5 HR Responsibilities You Should Know

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Even if you have never worked in the business world, you probably know the term “HR,” or human resources. Most companies have a human resources department or an individual who serves that purpose. You might not know that person or department’s job or duties, though.

We’ll talk about that a little right now. You should understand HR’s function so you’ll know when to contact them.

HR Might Look into New Hires

HR departments might use a people search engine to look into someone’s background before the company officially hires them. Maybe the hiring manager met with this potential new employee, and they liked what they saw. They might wait until HR does a background check before formally offering this candidate the position, though.

Some companies use the same business entity whenever they hire a new person. They’ll feed that person’s first and last name into a search engine and wait till they get back the results. They’ll likely get more back if they also know that person’s home address, email, phone number, and more.

The HR department might find out this person has a checkered past. They’ll learn about their criminal background and report to the hiring manager if they did something particularly troubling at some point. They can also learn about marital status, educational background, etc.

You might not work for a company until you can get past this HR background check. Just about every company does one for new employees in 2022, and the HR department typically takes this task very seriously. They don’t want just anyone working for the company since the new hire will represent the business and become part of their public face.

R Investigates Employee Complains

You can also go to HR if you have a complaint about another employee. For example, maybe a fellow worker keeps making sexually suggestive remarks or racially-themed jokes in your presence. That might make you uncomfortable, and you know it’s unprofessional.

HR should talk to that person to see if your complaint has any validity. They will likely also speak to anyone else who saw or heard that behavior.

If they find your complaint valid, they might discipline that person. They might even suggest that the company terminate their employment if this person shows a behavior pattern indicating they’re beyond reform.

The HR Department Might Set Up a Press Release

The HR department can act as a company’s representative sometimes. They might put together a press release if they feel the company should address some situation, like a scandal, a new product coming out, an IPO, or something else.

he HR department might work with the CEO, CFO, a crisis management company, or anyone else they need to bring in to revise or further modify the statement they release to the public. They can prep the person who’s going to deliver that message as well.

Payroll Issues

Many times, the HR department handles the company’s payroll. That means you can approach them and talk to them if you did not get your paycheck on time or you didn’t get the correct amount. They can explain any change to your paycheck or correct the problem if one exists.

You can talk to them if you move from one location to another. They’ll want that information for their records. If the company mails your paychecks to you, they’ll need to know your new address.

You might talk to them about when to expect a higher salary. If you ask for a raise and get one, the HR department will know when you can see your new pay rate. That way, you’ll know to adjust your budget based on that new amount.

They Can Help You with Your Benefits

The HR department can speak to you about your benefits if you ever need help with them. Maybe your company offers you a 401K program, but you’re not sure how to set it up. The HR department can advise you in that regard.

They can tell you how to get an insurance card if you get health insurance through your work. They can give you the paperwork you have to fill out to get that healthcare. They can also talk to you about the different options if the insurance company offers you different tiers or packages.

You can always talk to them about stock options, a dental plan, or anything else the company offers. They can set the record straight if you have any benefits-related questions.  

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