Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

Our Journey In 2015, PARKER HR Solutions was founded by Gifty Parker, an immigrant with a wealth of international HR experience, to bridge the gap between stringent HR standards and the diverse needs of businesses across Canada. From the outset, our mission was clear: to educate and empower through insightful content and guidance on HR best practices. A pivotal moment in our journey came with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The crisis revealed a critical need for accessible HR support among small and medium-sized businesses lacking in-house expertise. In response, we transitioned to a B2B model, offering tailored HR solutions designed to fit our clients' budgets. This shift was not merely a strategic change but a testament to our commitment to providing essential support during uncertain times. As the first HR consulting firm in Canada to emphasize a comprehensive approach to the employee lifecycle—including learning and development (training), talent acquisition, and performance management—we pride ourselves on our innovative focus. Our services encompass every aspect of talent management, ensuring that we address our clients' needs holistically and effectively. We work with strategic partners, not equity partners, to align our services with our clients' goals. This approach enables us to deliver high-quality, customized HR solutions that meet the unique needs of each business we serve. Our passion lies in our ability to adapt and provide impactful solutions that make a difference. We are also deeply committed to advancing the HR profession by mentoring HR students across Canada, the USA, and the UK. Gifty Parker’s academic background, including a Ph.D. in Education with a focus on People Analytics, drives our dedication to integrating educational principles with practical HR applications. At PARKER HR Solutions, we believe that education and empowerment are the cornerstones of our success. Our evolution from an educational platform to a pivotal business partner reflects our dedication to excellence and our belief in the transformative power of knowledge to drive meaningful success.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

At PARKER HR Solutions, community engagement is integral to our mission. We are dedicated to making a meaningful impact through various initiatives that support and uplift the communities we serve. Here’s how we contribute and how our community reciprocates: 1. Educational Outreach and Mentorship: We collaborate with universities across Canada, the USA, and the UK to mentor the next generation of HR professionals. Through guest lectures, workshops, and internships, we have engaged over 100 students as of 2024. Feedback indicates that 95% of participants feel more confident and prepared for their careers, underscoring the value of our mentorship efforts. 2. Community-Based HR Workshops: We organize quarterly HR workshops and seminars for small and medium-sized businesses, focusing on critical topics like talent management and compliance. Over the past year, we conducted 7 workshops, reaching local business owners during the Covid-19 lock-down. Attendees have rated these workshops highly, with 90% reporting significant improvements in their HR practices. 3. Pro Bono Consulting for Nonprofits: Our commitment to community extends to providing pro bono HR consulting for non-profit organizations. Last year, we partnered with 8 non-profits, enhancing their HR processes and training programs. These efforts led to a 30% increase in operational efficiency, as reported by the organizations we assisted. 4. Quarterly Newsletters: We distribute a quarterly newsletter to our subscribers, featuring updates on employment standards and new regulations. This resource helps our community stay informed about crucial HR developments and compliance issues, fostering a well-informed business environment. 5. Targeted Community Support: We are actively involved in local community initiatives. For example, we support the Black Youth Impact Program (BYIP) and assist with grant writing for racialized communities in Ontario. These efforts help address specific community needs and promote inclusivity and opportunity. 6. Employee Volunteering and Giving: We offer our team 2 hours of paid volunteer leave annually, encouraging participation in community service. Last year, our employees contributed over 500 volunteer hours to various local charities and projects, reinforcing our commitment to social responsibility. At PARKER HR Solutions, our dedication to community support enriches our company culture and reaffirms our belief in the power of collective empowerment.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

At PARKER HR Solutions, our pursuit of excellence is driven by a commitment to making a meaningful impact on our clients, future HR professionals, and the communities we serve. Winning the Business Impact Award would recognize our dedication to these core values and validate our efforts to create positive change. Our approach centers on empowering our clients by delivering high-quality, customized HR solutions that align with their unique needs. We focus on providing exceptional service while respecting budget constraints, which has led to a perfect 100% fill ratio for partnered positions and a 95% contract renewal rate. This success reflects our unwavering dedication to helping businesses thrive and achieve their goals. In addition to supporting our clients, we are deeply invested in the future of the HR profession. By collaborating with HR students in Canada, the USA, and the UK, we offer valuable mentorship and practical experience, fostering the development of the next generation of HR leaders. This commitment ensures that our field continues to evolve with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Our impact extends into the broader community through initiatives like supporting the Black Youth Impact Program and assisting with grant writing for racialized communities in Ontario. These efforts highlight our belief in making a positive difference and reinforcing our role as a responsible corporate citizen. At PARKER HR Solutions, we prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. Our commitment to integrity, professionalism, and continuous improvement guides our interactions and operations, ensuring a positive environment for our employees and stakeholders. Winning the Business Impact Award would not only acknowledge our achievements but also inspire us to further enhance our efforts. It would validate our approach and amplify our ability to drive positive change, benefiting our clients, the HR profession, and the communities we are proud to support. We are honored to be considered for this award and remain dedicated to upholding the values that have shaped our success.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

At PARKER HR Solutions, our workplace culture is built on a foundation of genuine care and commitment. We strive to create an environment where every individual—whether they are our employees, clients, vendors, or partners—feels truly valued and welcomed. Purpose & Care is at the heart of what we do. We are dedicated to treating everyone with respect and compassion. Our commitment extends beyond our immediate team to the communities we serve. For example, we actively support initiatives like the Black Youth Impact Program and assist with grant writing for racialized communities in Ontario. These efforts reflect our deep-rooted belief in making a positive difference wherever we can. We believe that Integrity and Professionalism are crucial in building trust and maintaining strong relationships. Our team members uphold the highest standards of honesty and respect in every interaction. Each consultant holds esteemed HR certifications and professional liability insurance, ensuring we provide reliable and top-quality services. This commitment is demonstrated by our perfect 100% fill ratio for partnered positions and our 95% contract renewal rate. In terms of Leadership, we focus on empowering and inspiring our people. We foster a collaborative atmosphere where everyone’s ideas are valued, and professional growth is encouraged. By supporting ongoing learning and development, we help our team stay ahead of industry trends and provide innovative solutions to our clients. We also believe in Excellence through continuous improvement and education. We work closely with HR students in Canada, the USA, and the UK, offering mentorship and practical experience. This not only supports the growth of future HR professionals but also ensures that our approach remains fresh and effective. Lastly, we embrace Fun in our work, creating a positive and engaging environment where people enjoy what they do. We believe that a joyful workplace contributes to our overall success and helps maintain high levels of motivation and creativity. In all that we do, our goal is to create a supportive and inclusive culture where everyone feels at home. Our values guide us in every interaction, helping us build meaningful relationships and a workplace where everyone can thrive.