What Does an HR Generalist Do?
An HR generalist is a multi-functional human resources professional who manages a wide range of duties spanning the employee lifecycle. These may include onboarding, employee relations, policy interpretation, HRIS updates, performance review coordination, and basic benefits or payroll support. HR generalists are often the go-to resource for both employees and managers seeking assistance with workplace issues, HR procedures, or compliance questions.
This role plays a critical part in supporting workplace culture, enforcing labor law compliance, and promoting consistent HR practices across departments. HR generalists must balance empathy with policy, provide timely responses to inquiries, and escalate issues when needed. Their work ensures both the people and operational sides of HR remain aligned, making the generalist an essential partner to business leadership and a trusted point of contact for staff.
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HR Generalist Core Responsibilities
- Administer and track onboarding, orientation, and offboarding activities
- Act as a first point of contact for employee relations issues or HR policy questions
- Maintain accurate employee records in HRIS and support data audits
- Partner with managers on performance reviews, corrective action, and compliance
- Support benefits enrollment, FMLA tracking, and leave administration
- Coordinate with payroll for status changes, deductions, and time-off adjustments
- Assist in internal HR communications, training logistics, and employee engagement programs
- Monitor adherence to state and federal labor regulations
- Conduct exit interviews and track turnover trends
- Participate in HR projects such as DEI initiatives or policy updates
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday, ADP, BambooHR)
- Working knowledge of FMLA, ADA, FLSA, and other employment laws
- Experience with onboarding processes and employee lifecycle tracking
- Reporting skills using Excel, dashboards, or system-based tools
Soft skills
- Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution abilities
- Professional judgment and discretion in handling sensitive matters
- Excellent organization, time management, and follow-through
- Clear, empathetic written and verbal communication
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field required
Certifications
- None required
- PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting a mixed workforce (hourly and salaried, remote and onsite)
- Familiarity with multiple state employment regulations
- Exposure to workplace investigations or formal corrective action processes
- Participation in HR audits, open enrollment, or compliance reviews
- Background in fast-paced, high-growth, or regulated industries
National Average Salary
HR generalist salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a HR Generalist is:
$69,530
Sample Job Description Templates for HR Generalists
Employee Relations HR Generalist
Position Overview
We are hiring an Employee Relations HR Generalist to support fair, consistent, and legally compliant employee practices across the organization. This role acts as a trusted resource for employees and managers, helping resolve workplace issues, conduct investigations, and interpret company policies. The ideal candidate is an effective communicator with strong judgment and a firm understanding of labor law.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the first point of contact for employee concerns and workplace conflict
- Conduct investigations related to harassment, discrimination, and policy violations
- Counsel managers on disciplinary actions, documentation, and progressive discipline
- Ensure consistent application of HR policies and procedures across departments
- Support the development and rollout of workplace conduct training and materials
- Maintain detailed records of employee relations cases and outcomes
- Collaborate with legal or compliance teams on sensitive cases
- Track and report trends in employee relations issues
Requirements
Hard skills
- Working knowledge of federal and state employment law (e.g., ADA, FMLA, Title VII)
- Experience conducting or supporting internal investigations
- Proficiency in documentation, case tracking, and issue resolution
Soft skills
- Excellent listening and interpersonal skills
- Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving capabilities
- Professional discretion and neutrality
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or related field required
Certifications
- None required
- PHR or SHRM-CP preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience supporting employee relations in a mid-size or large company
- Training or coursework in workplace investigations or conflict resolution
Talent Management HR Generalist
Position Overview
We are looking for a Talent Management HR Generalist to support employee development, succession planning, and performance programs. This role partners with business leaders to help design and implement systems that enhance workforce capability, drive engagement, and support leadership readiness.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate performance review processes and manager training
- Maintain talent profiles, succession plans, and development goal tracking
- Support learning and development initiatives and employee growth programs
- Analyze performance data and recommend action plans or coaching resources
- Collaborate with HR leadership to identify high-potential talent and retention risks
- Help communicate career pathing resources and development opportunities
- Assist in tracking internal mobility and promotions
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with performance management systems and goal-tracking platforms
- Understanding of learning and development workflows
- Experience supporting talent planning or succession processes
Soft skills
- Strong project coordination and follow-up
- Clear communicator with coaching mindset
- Ability to support both frontline staff and leaders
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting performance cycles or 360 feedback programs
- Exposure to leadership development or internal coaching initiatives
Benefits HR Generalist
Position Overview
We are seeking a Benefits HR Generalist to help manage and communicate the company’s employee benefits programs. This role supports benefits enrollment, eligibility audits, vendor coordination, and employee inquiries, ensuring timely access to coverage and clear communication around plan options.
