what is an HR generalist?
As an HR generalist, you handle a broad range of human resources (HR) responsibilities. Your duties cover most HR functions, and you support managers and company leaders in making people-related decisions. As an HR generalist, you handle talent management in the human resources department, from recruitment and onboarding to administering compensation and benefits plans.
Human resources generalists report to HR managers or directors. While companies also employ HR specialists to carry out various functions, such as payroll administration, an HR generalist often handles most of the organisation's HR tasks. In these cases, your job ranges from hiring new workers to training and development. You also use HR analytics to monitor data and utilise human resources management systems to manage employees.
As an HR generalist, you perform a range of HR administrative functions, like maintaining employee records, administering payroll, and distributing information to employees. You also perform compliance duties, such as making sure the company is compliant with government regulations, taxes and labour laws.
Since you rely on workforce management systems and HR software to manage employees, you need computer skills to work as an HR generalist. Being tech-savvy also helps you adapt to new technologies, like blockchain HR technology and artificial intelligence.
Would working as an HR generalist suit your people skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an HR generalist role.
HR generalist jobsaverage HR generalist salary
According to the Economic Research Institute, you earn an average salary of €33,500 per year or an hourly rate of approximately €16 as an HR generalist. Your compensation package may range from €23,500 to €41,000 per year. The earnings fluctuate based on the size of the company and your experience.
what factors affect the salary of an HR generalist?
Your compensation package will be higher if you have additional qualifications and experience. In an entry-level position, you start with a low salary as you learn the ropes. With expertise and skills, you can negotiate a higher salary. Educational qualifications also boost your earning expectations. For instance, having certifications in human resources showcases your expertise, which improves your earning prospects.
The size of the company also influences your earnings. Small organisations have minimal duties and need more resources to pay HR generalists higher salaries. Large organisations also have many employees, making your duties more complex.
types of HR generalists
Due to the generalised nature of the job, there are a few types of HR generalists. Most HR generalists fall into the same broad category of HR workers who do a little bit of everything. The only thing that distinguishes HR generalists is their experience and responsibilities.
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junior HR generalists
Junior HR generalists usually work in an auxiliary role and assist all the other specialists in a large HR department.
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senior HR generalists
Senior HR generalists often take on a more managerial role. They may work independently or even oversee other coworkers.
working as an HR generalist
Want to find out more about being an HR generalist? Here are some important things to know about your responsibilities and work environment.
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what does an HR generalist do?
Depending on your job, your coworkers and the time of the year, your HR generalist job will include one or more of the following duties:
- Recruiting: as an HR generalist, you help your company bring new candidates on board. In recruitment, your duties include writing and posting job descriptions, interviewing candidates, and negotiating hiring packages. Hence, you should be proficient in using applicant tracking systems (ATS) to assist with recruitment. You also assist with onboarding and explain the company's employment standards and HR policies.
- Scheduling and leave: if your company has a lot of hourly workers, you might handle scheduling. It's also your job to track leave of absence programmes, check medical notes from employees on sick leave, and schedule leave.
- Payroll and benefits: as an HR generalist, you may be your company's main payroll coordinator. Your duties include passing out checks at the end of each pay period and handling complaints associated with payroll. You also find providers for employee benefits that the company offers, such as insurance.
- Managing employee relations: in case of conflicts between employees, you are often the one who intervenes. You guide employees through helpful dialogue or enact new rules to address issues. You also take action based on the company's HR policies.
- Monitoring employee performance: as an HR generalist, you conduct performance reviews or monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for employees. Your job includes talking to employees experiencing problems, issuing warnings, or even assisting with employee terminations.
- Following workplace and government policies: a big part of your job is making sure others know about various company policies. You create rules for employees or hold classes to discuss company guidelines. You also ensure your employer follows OSHA guidelines and that the workplace meets health and safety standards.
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work environment of an HR generalist
HR generalists typically work behind a desk in an office environment, where they spend most of their time. You'll work with both paperwork and documents on computers. Your job also requires you to go to other areas of the office, such as conference rooms, for meetings and other tasks.
