What Does an HR Generalist Do?
HR generalists are professionals who deal with a variety of human resource issues within an organization. A human resource generalist’s primary responsibility is to oversee the day-to-day operations of HR departments, ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations, and support the professional development of employees.
An HR generalist typically works closely with HR directors or managers, as well as other HR team members, to ensure HR policies and procedures are followed, and that employees receive the support they need. Assisting with recruiting and hiring, benefits administration and compliance are just a few of the duties of an HR generalist, which can vary by organization. Their presence can help to provide a productive and supportive environment for any organization.
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National Average Salary
HR generalist salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a HR Generalist is:
$69,530
HR Generalist Job Descriptions
When it comes to recruiting a HR generalist, having the right job description can make a big difference. Here are some real world job descriptions you can use as templates for your next opening.
Example 1
[Your Company Name] is looking for an HR generalist to join our human resources department. You must have an excellent basic and broad understanding of human resources. As an HR generalist, you must also understand interpersonal communication skills and be able to successfully communicate with the HR director, employees, and other staff. Your position will be full-time and you will work in our human resources department office. This means you will report to our director of HR, work closely with the director, and follow their orders and assignments. You may be required to deliver messages, deal with complaints and issues, research new tactics and technology to improve HR workflow, and many other things. If you are interested in this position, please apply.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Administer HR plans for employees
- Develop and implement personnel procedures and policies
- Assist in employee hiring, onboarding, and training
- Facilitate various HR department processes
- Help employees with their questions and issues
- Work in the areas of employee health plans, safety, payroll, and benefits
Education and experience
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in human resources management, business administration, or a related field.
Required skills and qualifications
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Professional and courteous with a positive attitude
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Can work with minimal guidance and oversight
- Expertise in customer service
- Ability to multitask and organize
Preferred qualifications
- Familiar with HR software
- Bachelor’s degree in business or related field
- Bilingual
Example 2
The HR Generalist will ensure projects are completed in a timely manner, manage resources (internal/external) effectively, and support the business by liaising with the individual departments to understand their objectives, propose solutions, and define HR projects to implement those solutions. The HR Generalist will also serve as a backup for the Human Resources Manager.
Duties and responsibilities
- Lead sourcing and recruitment activities for the plant, including maintaining job descriptions, managing job postings, posting to internal/external job boards, screening talent, submitting background checks, managing online assessments, and managing final contract administration
- Collaborate with the HR Manager to deliver training in accordance with the defined training program, including corporate programs, certifications, skills development, and Health & Safety requirements
- Investigate and manage employee concerns, identifying trends and themes, and providing recommendations to resolve employee issues
- Provide support to cyclical HR processes including performance reviews, compensation, benefits enrollment, and STIP administration
- Support organizational planning based on facility needs, including monthly organizational chart updates, regular skills matrix updates, review of annual training requirements, etc.
- Processing and review of human resources information for new hires, terminations, position and wage changes, and other PHI requirements
- Collaborate with the HR Manager to build the leader’s capabilities to deliver coaching and disciplinary action according to established processes. Partner with plant leadership on documentation of discipline and development/execution of Performance Improvement Plans, as needed
- Support the business in compiling termination documentation, attending termination meetings, and completing exit interviews
- Administration of vacation, attendance management, and leaves of absence processes for the facility, including follow-up
- Assist the HR Manager in the communication of HR and company-related matters to business unit employees
- Liaise between employees and payroll/benefits regarding pay and benefits issues
- Attend social committee meetings and provide any support needed
- Other duties, as assigned
Education, experience, certifications, and skills required
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, or a related field
- 3+ years of Human Resources Generalist experience (including talent sourcing, recruiting, employee relations, compensation, and benefits administration)
- Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word)
- Intermediate proficiency with Kronos Time and Attendance platform
- Valid U.S. Driver’s License
Preferred education, experience, certifications, and skills
- Master’s Degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, or Business Administration
- Previous experience in a food manufacturing
- PHR / SPHR Certification preferred
- Experience with labor and employment laws
- Ability to be confidential with personal information in various situations
- An organized problem solver, able to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to handle stressful situations and remain calm
- Exceptional verbal and written communication with an excellent command of the English language
Example 3
What you will do
- Perform HR Operational functions including but not limited to:
- Payroll processing and maintenance
- Benefits support and Open Enrollment
- Leave of absence/FMLA compliance
- Guide and coach managers in managing or counseling personnel with performance, personal issues, or discipline problems
- In-Office HR representation
- Support internal and external inquiries and requests related to the HR department such as basic benefits-related questions, unemployment, and work verifications
- Collaborate with the HR team to continue improving processes and people experience
Experience
- 3 to 5 years of professional HR experience in a business setting
- Knowledge of employment laws and regulations, payroll and benefits laws and requirements
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion
- Ability to thrive in a rapidly changing environment with shifting priorities
- An organic interest in continuous process improvement and effective project management
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment; detail-oriented; not afraid to roll up your sleeves; and a customer-service spirit toward all employees
Example 4
Primary duties
- Partner with line management to identify and develop business solutions that support company and center objectives. Manage related projects
- Provide proactive counsel to management regarding all employment issues (such as performance, coaching, communication, discipline, training, etc.)
- Manage performance management process
- Act as point of contact for all distribution center personnel to resolve problems or provide consultative advice in the areas of employee relations, benefits, payroll, policies, and procedures, etc.
- Manage the employment process resulting in high-quality hires, achievement of retention goals, and assuring compliance with OFCCP requirements for Affirmative Action. Assist all departments with applicant sourcing, job fairs, application review, and with the interviewing and selection process using Targeted Selection
- Facilitate continuous improvement in key HR areas such as retention, performance management, employee satisfaction, strengthening of the front-line supervision, and HR processes
- Maintain and update all personnel files and remit all changes to the corporate payroll department
- Review all termination decisions prior to implementation to ensure all policies and procedures have been followed
- Complete all facets of payroll processing
- Coordinate employee events, maintain bulletin boards, coordinate employee communications, and maintain/update all job descriptions for the local facility
- Maintain the compensation program and perform annual compensation analysis
- Conduct new hire orientation, administer all benefit programs, and communicate benefit changes
- Coordinate the annual open enrollment process
Education and experience
- Minimum of 3 years of generalist HR experience
- Bachelor’s degree preferably in Human Resources or equivalent is required
- Strong employee relations and employment background are necessary
- Candidate should possess solid relationship-building skills, familiarity with applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, and the ability to multitask and manage projects/action plans
Candidate Certifications to Look For
- HR Management Certification Course. The HR management certification course is offered by HR University and is one of the leading human resources courses available for an HR manager, director, specialist, or generalist. This certification course teaches the general responsibilities of a human resources manager as well as other important things such as administrative tasks. This certification will be immensely useful for an HR generalist, especially if their position is in close connection to the HR manager or director.
- Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Becoming a senior certified professional can be immensely beneficial for an HR generalist as this certification will demonstrate excellence in the position. This certification is one of the most widely recognized in the human resources industry and can be extremely beneficial to acquire for an HR generalist. In order to qualify for this certification, however, keep in mind that candidates will need over four years of experience in the human resources industry before applying. If they are eligible, however, this certification can prove to be immensely beneficial.