As a human resources professional, the ability to multitask and stay organized is crucial. Each day brings with it a variety of tasks and responsibilities, both planned and unexpected. From recruitment and benefits management to employee relations and payroll processing, HR professionals must be prepared to handle it all. Let’s take a closer look at some of the daily tasks of an HR representative.
Recruitment and Selection
Recruiting and selecting qualified candidates for job openings is a major responsibility of the human resources department. This involves creating job postings, sourcing applicants, conducting interviews, and making job offers to the most qualified candidates. HR professionals may also attend career fairs and networking events to meet potential candidates. Additionally, they must track applicant data for Affirmative Action Programs and send out correspondence to those individuals who were interviewed but not selected for the job.
Benefits Management
The human resources department is responsible for coordinating with benefits providers to enroll and maintain group health benefits plans such as medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as short- and long-term disability plans. This involves collecting and reporting all required information for new enrollments and changes to the appropriate provider, verifying qualifying life-change events, and coordinating the company’s annual benefits enrollment. HR professionals also implement wellness programs, approve requests for tuition assistance, and ensure compliance with all record-keeping requirements for insurance documents.
Employee Relations
When employees have work-related issues that cannot be resolved independently, the HR representative serves as a mediator to obtain a fair resolution. This includes meeting with all parties involved, obtaining relevant documentation and witness statements, and using this information to make a decision. Handling employee complaints in a timely and efficient manner is crucial to maintain a safe working environment and prevent legal issues. This is especially important in cases of harassment or discrimination allegations, which can lead to further investigation by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Payroll Processing
In some companies, the human resources department is responsible for processing employee payroll. This includes reviewing employee time sheets to ensure compliance with Fair Labor Standards Act requirements regarding minimum pay, overtime, and deduction requirements. The payroll process also involves balancing the appropriate general ledger accounts and calculating the correct amounts each pay period for items such as paid time off accrual and payroll deductions for items such as retirement plan contributions and wage garnishments.
Miscellaneous Tasks
In addition to the above responsibilities, HR professionals also handle other miscellaneous tasks on a regular basis. This may include creating and analyzing reports on employee turnover, compensation, and annual performance reviews. HR departments may also be responsible for implementing and conducting employee training and career development programs, as well as conducting new hire orientations. Each day consists of a combination of duties with various deadlines and legal and administrative requirements that must be appropriately handled by multitasking and prioritizing your day.
Salary Information for Human Resources Managers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, human resources managers earned a median annual salary of $106,910 in 2022. The lowest 25 percent of HR managers earned a salary of $80,800 or less, while the top 25 percent earned $145,220 or more. In 2016, there were 136,100 people employed in the U.S. as human resources managers.
In conclusion, the life of a human resources professional is filled with multitasking and juggling various responsibilities. From recruitment and benefits management to employee relations and payroll processing, HR representatives must be prepared to handle anything that comes their way. The ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively is essential to succeed in this field.
