Behind every thriving business is a strong HR foundation—but the hidden costs of getting it wrong can quietly drain your resources and derail your growth. In this episode of Built Without a Net, host Brad Foley takes a hard look at five overlooked areas in HR that often cost business owners far more than they realize. From the steep price of turnover and bad hires to the risks of non-compliance, poor onboarding, and unresolved employee issues, Brad breaks down where the money really goes and what leaders can do to protect their people, their culture, and their bottom line.

In this episode, Brad discusses:

• Why turnover costs can equal 50% to 200% of an employee’s salary
• How desperation hiring leads to bad hires and long-term costs
• The risks of non-compliance penalties, from I-9s to OSHA fines
• How poor onboarding disguises itself as bad hiring
• The hidden danger of unresolved employee issues and their impact on morale

Key Takeaways: 

• Turnover is never a neutral event; it drains productivity, disrupts team culture, and can cost a company anywhere from 50% to 200% of an employee’s salary. The financial and cultural impact is magnified in smaller organizations.
• Desperate hiring almost always backfires. A poor hiring decision often ends up costing more than the turnover it was meant to solve.
• Years without compliance issues don’t mean you’re safe. When violations are uncovered, the penalties can be severe and long-lasting.
• Poor onboarding disguises great hires as bad ones. Without clear processes and thoughtful orientation, new employees are set up to fail or leave early.
• Unresolved employee complaints don’t fade with time; they grow. Ignoring these concerns leads to lower morale, decreased productivity, and ultimately client dissatisfaction.

“HR as a function isn't just about avoiding problems, although that is a big piece of it, right? But it's really about protecting your investment in your people.” - Brad Foley

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.