What Does an HR Generalist Do?
An HR Generalist is a key player in keeping the human resources department running smoothly. No matter what their focus is, all HR Generalists are responsible for ensuring that the company’s employees are treated fairly and in accordance with the law. This article will explore what an HR Generalist does on a daily basis and discuss some of the challenges they face in their role.
What is the Role of an HR Generalist?
First and foremost, it is important to know what an HR generalist is because they are responsible for a wide range of duties within the human resources department. In general, HR Generalists are responsible for managing employee relations, benefits, and compliance with labor laws. While the specific duties of an HR Generalist can vary depending on the company they work for, there are some common duties that HR Generalists typically carry out.
1. They Keep the Company Compliant with Employment Regulations
The HR Generalist is responsible for ensuring that the company’s employees are treated fairly and in accordance with the law. This includes keeping up to date on federal, state, and local employment laws and ensuring that the company’s policies comply with these laws. It will also help if you continue to study and attain HR certificates, as it will give you more credibility and authority when handling these situations.
2. They Develop and Implement Policies
An HR Generalist is also responsible for developing and implementing company policies. This includes everything from creating new policies to revising existing ones. They must also make sure that all employees are aware of these policies and understand them. A process like this can help to avoid any legal issues that may arise.
3. They Handle Employee Relations Issues
Another important responsibility of an HR Generalist is to handle employee relations issues. This can include anything from resolving conflicts between employees to investigating allegations of harassment or discrimination. An HR Generalist must be able to effectively communicate with both employees and managers to resolve these issues in a timely and efficient manner.
4. They Oversee Recruitment and Hiring
HR Generalist also oversees recruitment and hiring, including posting job descriptions, conducting interviews, and ensuring that new hires are properly onboard. As a result, it is important for an HR Generalist to have a good understanding of the company’s needs to effectively fill open positions. Moreover, they should also have a good understanding of the latest recruiting trends and technologies.
5. They Manage Payroll and Benefits
In addition to the aforementioned duties, HR Generalists are also responsible for managing payroll and benefits. It involves ensuring that employees are paid accurately and on time and managing employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation/sick leave. This can be a complex and time-consuming task, so it is important for HR generalists to have a good understanding of payroll and benefits administration.
To Conclude
There you have it! These are the five main responsibilities of an HR Generalist. As you can see, they play a vital role in ensuring that the company runs smoothly and that employees are treated fairly. If you are interested in pursuing a career in human resources, then consider becoming an HR Generalist.