What does HR do? Exploring the role, impact, and key HR jobs

Human resources (HR) plays a vital role in managing the workforce and keeping businesses functioning effectively. HR professionals are central to recruitment, employee development, compliance, and workplace culture.

In recent years, HR has become increasingly prominent and valued. More and more companies recognise the benefits of sensitive, careful management of staff wellbeing and needs – and the role of HR is set to grow further.

A well-run HR department helps companies build strong teams, foster employee engagement, and align workforce strategies with business goals. With HR’s growing prominence, professionals in this field are in high demand across various industries.

As competition for top HR talent increases, many organisations partner with specialist HR recruitment agencies to source, assess, and secure the right candidates. These agencies not only have access to a wide network of skilled professionals but also understand the nuances of matching candidates’ expertise, values, and ambitions with an organisation’s culture and long-term objectives.

In this article, we explore everything you need to know about the role of HR and the duties it involves, including:

• What HR does
• Key HR responsibilities
• HR roles explained
• How HR benefits employees and businesses

Whether you’re an employer looking to understand the scope of HR in your organisation, or a professional planning your next career move, this guide will provide a clear, practical overview.

What does HR do?

HR professionals manage the human element of a business, ensuring employees are engaged, productive, and supported. This includes everything from recruitment and onboarding to training, employee relations, compensation and benefits, performance management, and compliance with employment laws.

They also play a crucial role in shaping company culture – ensuring the workplace is safe, inclusive, and conducive to productivity – while aligning employee goals with the organisation’s strategic objectives.

According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the HR profession grew by 42% in the decade from 2011 to 2021, far outpacing the 10% growth seen across the general workforce. This reflects the increasing value businesses place on effective human resources management.

Key HR responsibilities

The HR department is multifaceted, with responsibilities covering the entire employee lifecycle. Common HR job duties can include:

Recruitment and talent acquisition

Identifying staffing needs, creating job descriptions, advertising vacancies, screening applications, interviewing candidates, and coordinating hires. This process requires strong market knowledge and the ability to assess candidates for skills, qualifications, and cultural fit.

Employee training and development

Organising training programmes, workshops, and career development initiatives. HR is also responsible for succession planning and preparing high-potential employees for leadership roles.

This can include coordinating with external training providers and tracking employees' progress, ensuring they are taking advantage of the training and development opportunities available to them.

HR also plays a key role in succession planning, identifying high-potential employees and preparing them for leadership roles.

Employee relations and workplace culture

Acting as the liaison between management and employees, handling conflict resolution, disciplinary procedures, and grievances, and promoting a positive work environment with open communication.

Compensation and benefits management

Benchmarking salaries, sometimes managing payroll, and overseeing benefits such as pensions, health insurance, and annual leave, ensuring that these benefits align with the company's strategic goals and comply with legal requirements.

HR compliance and legal responsibilities

Ensuring compliance with employment laws, workplace safety regulations, and diversity and inclusion policies. This includes staying up-to-date with legislation and implementing policies accordingly. They also handle audits and inspections and respond to any legal issues that may arise.

Performance management

Implementing appraisal systems, facilitating feedback sessions, managing underperformance, and supporting managers in setting and reviewing objectives. 

In short, the role of HR is vast and varied, encompassing a wide range of duties and responsibilities. HR professionals play a crucial role in managing the human element of the business, ensuring that employees are skilled, motivated and engaged, and that the company complies with all relevant laws and regulations. Their work contributes to the overall success and profitability of the business, making HR a vital component of any organisation.

HR roles explained

The HR function encompasses a range of roles, each with specific responsibilities. Understanding these can help employers structure their HR teams effectively, and help jobseekers identify the right career path.

As a specialist HR recruitment agency, in addition to outlining the expectations of each HR job, we will also provide an overview of typical salary ranges associated with these positions. It’s worth noting that salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, company size, industry, and the individual’s experience and qualifications. However, this information will offer a more comprehensive understanding of what to expect in terms of compensation for each HR role. 

HR Director

A senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the entire HR department and aligning HR strategy with business goals. Duties often include:

• Strategic planning
• Team leadership
• Talent management
• Budget management
• Reporting to executive boards

Average salary: £62,000+ depending on your experience, industry, the size of the company and your location.

Head of HR

Leads HR operations and strategy, particularly in organisations without an HR Director. The Head of HR role is more proactive than reactive. Responsibilities include:

• Policy development
• Leadership/management
• Compliance
• Compensation and benefits
• Performance management

Average salary: £42,000+

Head of People

Used interchangeably with Head of HR, this role focuses on employee experience, culture, and engagement. Oversees:

• Employee engagement
• Culture building
• Talent development
• Performance management
• Employee relations

Average salary: £60,000+

HR Manager

Manages day-to-day HR operations such as recruitment, employee relations, and training. Typically a hands-on role that combines strategic input with operational delivery. Responsibilities include: 

• Operational HR management
• Employee support
• Performance management
• Training and development
• HR administrations

Average salary: £55,000+

HR Business Partner (HRBP)

Acts as a strategic liaison between HR and specific business units, tailoring HR solutions to meet departmental needs and supporting organisational change. The role requires: 

• Strategic partnerships
• Consultation
• Reporting on HR initiatives

Average salary: up to £43,000

HR Advisor

Provides expert advice on HR policies, employee relations, and performance management. Often works closely with managers to ensure consistent and compliant HR practices. Responsibilities include: 

• Employee relations
• Policy interpretation
• Performance management
• Advisory services

Average salary: £32,000–£38,000

HR Administrator or HR Admin

An entry-level role providing administrative support across HR functions, from maintaining employee records to assisting with recruitment and payroll. Responsibilities often include: 

• Administrative support
• Recruitment support
• Payroll and benefits 

Average salary: £24,000

How HR benefits employees and businesses

A well-structured HR department is a valuable asset to any organisation. It not only ensures the smooth running of internal operations, but also contributes significantly to the overall success of the business. Here, we will explore how a proficient HR department delivers benefits for both employees and the wider organisation.

Benefits for employees

• Development: Access to regular training and career progression opportunities, employees are equipped with the necessary skills to perform their roles effectively and are given opportunities to broaden their skill sets. 
• Fair pay and benefits: Competitive salaries and benefits aligned with market rates. Market research is conducted to ensure they stay competitive, ensuring the organisation retains top talent, enhances employee satisfaction and wellbeing. 
• Workplace environment: A safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. This might include implementing policies that promote diversity and inclusion and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. 
• Conflict resolution: Fair processes for resolving grievances and workplace issues, preventing escalation and maintaining harmony within the workplace. 

Benefits for the business

• Talent retention: Effective recruitment and retention strategies reduce turnover costs and bring in skilled individuals who contribute to the wider goals. 
• Legal compliance: Protection from legal risks and penalties. This includes everything from working condition laws to anti-discrimination legislation. By staying abreast of legal changes and implementing necessary policies, HR helps the organisation avoid legal issues and potential penalties.
• Strategic workforce planning: This includes workforce planning, succession planning and talent management strategies. It ensures that the right people are in the right roles, at the right time.
• Enhancing employer brand: Strong HR practices enhance reputation and attractiveness to top talent.

Find out more

If you’re looking to progress your HR career or strengthen your organisation’s HR team, Sellick Partnership can help. We are a leading professional services recruitment specialist with a wealth of experience in the HR sector. 

Visit our HR recruitment hub to explore current HR jobs, or read our guides, including How to build an HR CV that stands out and Interview tips for HR professionals.

You can also get in touch with our HR recruitment specialists to discuss your career or hiring needs.