An integral role in an HR team, the HR generalist is responsible for the day-to-day functions of human resources, administering the procedures and programmes of an organisation. What are the key responsibilities and skills required of an HR generalist?
What does an HR generalist do?
As the name would suggest, an HR generalist is involved in many different tasks across the function, providing support to the HR director or senior manager.
A generalist may be expected to help implement learning and development programmes, talent acquisition initiatives and assist in the administration of key HR concerns such as employee welfare, safety and wellbeing.
The responsibilities of an HR generalist can vary greatly depending on the organisation. In a small business, an HR generalist may work on a standalone basis. In larger organisations, the generalist will be expected to provide support to specialists in the functions mentioned above.
HR generalist responsibilities
Here are some sample HR generalist job description responsibilities:
- Delivering effective support to the head of HR/HR director/CHRO and the wider business, ensuring operational excellence across all aspects of the HR function
- Administering employee contracts and agreement across the business
- Advising colleagues on company policy, and assist with the development and implementation of new policies
- Being a first port of call for employee relations
- Managing and developing the business’ compensation and benefits systems
- Implementing learning and development activities by coordinating training sessions, managing attendance and gathering and evaluating employee feedback
- Maintaining up-to-date, accessible and accurate HR records
HR generalist skills and competencies
HR generalists will be expected to be educated to degree level. You may also be required to hold an HR qualification from an accredited organisation such as the CIPD. Depending on the role you are applying for, you will be expected to have recently graduated or have one-to-two years’ experience as an HR generalist, or a similar role.
- Organisational skills – efficiency in personal management is key. You will be expected to a time oriented and able to prioritise competing demands. You will also be expected to organise inputting employee data in to the business’s HR systems
- Industry competencies – you will be expected to have an understanding of employment law and business policies
- Communication skills – HR generalists will be required to discuss company policy with both employees and other members of their team, and as such manage divergent opinions and personalities. As such, a level of emotional intelligence is also required
- Versatility – The nature of an HR generalist role will require you to be flexible, and able to react quickly to the various demands of the business
HR generalist salary expectations
According to PayScale, the median salary for an HR generalist in the UK is £28,479; the average is £29,140. Depending on the role, and size of the company, HR generalists can expect to earn between £21,150 and £41,250 a year.
Find out more
If you're interested in finding out more about being an HR generalist, consider the following: