If you’re considering a career in human resources, one of the most commonly heard professions is that of an HR generalist.
Understanding the role and responsibilities in this profession will give you insight into the crucial skills and career prospects.
We will walk you through the ins and outs of the HR generalist profession, covering everything from definitions to responsibilities, and the skills needed to excel in this position.
So, let’s dive into the article!
What is an HR Generalist?
Quoting from The Balance Careers, HR generalist is a profession responsible for carrying out daily operations in the field of human resources within a company.
Someone working in this position should have basic knowledge of various topics related to human resources such as:
- Employee benefits
- Compensation
- Hiring
- Onboarding
- Employee evaluation
This profession works directly with the HR director to disseminate information about the latest work procedures, changes in payroll, or hiring needs.
Typically, this role is the company’s first recruit to fill positions in the human resources field.
As the company grows, the HR department will divide the HR generalist’s tasks more specifically depending on each person’s expertise.
Also read: The Role of HR Specialist in Enhancing Employee Well-being
Responsibilities of an HR Generalist
As mentioned earlier, the role of an HR generalist involves handling various tasks and daily duties in human resources within a company.
Here are some common responsibilities of this profession:
1. Recruitment
As part of the HR department, one of the tasks of an HR generalist is recruitment.
In recruitment, activities typically performed by this profession include:
- Searching for candidates
- Conducting screening interviews
- Scheduling interviews with the hiring team
- Creating employment offers
- Negotiating salaries
- Conducting candidate background checks
- Managing the employee onboarding process
- Ensuring the recruitment process complies with applicable laws
- Advising the hiring manager
- Working with immigration authorities when recruiting from abroad
2. Administration
Administration is also one of the responsibilities undertaken by this profession.
In terms of administration, tasks that need to be performed by HR generalists include:
- Managing administrative tasks related to employee benefits
- Monitoring the HR department’s budget and distributing payroll
- Updating documents to facilitate new employees
- Writing reports on HR department activities
- Managing employee absences and permissions and ensuring compliance with applicable laws
3. Employee Relations
Another visible responsibility of an HR generalist besides recruitment is dealing with employee relations.
When dealing with employees, various tasks need to be done, such as:
- Management training
In this regard, you have to explain the relationship between supervisors and their subordinates.Not only that, but you’ll also provide training to managers on how to give feedback and how to avoid conflicts of interest.
- Investigating discrimination, harassment, or wrongdoing
When there is a case of discrimination or harassment, an HR generalist will be responsible for investigating and deciding how the company will respond.Therefore, someone working in this position needs to have a strong understanding of applicable laws.Additionally, issues such as theft of company property or violence also need to be investigated.
- Performance improvement planning
An HR generalist will work with managers in the company to develop plans that can improve employee performance.Not only that, but they also need to be aware of everything happening in the company and ensure that all employees are treated equally.
- Employee termination
Although the employee’s direct manager or supervisor may initiate employee termination, an HR generalist needs to be present as a support and witness.Managers are not allowed to terminate employees without discussing it with the HR department.
- Conducting exit interviews
If an employee leaves the company, one of the HR generalist’s tasks is to conduct an exit interview to discuss why they resigned.This information is crucial for identifying areas of improvement and development for the company in the future.
Also read: CRM Definition: Basic Concepts, Objectives, and Benefits
Skills Needed by HR Generalists
Due to the varied nature of their tasks, HR generalists require a range of proficient skills to support their work.
Here are some skills needed by an HR generalist:
- Organizational skills
With good organizational skills, you can easily find employee information.For example, an HR generalist can create a digital filing system to organize employee data by department.
Therefore, when other departments request information about an employee, you can provide it quickly.
- Computer literacy
Computer skills are also necessary for an HR generalist to effectively complete their work.For example, one of an HR generalist’s tasks is to review employee performance data before performance appraisals.
With computer skills, you can input and sort the performance data of each employee.
- Verbal and written communication
Good verbal and written communication skills are a must for an HR generalist.
