Core HR Functions and Responsibilities

HR Core Functions – A Practical Guide

An effective HR department gives a business structure, compliance, and the talent it needs to grow. Below is a concise, workbook‑style overview of the six core HR functions, key activities, and quick‑start tools you can apply today.

1. Recruiting & Talent Acquisition

Recruiting is measured by the number of positions filled, time‑to‑fill, and quality of hire.

• Write clear job descriptions that include essential skills and performance expectations.
• Source candidates through job boards, social media, employee referrals, and professional networks.
• Screen resumes with a checklist (see “Recruiting Checklist” at the end of this post).
• Conduct structured interviews using the same rating scale for each candidate.
• Coordinate hiring decisions with the hiring manager and send offer letters promptly.

Need fresh ideas for finding and retaining top talent? Explore 101 ways to attract & keep top talent for tactics you can implement right now.

2. Workplace Safety & Risk Management

Safety compliance protects employees and reduces costly incidents.

• Maintain up‑to‑date OSHA/Federal safety policies.
• Deliver mandatory safety training (e.g., fire drills, ergonomics) and track completion.
• Record workplace injuries in a centralized system and analyze trends.
• Partner with risk managers to assess insurance needs and workers’ compensation claims.

3. Employee Relations & Engagement

Strong employee relations improve satisfaction, reduce turnover, and support a positive culture.

• Implement regular pulse surveys to gauge morale and identify pain points.
• Develop a clear grievance procedure and ensure confidentiality.
• Facilitate open‑door communication between staff and leadership.
• Coordinate with union representatives where applicable to negotiate contracts.

4. Compensation & Benefits Administration

Competitive pay structures and benefits packages are critical for recruitment and retention.

• Conduct market salary benchmarking at least annually.
• Design tiered compensation bands aligned with job levels.
• Administer health, dental, vision, and retirement plans; provide clear enrollment guides.
• Consider supplemental perks such as wellness programs, flexible work options, and tuition reimbursement.

For a broader view on employee incentives, see 101 ways to win more referrals.

5. Compliance & Legal Risk

Non‑compliance can lead to fines, litigation, and reputational damage.

• Stay current on federal and state labor laws (e.g., FLSA, FMLA, EEOC).
• Maintain accurate employee records for wages, hours, and benefits.
• Conduct periodic audits of HR policies and documentation.
• Provide mandatory training on anti‑harassment, diversity, and data privacy.

6. Learning, Development & Performance Management

Continuous development drives productivity and prepares the workforce for future challenges.

• Onboard new hires with a structured 30‑60‑90 day plan.
• Offer role‑specific training modules and leadership development tracks.
• Implement a performance review cycle (quarterly check‑ins, annual appraisals).
• Tie development goals to measurable business outcomes.

Boost your training ROI with 101 ways to personalize experiences, adaptable to employee learning journeys.

Quick‑Start Tools

Use the checklist and template below to launch or audit each HR function within a week.

HR Function Checklist

Next Steps

Pick one function, complete the corresponding row in the checklist, and schedule a 30‑minute review with your HR leader. When you’re ready to scale your HR processes, explore the 101 ways to save time and automate workflows toolkit for templates, dashboards, and automation ideas that integrate with any HRIS.

Use these visual tools to track performance metrics, such as time‑to‑fill, turnover rate, safety incident frequency, and training completion percentages.

Apply a simple SWOT analysis to each HR function to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This insight drives strategic improvements and aligns HR initiatives with overall business goals.

Ready to transform your HR department into a strategic growth engine? Dive deeper with the 101 ways to attract & keep top talent guide – your next step toward building a high‑performing workforce.