PFunc Introduction

As a founder, learning to delegate - not just to my team, but to trusted systems - has been a game-changer. With Justworks’ thoughtful design and 24/7 human support, I can step out of the weeds and into the work that really matters: leading with clarity and care.

Because at the end of the day, business is personal, and having a partner that combines smart tech with genuine human support makes all the difference. Modern work deserves modern tools. Learn more about Justworks here [bit.ly/PfuncxJustworks].

Message From Our CEO’s Desk

Vacations are on the calendar, and folks are running out the clock. But If you’re a founder, leader, or people person, I have a feeling that your life is not quite so chill.

For me, this second half of the year unfolded in a way that made it extremely clear that I need to get out of the weeds. I constantly tell founders and leaders that they should be focused on only the things that they are uniquely good at. Everything else needs to be delegated in order for your team or your business to succeed. It’s time I start walking that walk.

I’m using the end of the year to focus on the things that will make 2026 a very different year for me and for People Function than 2025 was. Here’s what I’m doing:

1. Putting the right people in the right places - I shuffled our organizational structure. We made some hard decisions and had a few big promotions. Our beloved HR Consultant, Adriana, now oversees the entire consulting organization, and we have fantastic leads over HR, Compensation, and Recruiting. We also just brought on a VP of Ops to help us scale our processes. We’ve got the team to bring us into the future!

2. Bringing on the right tools and systems - We’re replacing our time-tracking system to get better intelligence and data on our time, and also replacing our sales tool, which wasn’t giving us true insights. We’re swapping out duct-taped systems and processes for best-in-class ones that will let us scale.

3. Positioning our IP to power our success - We’re turning our best practices, tools, and templates into IP that we can more easily give to our clients and our community. More on that in the future… 🤐

In a previous role, I worked for a CEO who would constantly tell her executive team (including me) that she could do each of our jobs better than any of us could. The truth is, she absolutely could not, and she was driving everyone around her into the ground while on this ego trip. I’m the opposite kind of CEO - in 2026 I want to empower my team to do a much BETTER job than I ever could. Because I know they have the willpower, brainpower, and mental space to do it. I want to put the right people in the right seats, with the right systems and processes, and support them as we make magic happen together.

Scaling without breaking means keeping my eyes focused on the right problems. I want to work smarter, not harder. I want to keep building a business that works, in a way that allows me to maintain sanity in my downtime and hang out with my new husband. I know I can do it, and I believe you can too! I’m always here if you want to talk about it or swap tips!

—Emma
CEO & Founder, People Function

ICYMI Compliance Tips

Below are some of the latest HR regulatory and compliance updates, published within the last two weeks.

• New Jersey, (eff. 1/1/2026) - Employees will soon pay less into the state’s paid family and medical leave program, as the contribution rate drops from .33% to .19% of taxable wages.

• New York, (eff. 1/1/2026) - New Yorker workers will contribute .432% of their gross wages each pay period to the state’s paid family and medical leave program, up to a maximum of $411.91 per year.

• Rhode Island, (eff. 1/1/2026) - Employers will soon be required to give all new workers a singular written notice or "mini handbook" that contains information about the employer's commitments and the employee’s wages, such as the number of days in a pay period and when they can expect to receive their first paycheck.

On the PFunc Market

Here’s what’s happening in the PFunc ecosystem. ⋒

Talent Spotlight

A fantastic, vetted candidate is actively seeking new roles and consulting opportunities. Reach out directly or reply here to learn more!

Diane Sims, Human Resources Manager - Diane is a CrossFit-loving HR pro looking for a full-time HR Generalist, HR Business Partner, or HR Manager role within the next month. Her path is, in her own words, delightfully non-linear. She’s a former restaurateur and backup singer turned office/ops manager, then HR leader who helped build an HR department from scratch alongside ownership. She’s passionate about people ops and creating workplaces where employees feel genuinely supported.

Exploring new opportunities in HR, People Operations, Business Operations, or Executive Leadership? Submit your information here to be featured in our “Talent Spotlight” section.

PFunc News

Here’s what’s happening at People Function. (Spoiler alert: It’s been a busy couple of months!)

Team Member Spotlights

Our December all-hands was a big one: we announced some major promotions that mark a new chapter for People Function as we grow into an even more “real deal” HR company. 💅

First, Adriana Estrada Genao was promoted from HR Consultant to VP of Consulting! She’ll lead and evolve our consulting offerings across comp, L&D, DEI&B, and recruiting.

And we’re thrilled to officially welcome Alyssa Melanson and Lindsay Glogower as full-time PFunc leaders. Alyssa steps into the HR Practice Lead role, where she’ll drive exceptional delivery across client engagements and lead our mid-level HR consultants. Lindsay is now our Recruiting Practice Lead, managing our fast-growing recruiting team, deepening client partnerships, and sharpening our recruiting frameworks, tools, and best practices.

We’re so proud of this team and so ready for everything 2026 has in store. 🚀

People Function is growing! Please join our talent community to be the first to learn about open roles.