If you’re like most HR professionals and began your career at an entry-level position, you likely started as a generalist, handling a wide variety of responsibilities. According to SHRM’s sample job description, an HR generalist runs the daily functions of the HR department, including hiring and interviewing staff; administering pay, benefits and leave; and enforcing company policies and practices.
HR professionals are also regularly called upon to respond to the needs of other departments in various ways. The CEO, for instance, may require strategic planning; employee and labor representatives may require industrial relations advice; operations may need support; a small company may require HR to focus on health, safety and security.
