What Does An HR Generalist Do, & How Can Small Businesses Profit

Last Updated on September 13, 2023

The HR generalist is a hybrid role that combines the skills of an internal consultant and a supervisor. Also, an HR generalist provides strategic advice on HR issues to the CEO, COO, and other senior executives. The generalist has an in-depth knowledge of the business but also possesses key skills required to work with different levels of staff. Also, the role requires someone who is driven by data and statistics but also has a good understanding of people and human behavior. This person must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment in which there are frequent changes to strategy or direction. The job also involves managing people, including managing their development as well as their performance, against targets set by the organization.

The key qualities of an HR generalist

An HR generalist has the ability to handle both project and operational requirements. Such a person will think strategically about the big picture and work with a team on a day-to-day basis. The key qualities necessary for this role include:

Strong communication skills 

To be able to clearly explain what they doing, why it is important, and how it will help your business reach its goals.

A positive attitude

Especially with respect to dealing with people who are often stressed and distracted, keeping a calm demeanor is essential.

An entrepreneurial mindset

An HR generalist requires the ability to take risks, to learn from their mistakes, and to move forward with enthusiasm.

Where does an HR generalist fit in? 

In other words, is an HR manager at a higher level than an HR generalist? The answer is simple – For very large organizations, an HR generalist is normally found at the lowest level of the organizational hierarchy − HR managers are just above them in terms of position or job level.

What is the role of an HR generalist? 

The human resource generalist manages the everyday tasks of the human resource (HR) department, together with hiring and managing staff, controlling pay, benefits, and vacation days, and imposing business policies and practices.

Virtual human resources assistants and how they can add value

With a virtual human resources assistant, you can:

  • Manage your workforce, including hiring, firing, and onboarding new employees;
  • Track employee performance, including salary increases and bonuses;
  • Manage your HR policies, including hiring rules, vacation time, and sick-leave rules;
  • Also, manage your benefits programs, including health insurance plans, 401(k) plans, and life insurance plans;
  • Manage payroll, including payroll taxes and deductions; and
  • Plus, manage pension plans and retiree health-care benefits.

As such, a virtual human resources assistant can help companies manage their HR process more effectively.

The value of having an HR assistant on your team

The goal of a virtual human resources assistant is to help you with your business processes by providing you with the answers to your questions and giving you the support that you need. Virtual human resources assistants are not just a one-stop shop for all HR-related tasks. Such skilled people also have the ability to provide other services such as coaching, training, and mentoring. In other words, a virtual human resources assistant becomes an important part of the HR department. Virtual HR assistants can be used for a variety of tasks, from simple email corresponding to complex data entry.

The bottom line

Virtual human resources assistants are a new kind of employee that has become part of the modern workforce. They provide virtual assistance to the human resources department by performing administrative work, including data entry, answering phones, and other similar tasks. These assistants can be used to conduct online interviews, collect data, and provide reports. They can also be used to provide support for other functions within an organization. Moreover, as a generalist, these HR professionals are budget-friendly, which can help you to spread your financial resources much better.


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