HR MANAGEMENT - Day-to-Day HR Duties & Tasks

Day-to-Day HR Duties & Tasks

by Dachell McSween, Demand Media

Human resources duties include recruiting new staff and implementing employment policies.

HR professionals are an integral part of every organization. Small business owners need HR professionals to manage employees within an organization and handle training, compensation and staffing matters. When hiring an HR professional, you should look for candidates with good speaking, decision-making and customer service skills. Common HR positions are human resources specialist, recruitment specialist, human resources manager and employment interviewer.

Recruiting Employees

One of the main responsibilities for HR professionals is recruiting new employees. HR professionals search for new employees by posting job listings, attending career fairs and visiting colleges and universities. They interview applicants about their experience and inform them about job openings. HR professionals must contact references and perform background checks on applicants. After an applicant is hired, the HR person conducts an employee orientation providing information about benefits and working conditions.

Maintaining Policies and HR Records

HR professionals maintain employment policies within an organization relating to discrimination, personnel rules and programs. They must be knowledgeable about human resources laws and government regulations on a national level. HR executives are typically responsible for meeting with other executive staff to discuss updates to these policies. After these policies are set, they inform staff about any changes. HR professionals also maintain and keep records on all employees. They use HR software to process and file paperwork on job applicants and employees.

Administering Compensation and Company Programs

After meeting with executive staff, HR professionals handle compensation and benefits for all staff. They are responsible for setting the salary for a particular position and organizing benefits such as healthcare and pensions. They also create new benefits for employees such as gym memberships and discounts at retail shops for employees. HR professionals arrange company activities for staff such as organizing a softball team or sponsoring a picnic.

Handling Employee Concerns

When employees have problems with supervisors or other co-workers, they can arrange a meeting with their HR department. HR professionals often become referees between employees to handle common workplace disputes. Many executive HR staff meet with other executives to act as an advocate for employees and discuss any major concerns taking place within the company. They also handle a variety of employment concerns including firing and disciplining staff. HR professionals are responsible for answering questions relating to salary, benefits and workplace rules within a company.