People Systems Studio

People-centered.Sustainablegreatness.

Strategic HR consulting for small and mid-sized businesses: the expert guidance usually reserved for large corporations, from one trusted advisor.

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Compliance. Culture. Talent.
Chicago, IL

Our vision

When people succeed, organizations succeed.

Every organization, regardless of size, deserves access to strategic, compassionate, and effective human resources support.

We envision workplaces where people thrive, leadership is intentional, and HR practices are not just compliant, but genuinely transformative.

Four women talking around a table in a warm, brick-walled space
Two women talking while looking at a laptop by a bright window
First who, then what

Your people are the engine of your flywheel.

  1. Turn 1 of 4

    Confront the brutal facts

    It starts with an honest look at your current reality: where your people operations stand today and what is really in the way.

  2. Turn 2 of 4

    Build a culture of discipline

    Complex HR regulations become clear, actionable steps, and leaders get the practices to follow through on them.

  3. Turn 3 of 4

    Create disciplined thought

    No cookie-cutter templates and no short-term fixes. Every recommendation is tailored to your unique context.

  4. Turn 4 of 4

    Unleash flywheel momentum

    Your people become the engine. Each turn builds on the last, moving your organization from good to truly great.

Our services

Seven ways to move forward.

See all services
01

HR Compliance & Policy Development

Stay compliant with federal, state, and local employment laws.

 02

Talent Acquisition & Recruitment Support

Attract, identify, and secure people aligned with your culture.

 03

Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution

Navigate sensitive situations with professionalism and fairness.

 04

Training & Development

Customized programs for leaders, managers, and teams.

 05

HR Audits & Assessments

Find the gaps, risks, and opportunities, then get a clear plan.

 06

Fractional HR Support

A seasoned HR professional without the cost of a full-time hire.

 07

Onboarding & Offboarding

First and last impressions matter.
What sets us apart

You work directly with Melissa, not a rotating team of junior staff.

Colleagues gathered around laptops in a bright office

  • Boutique, personalized service

    One senior advisor who knows your organization.

  • Practical, real-world solutions

    No cookie-cutter templates. Every recommendation is tailored to your unique context.

  • Trusted expertise

    Deep knowledge of HR law, best practices, and organizational dynamics.

  • A partner, not just a vendor

    We’re invested in your success for the long term.

  • Woman-owned, community-rooted

    Proudly serving the Chicagoland area and beyond.

Founder & Principal HR Consultant

Melissa Jenkins-Goodman

Melissa brings years of hands-on human resources experience across multiple industries, and she founded People Systems Studio to give smaller organizations the kind of guidance large corporations take for granted.

She acts as a trusted advisor, a skilled facilitator, and a relentless advocate for both employees and the organizations that employ them.

Meet Melissa
Cloud Gate in Millennium Park with the Chicago skyline behind it

Proudly serving the Chicagoland area and beyond.

Let’s connect

Let’s grab a virtual coffee.

Explore where your organization is today and the steps it takes to go from good to great. No pitch, just an open conversation.

Start the conversation