Across all industries, businesses and organizations rely on human resources professionals to create dynamic hiring strategies and develop workplace policies that attract and retain the most qualified employees. As a result, the field of human resources is growing, and aspiring professionals will find that there are a variety of HR jobs to consider.
You may find yourself in a position where you are considering becoming a human resources generalist or a human resources specialist. Knowing the difference between an HR specialist vs. HR generalist will allow you to create a strategic plan for career growth and development.
What Is an HR Generalist?
A human resources generalist is a human resource professional who has a broad range of knowledge of fundamental HR functions. An HR generalist typically focuses on a range of areas within the field of human resources, including hiring, onboarding, benefits, and compensation.
Roles and Responsibilities of an HR Generalist
Due to the broad range of responsibilities that HR generalists have, they often assume multiple roles within a human resources department.
Below are some of the primary responsibilities of an HR generalist:
Employee Onboarding and Offboarding
HR generalists often work with new employees being welcomed to the team, and also guide those exiting the organization. Through onboarding and offboarding programs, HR generalists can train new employees while also seeking feedback from those leaving the company.
Benefits Administration
HR generalists often work to oversee benefits administration. This requires HR generalists to research available benefits packages and programming options as well as to provide employees with information about the benefits that they will receive as part of their employment contract.
Compliance and Policy Enforcement
HR generalists must work to ensure that the workplace policies created and implemented within an organization allow it to remain compliant with all relevant industry guidelines and government regulations. Additionally, they must monitor and enforce company policies.
Performance Management
Through performance management services, HR generalists monitor employee performance and establish guidelines for evaluating it. They often oversee evaluations and collaborate with company leadership to determine the next steps based on each individual employee's performance level.
Employee Relations and Engagement
As part of their role, HR generalists often play an integral role in managing employee relations and keeping employees engaged with the company's mission. HR generalists can have a direct impact on workplace culture, and they often work to develop programs that support employee growth and development.
Benefits of Choosing a Career as an HR Generalist
The broad scope of the HR generalist role is appealing to human resources professionals who want the freedom and flexibility to carve out their own path within the field. As an HR generalist, you will be able to take on a wider range of duties within an organization, which may be appealing to some professionals.
What Is an HR Specialist?
An HR specialist is a human resources professional who specializes in a particular area of human resources, such as recruitment and retention, benefits and compensation, or risk management. Most HR specialists have some experience as an HR generalist before they choose to specialize in a particular area.
Roles and Responsibilities of an HR Specialist
Since HR specialists typically focus on a specialized area of human resources, their responsibilities are more targeted. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these are some of the typical responsibilities of an HR specialist, though the scope of the role may vary based on the organization and the specialty area.
Talent Acquisition and Recruitment
Human resource specialists who focus on recruitment and retention often develop targeted talent acquisition strategies to position an organization as a leader in the job market. Through data-driven strategies, HR specialists can develop plans that enable organizations to attract and retain the most qualified applicants in their industry or field.
Compensation and Benefits
HR specialists who focus on compensation and benefits are responsible for developing compensation strategies that appeal to the most qualified candidates while staying within the company's budget.
Training and Development
Through training and development programs, HR specialists can offer skills-based training opportunities that promote employee growth and development, ultimately benefiting both employees and the organization as a whole.
Employee and Labor Relations
HR specialists may work to manage employee and labor relations within an organization, ensuring that the company adheres to all relevant policies and protocols to foster positive and lasting relationships with employees.
HR Data and Analytics
The field of HR data analysis is growing, particularly as organizational leaders increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making to achieve company goals. HR specialists who focus on data and analytics often work to collect employee data and extract actionable insights that can enhance decision-making in the HR department and throughout the company.
Benefits of Choosing a Career as an HR Specialist
By choosing a career as an HR specialist, you will be able to focus on an area of human resources that interests you most. While HR generalists have a broad range of responsibilities, HR specialists typically focus on targeted tasks related to their specialty area.
HR Specialist vs. HR Generalist Skills
While fundamental knowledge of HR principles is necessary in both roles, you may find that you need specialized skills depending on the career path that you pursue.
HR Specialist Skills
HR specialists typically possess the following skills for their role:
- HR software proficiency
- Legal and compliance
- Reporting
- Communication
- Organization
- Data analysis
- Confidentiality
HR Generalist Skills
Conversely, HR generalists possess the following skills for their role:
- HR software proficiency
- Performance management
- Benefits administration
- Communication
- Digital literacy
- Creativity
- Confidentiality
HR Specialist vs. HR Generalist Certifications
Within the HR field, you may find that you want to pursue an additional certification to develop specialized skills or position yourself for career advancement. Some of the HR specialist or HR generalist certifications that you may consider include:
PHR (Professional in Human Resources)
The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification is an ideal option for HR generalists and early-career HR specialists, as it allows you to prove your competency in HR management. The HR Certification Institute offers this certification.
SHRM-CP/SCP (Certified Professional/Senior Certified Professional)
The Society of Human Resource Management Certified Professional/Senior Certified Professional program is best for HR generalists and HR managers, as it is designed for HR professionals who focus specifically on policy and procedure development.
CCP (Certified Compensation Professional)
HR specialists who focus on compensation and benefits administration should consider the Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) program, offered by WorldatWork. This qualification is recognized as the professional standard for compensation professionals and is preferred by many employers seeking to hire HR specialists who will oversee compensation and benefits management within their organizations.
SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources)
Experienced HR generalists and leaders in the field of human resources may want to consider the Senior Professional in Human Resources certification, which the HR Certification Institute offers. This certification is designed for HR professionals who focus on planning and creating HR strategies, rather than those responsible for enforcing HR policies. It is particularly beneficial for those in HR management or leadership roles.
HR Specialist vs. HR Generalist: Choosing the Right Path
Blending business acumen with interpersonal skills, human resources is a viable career path for those seeking a rewarding and challenging field. By exploring the differences between an HR specialist vs. HR generalist, you can learn more about the HR career paths available and decide which position will allow you to achieve your professional and personal goals.
Considering Becoming an HR Specialist vs. HR Generalist? Learn More at Champlain College Online
As you continue to learn more about the difference between HR generalist and specialist, you will find that there is a wide range of HR career paths. At Champlain College Online, we offer an online Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management degree that focuses on fundamental HR principles and skills, such as recruitment and retention, data-based decision-making, hiring strategies, and onboarding.
Contact Admissions today to learn more about our bachelor's degree program in human resource management.
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