What does an HR Generalist do? Job description, skills, and salary

Have you ever wondered who is responsible for recruiting, training, and taking care of employees in a company? That person is the HR Generalist. So, what does an HR Generalist do, and how can they ensure that every aspect related to human resources in an organization runs smoothly and efficiently? Let's explore this through the following article!

What does an HR Generalist do? Which skills do HR Generalists need?

What is a human resources generalist?

An HR Generalist manages daily tasks like talent management, employee onboarding, and overseeing compensation and benefits. They ensure compliance with policies and legal regulations and often report to an HR manager or director. In smaller companies, HR Generalists handle new employee training, performance management, and engagement, while larger companies may have both specialists and generalists. They frequently use human capital management software and engagement tools to improve the employee experience and act as a link between staff, managers, and executives.

HR Generalist job titles

Here are some common HR Generalist roles and their corresponding job titles:

• HR Generalist: This is an entry-level position for those new to the HR field. Employees in this role typically handle daily administrative tasks, support recruitment, training, and personnel management activities, and ensure compliance with labor regulations.
• HR Specialist: With additional experience and expertise, an HR Generalist may advance to a specialist role. At this level, they will focus more deeply on a specific area of HR, such as recruitment, training, or employee relations.
• HR Manager: An HR Manager is responsible for overseeing the entire HR department's activities. They develop HR strategies, manage budgets, evaluate employee performance, and ensure that HR activities align with the organization's goals.
• HR Director: The HR Director is a senior management role responsible for the overall HR strategy of the organization. They work closely with the executive team to ensure that human resources meet business needs.
• Vice President HR: This is the highest management level in the HR department. The Vice President of HR is often a member of the executive board and plays a crucial role in shaping the company's culture and building the employer brand.

HR Generalist has many job titles as director, manager, specialist also generalist

Responsibilities of an HR Generalist

• People management: An HR Generalist assists top management in making employee-related decisions by applying HR best practices and aligning strategies with company goals to ensure growth and employee well-being.
• Managing HR processes: They oversee processes like employee relations, recruitment, performance management, compensation, benefits, succession planning, and training, supporting HR specialists in these areas.
• Handling employee grievances and discipline: HR Generalists manage employee grievances, maintain discipline, ensure compliance with employment laws, and maintain positive relationships with all stakeholders.
• Leveraging employee analytics: They use employee data and analytics to address workforce issues, identify hiring needs, and monitor attrition rates.
• Supporting recruitment: HR Generalists assist in talent acquisition by identifying candidates, conducting interviews, and managing onboarding tasks.
• Arranging training and development: They coordinate with HR leaders to organize training and development programs that enhance employee skills and performance.

An HR Generalist is responsible for a wide array of human resources functions

HR Generalist qualifications and skills

Job descriptions for entry-level HR Generalist roles often emphasize the need for strong business knowledge, adept organizational abilities, and effective communication skills, essential for a successful HR career. Key qualifications include:

• Capability to manage confidential information.
• Knowledge of local, state, federal, and international employment regulations.
• Skilled in using social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, for candidate research and recruitment.
• Adept at conducting job interviews.
• Expertise in overseeing employee benefits.
• Skill in developing and delivering employee and manager training programs.
• Capability to analyze HR metrics like headcount and retention rates.
• Familiarity with HR software (HRIS) and workforce management systems.
• Adaptability to new technologies like virtual reality and blockchain in HR.
• Ability to foster team morale and enhance corporate culture.

HR Generalist qualifications and skills

HR Generalist salary

Years of experience, location, and the industry an HR professional works in all influence their salary. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an HR Generalist in 2022 was around $65,000.

In 2021, the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the demand for HR specialists, whose roles are similar to HR Generalists, was above the national average for all occupations.

The salary for an HR Generalist in Vietnam varies based on experience and location. In major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, entry-level HR Generalists typically earn between VND 15,000,000 - VND 25,000,000 per month, while mid-level professionals can expect VND 25,000,000 - VND 35,000,000. Senior HR Generalist with significant experience can earn VND 35,000,000 - VND 50,000,000+ per month, especially in high-demand industries such as technology, finance, and manufacturing.

HR Generalist salary in the US and Vietnam

HR Generalist training and certification

Many HR Generalist job postings require only a bachelor's degree, but degrees in HR management or related business fields can better prepare candidates for HR careers.

HR certifications, offered by organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), can enhance professional development and increase earning potential. Key certifications include:

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP): Focused on core HR functions.

SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP): For professionals involved in HR strategy and metrics.

HRCI Professional in Human Resources (PHR): A foundational credential.

HRCI Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR): A more advanced certification.

HRCI Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR): Focuses on international HR.

Both SHRM and HRCI certifications require renewal every three years.

Training and Certification for HR Generalist

HR Generalist vs HR Manager

Here is a table of HR Generalist vs. HR manager comparisons. Let’s find out with aniday.com!

Feature	HR Generalist	HR Manager
Reporting to	HR Manager or Director	HR Director or Executive
Role	Handles daily HR functions	Oversees HR department
Responsibilities	Recruitment, compensation, compliance, and employee relations	Strategy development, budget management, staff supervision, compliance
Focus	Administrative tasks	Strategic planning
Problem-solving	Daily, administrative issues	Big-picture problems
Career path	Chief HR Officer	Chief HR Officer
Software usage	Core HR software	Core HR software
Compliance	Reports non-compliance	Ensures compliance and proposes solutions

 

What are the differences between an HR Generalist and an HR Manager?

Typical activities for an HR Generalist

HR Generalists play a crucial role in managing multiple HR functions within an organization. Below is a summary of their key activities:

Recruitment and onboarding: HR Generalists manage job postings, screen resumes, conduct interviews, check references, and prepare job offers. They also assist new hires with onboarding tasks like paperwork, orientation, and training.

Employee relations: They address employee inquiries and grievances, conduct performance reviews, manage disciplinary actions, resolve conflicts, and promote employee morale to ensure a positive workplace environment.

Benefits administration: The HR Generalists assist with benefits enrollment, manage benefits changes, oversee the annual open enrollment process, and handle leave administration, ensuring employees understand and access their benefits.

Performance management: Oversees performance reviews, evaluations, and goal-setting processes.

Training and development: They assess training needs, design and implement training programs, conduct training sessions, and create performance improvement plans to enhance employee skills and performance.

Compensation and benefits: HR Generalists oversee salary administration, conduct compensation surveys, manage incentive programs, and ensure competitive pay structures within the organization.

Compliance: They ensure compliance with employment laws, maintain accurate records and assist in audits and compliance reviews to keep the organization aligned with legal requirements.

What are common tasks for HR Generalists?

Conclusion

What does an HR Generalist do? Why do they play such a crucial role in the company? It can be understood that they are pivotal because they manage a wide range of HR functions within the organization. From handling recruitment and onboarding to managing employee relations, benefits administration, and compliance. If you want to learn more about the HR field, feel free to contact Aniday.com!