subject to case suitability and independence. The employer retains employment decisions in both arrangements.
Does the payroll and timekeeping assessment include payroll processing?
No. It reviews timekeeping and payroll preparation processes and provides findings and recommendations. Payroll processing, tax filing, and ongoing administration are not included. A third-party referral may be explored on request; any provider agreement and fees are separate.
Still deciding?
Bring the situation, not a perfectly defined solution.
A short introductory conversation can determine whether the need is an assessment, project, fractional support, or a different resource.