What Does a Human Resources Generalist Do?

Louis Deryfus
BusinessArchives
Published in
6 min readSep 5, 2022
What Does a Human Resources Generalist Do?

As a human resources generalist, you will be responsible for handling a variety of HR-related tasks. These duties can include negotiating with benefits providers, helping employees with questions about healthcare providers, or referring employees to the carrier of their insurance plan. Other HR-related duties may include working with retirement plan providers. In addition, an HR generalist handles the administration side of the organization’s benefits programs.

Job Duties

Human resources generalists are responsible for a variety of functions within the company, including recruiting, training, and staffing. They are also responsible for understanding and negotiating with benefit providers to provide the best value for the company and its employees. As the first point of contact between employees and the company, HR generalists must have a deep understanding of all the components of the benefits packages offered. This includes ensuring compliance with laws and regulations surrounding labor and employment.

HR generalists usually hold a bachelor’s degree in business or human resources. In addition, some employers prefer those with a master’s degree in human resources management. Other organizations may require additional certifications and education. As a result, the job description of a human resources generalist may differ depending on the organization.

As part of their job duties, an HR generalist assists with the development and implementation of human resources training programs. HR professionals develop and implement a training curriculum based on the company’s needs and measure the effectiveness of training programs. They also assist with recruitment processes, including helping managers develop hiring criteria and conducting interviews to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. They also review offer letters and conduct background checks on potential employees.

HR generalists can pursue a variety of careers. Many have a bachelor’s degree in business or human resources management, and one-third have a master’s degree. However, it’s important to understand that human resources generalists can also be successful with just a high school diploma. They will gain valuable experience and learn about the ins and outs of human resources. Furthermore, they’ll be able to work with everyone from entry-level employees to senior executives. In addition to daily duties, an HR generalist will also have the opportunity to take on supervisory responsibilities.

In addition to managing the organization’s human resources, an HR generalist is responsible for coordinating employee relations, training and development, and regulatory compliance. As such, they should be well-rounded professionals with strong communication, analytical, and conflict-management management skills. They must also be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

Education requirements

As a Human Resources Generalist, you will consult with management on human resources issues. This includes reviewing employment activities and personnel actions to ensure compliance with rules and regulations. In addition, you will prepare and maintain a comprehensive system of employee records and respond to inquiries. You will also analyze job requirements, recommend job classifications, as well as conduct employee orientation and perform other human resources-related duties. You may also have additional training in this area, depending on your specific job duties and company requirements.

HR generalists are typically employed in a traditional administrative office setting. They help businesses meet human resources needs by implementing business processes and developing organizational strategies. They may also interact with various departments, including the production floor, warehouse, or manufacturing floor. In some organizations, they may work in the healthcare sector to assist with patient care.

Human resources generalists must have exceptional communication skills, including both formal and informal communication. These skills will help them to relate well with a variety of people. They must also be able to listen without bias and create an environment where people can feel comfortable talking about their problems. With these skills, HR Generalists can more effectively coach employees.

Depending on the company and industry, the education requirements for HR Generalists can vary widely. Some companies may require a master’s degree, while others will accept a bachelor’s degree. Some companies also require experience in human resources, so the level of education that you receive does not have to be a primary concern.

If you want to advance your career as an HR generalist, you can choose to earn a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management. This degree will teach you advanced business, psychology, and communication skills. Most HR generalists begin their careers as human resources assistants or customer service specialists. As they continue their education, they may become certified as SHRM-CP or PHR professionals. These certifications are voluntary but are generally viewed positively by employers.

HR Generalists also work with different systems and must be skilled with technology. For example, an HR Generalist must have an understanding of recruitment technology and pre-assessment tools. They should also be familiar with online collaboration and communication platforms.

Compensation

Human resources generalists are responsible for a range of duties in a company. These duties often include setting the tone for the company’s culture and helping the company maintain compliance with the law. They also handle matters involving employees such as performance appraisals. Depending on their specific job duties, HR generalists may have the opportunity to work with other departments to implement new technology.

HR generalists handle a variety of HR functions and are expected to possess a wide range of qualifications. Often, they must have a broad knowledge of the business to make sound business decisions. In addition to a broad knowledge of human resources, HR generalists should have excellent communication skills. They should also have strong organizational skills and the ability to foster team morale.

Compensation for human resources generalists varies across the country and between industries. In the United States, the base salary of an HR generalist varies by state and is dependent upon the cost of living, years of experience, and industry. Once an HR generalist has gained a broad knowledge of HR functions, their compensation may be considerably higher.

While the average salary for an HR generalist varies widely, the salary is relatively high. A midlevel HR generalist in the Midwestern U.S. can expect to earn between $57,000 and $71,000 per year, while a senior-level HR specialist in New York City can expect to earn up to $92,000 a year. As with all other positions, compensation for HR generalists varies greatly based on the job description, experience, and level of responsibility. A generalist with 25 employees will earn significantly less than an HR generalist with 150 employees.

The median gross salary of an HR generalist is $80,852 in Chicago, Illinois. This equates to $39 an hour, making it nearly double the national average. An HR Generalist in Hawaii receives 12.9% more than their counterparts in Massachusetts and Nevada, so moving to Hawaii could be an excellent choice for a career move.

A generalist in HR is typically responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the human resource office. This role also includes the administration of HR policies and programs. Generalists in HR help create a high-performance HR culture by leading employee-oriented HR practices and assisting the company’s managers with HR-related issues. However, compensation for HR generalists varies significantly by region, experience, and employer.

Salary range

The salary for a Human Resources Generalist varies depending on the experience, company size, and location of the position. In the Midwestern United States, salaries range from $57,000 to $71,000 while salaries in New York City range from $81,000 to $92,000. The salary for this position also varies depending on the role and responsibility. For instance, an HR Generalist in a company with only 25 employees would earn less than one with 150 employees, unless they have specific specialist roles.

Those who are interested in a career in human resources can pursue a Bachelor’s degree in business, although some positions may require a graduate degree. The job also requires strong computer skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel. In addition, HR generalists should be able to work under pressure and multitask effectively. The ability to work well in a team is essential for this position, which is especially important in large companies.

An HR generalist should have a good knowledge of human resources information systems (HRIS) and be able to work with different types of HR technology, including workforce management software, talent management software, and niche recruiting tools. The job also involves monitoring staff performance and developing strategies to improve their performance.

A generalist will also oversee the administration of benefits. For example, an HR generalist will be responsible for negotiating with healthcare insurance providers on behalf of the company. In addition, they will oversee the administration of retirement plans. Finally, an HR generalist may be the person in charge of deciding how to handle complaints regarding harassment and discrimination against employees of different backgrounds.

If you have the necessary skills, an HR generalist may eventually be promoted to a senior HR generalist position, which requires greater responsibility and a higher salary. In addition, this position may eventually lead to a role as vice president of HR, which requires more experience and technical knowledge of human resources.

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