This is because you will communicate with HR managers, coworkers, and other employees every day, both verbally and in writing.For example, when upper management introduces a new employee benefit program, you need to present it to all company employees.Afterward, you provide a written document outlining the presentation.
- Interpersonal communication
Interpersonal communication skills are essential for an HR generalist because you need to communicate effectively and professionally with every group.For example, you should be able to take an authoritative role when communicating with new employees.
Meanwhile, when speaking to HR managers, you should take on a subordinate role.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
Maintaining confidentiality is an important skill for HR generalists because companies trust you with sensitive information.
Working in this profession allows you to access employees’ personal information such as phone numbers or addresses.
Of course, you should not disclose this information without the company’s and employees’ knowledge.
- Compassion
Another important skill for HR generalists is compassion.
This is because employees will rely on you to listen to their problems and find solutions to improve their workplace experience.
You also need to care about the company’s employees and their happiness because it can positively impact the company’s culture.
- Creativity
Creativity is an important skill for an HR generalist because it can help you find new and unique ways to solve problems.
- Decision-making
Decision-making skills are essential for HR generalists because HR managers trust you to make decisions about daily work.
For example, if there is a conflict between coworkers, this skill can help you resolve the issue without involving their manager.
These are some of the things you need to know about the HR generalist profession.
This position plays a crucial role in recruitment and people management within a company.
However, HR work is not limited to being a generalist. There are other HR-related positions that companies also seek.
Q&A about HR Generalist Role
What is the role of an HR generalist in a company?
An HR generalist plays a crucial role in managing various aspects of human resources in a company. They are responsible for handling day-to-day operations related to employee management, ranging from recruitment to performance management, compensation, employee benefits, company policies, and employee relations.
What are the main responsibilities of an HR generalist on a daily basis?
The main responsibilities of an HR generalist include employee recruitment and selection, human resources administration, performance management, training and development, conflict management, legal compliance, and supporting employee needs in terms of compensation and benefits.
How does an HR generalist conduct the recruitment process?
The recruitment process by an HR generalist involves sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, assessments, making job offers, negotiating salaries, conducting background checks, and ensuring a smooth onboarding process for new employees.
What skills are required to become a successful HR generalist?
Skills required include good communication skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills, interpersonal relationship skills, decision-making abilities, knowledge of labor laws, and adherence to professional ethics.
Why is building relationships with employees an important part of an HR generalist’s job?
Building good relationships with employees helps create a positive work environment, improves job satisfaction, enhances employee retention, and ensures that employees feel heard and valued, which ultimately can increase overall productivity and company performance.
How does an HR generalist contribute to maintaining HR policies and procedures?
An HR generalist is responsible for ensuring that company HR policies and procedures comply with applicable laws and industry best practices. They manage policy implementation, provide training to employees and managers on compliance, and handle compliance and sustainability issues.
What is the difference between an HR generalist and an HR specialist, and why are both important in a company?
An HR generalist has broad knowledge of various HR aspects, while an HR specialist has deep expertise in specific areas such as recruitment, training, or compensation. Both are important because HR generalists manage overall HR operations while HR specialists bring specialized expertise in specific areas.
How does an HR generalist ensure that employee needs are met in terms of compensation, benefits, and career development?
HR generalists work with managers and relevant departments to ensure fair and competitive compensation and benefits policies. They also provide training and career development programs, help employees plan their career paths, and support skill development.
Why is it important for an HR generalist to have strong interpersonal skills?
Strong interpersonal skills help HR generalists communicate effectively with various parties, including managers, employees, and external parties. This enables them to build good relationships, resolve conflicts, and influence positive changes in the workplace.
How does an HR generalist collaborate with managers and other teams to improve employee performance and satisfaction?
HR generalists collaborate with managers and teams to identify areas where employee performance and satisfaction can be improved. They provide training to managers on effective performance management, help develop incentive programs, and facilitate open communication between management and employees to address issues and achieve common goals
Hopefully this article is useful!
Source:
- What Does a Human Resources Generalist Do?
- A Full Guide to the HR Generalist
- HR Generalist: Job Description and Requirements
