Side Step HR

Melanie Gillis is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Side Step HR.

 

With more than 20 years of management experience and over a decade in progressive HR leadership roles, she has helped organizations build strong workplaces through practical HR solutions, employee relations expertise, compliance guidance, leadership development, and organizational growth.

 

Throughout her career, Melanie has partnered with employees, managers, and executive teams across nonprofit, manufacturing, startup, and multi-state organizations. She has built HR functions from the ground up, implemented HR technology systems, led workplace investigations, developed training programs, and created scalable people processes that support both employees and business goals.

 

Melanie founded Side Step HR because she believes workplace challenges are easier to navigate when people have access to honest, practical guidance. Whether helping an employee understand their options or supporting an employer through a complex people issue, her approach is grounded in professionalism, empathy, common sense, and real-world experience.

 

At Side Step HR, the goal is simple: help employers build stronger workplaces and help employees move forward with confidence.

 

When she's not working, Melanie enjoys live music, spending time with her loved ones, and cheering on the Boston Red Sox and The New England Patriots.