What does HR do?

HR is a necessity- but what does it really entail?

As an office essential, you’ve likely heard the term Human Resources, and perhaps even worked closely with them. The truth is that HR have their hardworking thumbs in many pies.

Their roles and responsibilities can cover a huge range of tasks including (but by no means limited to):

Recruitment
Payroll
Disciplinaries
Policy updates
Maintain employee records
Workplace benefit analysis
Training and supporting staff
Providing career growth
Supporting health and wellness in the office
Promotion strategy
Organisational development
Survey management
Compliance
Change management…And the list goes on!

While you may have been aware of some of these responsibilities, many are big-picture tasks that have an impact on the overall business operations rather than day-to-day functions – making HR a central driving force for organisational evolution and progression.

Why is HR so important?

HR is the lifeblood of a business. Without this department, organisations would struggle to function and grow. Growth means more employees, and more employees means more admin, resolutions and management – all of which HR oversee in some way or another. If a business is a machine, HR is an integral cog that keeps the engine running by supporting staff, management and new recruits.

Are HR jobs in demand?

The demand for HR specialists in the UK has risen post-pandemic, with a large number of organisations having reset and re-shuffled their business models. Tasks such as talent and change management, and performance and succession planning are vital to ensuring these business manoeuvres are successful – all of which are led by a business’s HR department.

Can I do HR with a psychology degree?

While having a HR degree from the outset would be great, most of us don’t know exactly what we want to do when we decide a learning path. Psychology is an excellent match for a HR and L&D career path, proving that you have a vested interest in the function of people.

Our CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development or our CIPD Level 5 Diploma in People Management are both excellent next steps if you’re looking to pivot from a non-HR degree into a higher-level HR role.

Career progression – what jobs are available?

Within HR you can be a generalist or a specialist. Both career paths are rewarding and have a continuous progression route.

(Salary estimates below based on typical London salaries)

Generalist:

HR Assistant/Coordinator – (£27,000-£31,000)
HR Manager – (£60,000)
HR Director/VP of HR – (£100,000)
Chief HR Officer (CHRO) – (£140,000)

Specialist:

Reward:

Payroll & Benefits Manager – (£70,000)
Compensation Specialist – (£65,000)
Reward Analyst – (£50,000)
Head of Reward – (£100,000)

Learning and Development:

Training/L&D Advisor – (£40,000)
Training/L&D Manager – (£70,000)
L&D Business Partner – (£65,000)
Head of Learning and Development – (£90,000)

Recruitment and Resourcing:

Resourcing Coordinator – (£35,000)
Resourcing Advisor – (£45,000)
Head of Talent – (£85,000)

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Diversity Advisor – (£39,000)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager – (£60,000)
Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion – (£90,000)

Source: Hays UK Salary and Recruiting Trends 2022

So there you have it, an in depth look at what HR can bring to your career. If you’re unsure about what your next step should be, give one of our CIPD experts a call on 020 3198 7700 to discuss your options.

Still hungry for more? We interviewed HR hero and Head of our CIPD course faculty, Natalie Swift, about her career in HR. View this here.