Responsibilities
- Support new hire, life event, and open enrollment benefit processing
- Maintain benefits data in HRIS and benefits administration platforms
- Answer employee questions related to benefits coverage, eligibility, or claims
- Coordinate with insurance carriers and vendors to resolve issues
- Track leave of absence requests and coordinate return-to-work documentation
- Prepare benefits communications, FAQ documents, and training sessions
- Audit benefits data for accuracy and assist with compliance reporting
Requirements
Hard skills
- Understanding of health, dental, vision, disability, and retirement plans
- Familiarity with COBRA, HIPAA, and ACA compliance standards
- Proficiency in HRIS and benefits administration platforms
Soft skills
- Clear and supportive communication style
- High attention to detail and confidentiality
- Organized approach to tracking and deadlines
Education
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
Certifications
- None required
- CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience assisting with open enrollment or benefits vendor support
- Background in benefits administration in multi-state organizations
Remote HR Generalist
Position Overview
We are hiring a Remote HR Generalist to support a geographically dispersed workforce while working fully remotely. This role manages core HR responsibilities, including onboarding, employee support, and policy enforcement, while ensuring consistency across virtual environments.
Responsibilities
- Manage remote onboarding, offboarding, and policy compliance
- Serve as a key HR contact for employees across multiple locations and time zones
- Maintain HRIS data accuracy and ensure timely documentation
- Support employee relations, leave tracking, and performance review processes
- Deliver HR communications and coordinate virtual engagement efforts
- Ensure compliance with state-specific labor laws and remote work policies
- Assist with benefits, payroll coordination, and general employee support
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in cloud-based HRIS and communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Zoom)
- Understanding of multi-state employment law and remote work compliance
- Digital file management and electronic documentation experience
Soft skills
- Strong written communication and responsiveness
- Independent work ethic and time management
- Ability to build rapport and trust remotely
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required
Certifications
- None required
- PHR or SHRM-CP preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting remote or hybrid teams
- Familiarity with virtual onboarding tools or platforms
Bilingual HR Generalist
Position Overview
We are hiring a Bilingual HR Generalist to support a diverse workforce by providing human resources support in both English and Spanish (or other applicable languages). This role ensures clear communication, equitable policy enforcement, and culturally sensitive HR service delivery across all functions.
Responsibilities
- Deliver HR communications, policies, and training materials in both languages
- Assist with employee relations, onboarding, and benefits administration
- Translate and interpret documents, policies, and conversations as needed
- Support managers in coaching and communication with non-English-speaking employees
- Maintain compliance with labor laws and internal policies across all groups
- Provide support during investigations, interviews, and exit processes in both languages
- Help build inclusive HR practices and improve employee experience for multilingual teams
Requirements
Hard skills
- Fluency in English and Spanish (or designated language)
- Experience translating HR documents and conducting bilingual communication
- Familiarity with HRIS platforms and employee lifecycle management
Soft skills
- Culturally aware and empathetic communication
- Ability to build trust across diverse teams
- Confident handling of sensitive conversations in both languages
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required
Certifications
- None required
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior HR experience in bilingual or multilingual workplaces
- Background supporting hourly or frontline workforces