Hi, I'm Karen Hillen.
HR consultant, tradie wife and tradie mum.
I've worked in HR for more than 30 years, and I've been helping small business owners look after their teams since 2012.
I work with businesses that don't have an HR team of their own, mostly in trades, professional services, fitness and health.
How I work
Before I started my own business, I worked in a large public sector organisation. That's where I had the best boss I've ever had. He wasn't in HR, but he showed me what good HR looks like. Be fair. Be kind. Deal with things early.
That's still how I work today. I help business owners get their contracts, policies and pay right, and handle the hard conversations with care. Every client speaks with me, not a call centre.
Away from work
I'm a tradie wife and a tradie mum, and my dad was a french polisher. I know how much of family life a small business takes up.
I've called the Northern Illawarra home since 1987. I've set my business up so I can work from anywhere, travel, and still be there for school pick-ups with my grandkids.
My business is Hillen HR
Employment contracts, HR policies, one-on-one HR advice and the HR Hub for small business owners. Peace of mind that you're doing right by your team.