Your work department depends on the industry you work in. For example, if you work in manufacturing, you could occasionally go to the factory floor to speak to coworkers. This could mean that you wear protective gear or work outdoors every now and then.
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who are your colleagues?
As an HR generalist, you collaborate with various human resource employees, including payroll administrators, HR administrators, HR managers and recruiters. You also work alongside headhunters, accountants and HR business partners. Other workers you are likely to interact with include office managers, administrators and administrative assistants.
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HR generalist work schedule
Being an HR generalist is almost always a full-time job. It's only a part-time option if you're filling in temporarily or helping out a small business occasionally. For most HR generalists, this means working during the day from Monday through Friday. Your shifts typically last eight hours. Occasionally, some companies allow their generalists to work on a more flexible schedule.
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career opportunities as an HR generalist
As an HR generalist, you have multiple growth opportunities. For instance, you can progress to senior human resources roles or specialise in employee relations, recruitment, or payroll management.
HR generalists who are comfortable using technology may have an advantage when applying for future jobs. Furthermore, keep in mind that being an HR generalist comes with a lot of advancement opportunities. You can use the general skills you learn here to become an HR director or HR manager.
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advantages of finding a job as an HR generalist through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help
- a range of jobs in your area
HR generalist skills and education
To work as an HR generalist in Greece, you require the following educational qualifications:
- Education: pursue a bachelor's degree in business administration or social sciences. A psychology and business management course improves your knowledge of business practices and prepares you for the role. Having post-graduate studies in human resource management is also an added advantage.
- Work experience: you require a few years of experience in human resources to work as an HR generalist. Gain experience through internships and entry-level roles in the HR department.
competencies and characteristics of HR generalists
This position involves using a lot of different skills simultaneously. If you want to do well as an HR generalist, it's important to have these qualities:
- Communication skills: being able to communicate well is essential. HR generalists need to communicate clearly through conversations, calls, emails and letters.
- Interpersonal skills: being an HR generalist involves navigating many complex relationships. You solve employee disputes, discuss sensitive matters, or turn down job candidates. When handling these matters, it's important to be professional, thoughtful, calm and diplomatic.
- Organisational skills: since you'll handle a broad range of tasks, organisational skills are very useful. You should be comfortable with everything from filing paperwork to managing a calendar. These organisational skills help you stay on top of all your tasks.
- Logical thinking skills: most of your job involves looking at regulations or business needs and helping the company adhere to these requirements. Being able to think logically, analyse situations, and solve problems is helpful.
- Technological skills: HR generalists benefit from knowing how to work with Microsoft Office programs and a variety of human resources information systems (HRIS). If you don't already know these software applications, you should be capable of picking up new technology and learning new systems.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an HR generalist.
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is HR generalist a stressful job?
Working in human resources involves handling sensitive employee issues and various problems in the HR department. The role can be stressful since you handle difficult issues and mediate conflicts. However, you can minimise your stress levels by improving your people skills and conflict-resolution abilities.
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is HR generalist a good career?
Working as an HR generalist is a promising career in Greece. Since human resources are essential to a company's success, HR generalists enjoy a high level of job security. The compensation package is also promising.
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what is the lowest HR position?
The position of an HR professional depends on their ranking in the company. You can get your foot in the door with an HR intern position or as an HR assistant. HR administrators are also entry-level employees, while HR generalists are mid-level roles or senior professionals, depending on the company ranking. Most HR generalists report to HR managers and HR directors.
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what are the duties of an HR generalist?
As an HR generalist, your duties include recruiting and onboarding, employee management, and training and development. You perform administrative duties in the HR department and ensure the company complies with labour laws.
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what is the difference between an HR generalist and an HR specialist?
An HR specialist focuses on specific aspects of human resource functions, such as employee relations, payroll administration or conflict management. As an HR generalist, you are an all-around professional who works on multiple aspects of human resources.
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how do I find a job as an HR generalist?
Finding a job near you as an HR generalist is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Then log in or register an account to send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
