As your business scales, you will need to hire more talent. This includes hiring a human resource department or a Human Resource Assistant. However, the primary function of a virtual HR assistant is more than simply hiring. Such a person must ensure that the workplace is conducive to growth and that everything runs smoothly.
What Does a Human Resource Assistant Do?
In a nutshell, a human resource professional’s function or core duties are to ensure that the company complies with regulations and laws and that they are there to assist the staff.
A human resource assistant handles standard HR duties and contacts the staff and the business. Here are the top nine tasks that can be delegated to an HR assistant.
The HR Assistant Can Hire New Staff
Setting up the employee brief, promoting the vacancies, and gathering the applications is much needed but time-consuming. Just as tedious is checking the applicants’ backgrounds, conducting reference checks, and limiting the resumes to the top candidates.
Additionally, the virtual assistant will be the first contact with the business and will answer any queries an applicant might have.
An Assistant Can Help With Onboarding New Workers
A virtual human resource assistant can help with the onboarding process. In this process, the new staff member must be orientated and get to know the company better, including understanding its policies.
The goal is to ensure a smooth transition and for the new employee to ease into the business without issues. Some practical aspects would be arranging for a laptop and access to software for the new staff member.
A Virtual HR Assistant Can Help with Payroll Processing
A virtual assistant can easily manage payroll tasks. Here, the assistant can check that all the hours worked are correct and whether holidays or sick days are due.
After that, all the data must be entered into the payroll system. The virtual assistant can address employee payroll queries and impartially address conflicts.
Virtual Assistants Can Record Maintenance
Staff record maintenance is a crucial business function. The larger the business, the more critical it is to keep proper records.
A virtual HR assistant can handle, organize, and update the files. The virtual assistant will file the workers’ benefits, status, sick leave or overtime, and any issues during employment.
Additionally, the files would state the performance evaluations, concerns, and, if any, corrective actions.
The Virtual Assistant Is in Contact with Vendors
The human resource assistant is a natural link between the business and human resource vendors. These vendors would include insurance and pension funds.
Here, the virtual assistant would start the process of adding an employee. When a worker leaves, the correctly calculated funds are transferred to the worker.
In addition, the assistant can help to explain the terms to the worker and address any of their questions. If the assistant cannot answer, they can gather the relevant information before passing it on to the worker.
Assistants Can File Audits
Constant file audits are needed. The remote assistant can ensure that the human resource file records are current and correct before conducting such audits, which must be performed annually.
Assistants Can Also Help with Employee Advocacy
A growing and vital trend is for companies to be more worker-focused. Employees know that if the workers are happy, they are productive and will remain with the company longer.
The employees’ concerns must be heard, and active measures must be taken to address these. This can also include arranging team-building sessions or charity events to help the workers act as a team.
Worker Acknowledgement
Besides simply supplying the needs of the employees, they must also feel valued by the company. The human resource assistant can arrange incentives to boost the staff’s recognition within the company.
This can be anything, such as a unique dinner benefit to the team, achieving the most sales, or a memorable trip for those exceeding expectations.
The staff will feel valued and promote the company in their social spaces. This means that people in their circle would want to work at this company.
Assistants Can Offer Clerical Support
A virtual HR assistant’s role is primarily clerical. For instance, they might offer clerical support to an HR manager or CEO.
Their tasks include filing, making travel arrangements, answering calls, and other admin-related work. The assistant would also act as the human resource department where the business is small.
For larger businesses, assistants would provide much-needed help onboarding low-level tasks so managers can focus on more critical work.
3 Key Takeaways
- Virtual HR Assistants Offer Comprehensive HR Support: A virtual HR assistant can handle various HR tasks, from recruitment and onboarding to payroll, recordkeeping, and employee relations. This frees up time for HR managers to focus on strategic initiatives.
- HR Assistants Contribute to a Positive Work Environment: Beyond administrative duties, HR assistants can foster employee satisfaction and engagement through employee recognition, conflict resolution, and accurate records.
- Outsourcing HR Tasks Can Improve Efficiency and Compliance: By delegating HR tasks to a virtual assistant, businesses can streamline processes, reduce errors, and ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations. This can lead to cost savings and increased productivity.