A Day In The Life Of An HR Manager

HR managers support employees and oversee the development, implementation, and management of human resources strategies. If you have strong interpersonal skills and seek a high-salary job that makes a positive difference in the lives of others, HR management could be a great fit.

"There is no typical day in HR management!" exclaims Ashley Dugger, the program chair for human resource management at WGU and former HR manager. Part of the excitement of working in HR is that "every day provides new challenges and new opportunities." It's not uncommon to wear many different hats as an HR professional. "I always build in buffer time on my calendar because you never know what will pop up during the day as a high priority." HR managers spend much of their time checking in with employees and providing the support and resources they need to perform their jobs. HR managers handle employee recruitment and hiring, job training, employment benefits, and other crucial concerns. Ashley’s responsibilities also include connecting with stakeholders and monitoring various projects that require her help throughout the busy day.

HR's Evolving Role

Over the last few decades, many HR managers have taken on a strategic partner role in their organizations, requiring them to be more visible and engaged with the company than in the past. "I love being involved with decision-making on a deeper level," Ashley explains. "It's important for your leaders and employees to see that you are ready to help in whichever ways are necessary."

For Ashley, building a connection with employees and stakeholders by establishing trust and good rapport is essential. As she puts it, this “makes it more likely they will seek your help when they need it."

All in a Day's Work

So, what does an HR manager do on a daily basis? While the answer to this question varies significantly depending on the industry, company size, and other factors, daily HR responsibilities often include the following: 

Employee Relations Discussions

HR professionals facilitate positive employee relationships by creating a workplace where healthy communication is the norm. They address employee conflicts by de-escalating tension, ensuring that all parties have a chance to voice their concerns, and working collaboratively toward solutions to problems. One of the primary goals of HR management is to facilitate a productive work environment in which employees treat each other with respect and professionalism.

Performance Management

Performance reviews help companies make decisions about compensation, promotions, and terminations. Feedback about job performance also helps employees recognize their strengths and areas for improvement so they can grow personally and professionally. Traditionally, businesses have confined performance management to a single performance review each year. Many modern companies have instead adopted a comprehensive performance management system involving frequent, informal feedback as well as regular performance reviews. HR professionals typically develop and implement performance management policies and procedures, oversee annual performance reviews, and use performance data to improve training and professional development programs. 

Recruiting Support

HR managers play a crucial role in talent acquisition and recruitment. They create job descriptions, publish job ads, review applications and résumés, and conduct interviews. HR professionals may work closely with hiring managers and other staff to recruit qualified employees. They leverage technologies such as applicant tracking systems (ATS) and human resource information systems (HRIS) to automate and streamline many aspects of the recruitment and hiring process. 

Assessing Training and Development Needs

Overseeing employee training and development is a vital function of the human resources department. HR teams develop training programs to increase productivity, reduce turnover, and create confident, skilled employees who can handle changing needs in the workplace. In the past, most training programs were conducted in person by specially trained facilitators. However, with the rise in remote and hybrid work environments, many companies have replaced in-person training sessions with online learning modules that employees can complete at their own pace.

Explaining and Managing Benefits Programs

HR professionals are responsible for communicating information to employees about health insurance, retirement programs, workers’ compensation, tuition assistance, and other benefits. They guide employees through the benefits enrollment process and answer any questions that arise. Many HR professionals also manage the company’s relationship with insurance providers, retirement plan administrators, and other vendors. 

HR's Daily Challenges 

Although a career in HR can be rewarding, it also has its challenges. Some of the most difficult aspects of the job include:

• Recruitment and retention. Finding qualified individuals to fill open positions can be challenging, and retaining staff is often even harder. HR professionals must carefully evaluate applicants to determine whether they are the right fit for the job. They also work to create a company culture that engages staff and encourages them to stay at the organization long-term.
• Discipline and termination. If employees violate the company’s code of conduct or consistently fail to meet the established expectations, HR managers oversee the resulting disciplinary actions or terminations. They must handle these sensitive situations with professionalism and compassion while simultaneously protecting the company from liability. 
• Health and safety. HR professionals shoulder the heavy burden of ensuring the health and safety of the workforce. Failure to adhere to safety protocols not only puts employees at risk of injury but also puts the company at risk of serious legal repercussions.   
• Conflict management. When disagreements between staff occur, the HR team is tasked with helping the employees find common ground and work together to overcome their differences. 
• Performance management. HR professionals must monitor employee performance and development, ensuring that each employee executes their job effectively. They establish consistent metrics, align individual goals with company-wide objectives, and provide pragmatic feedback to employees.  
• Diversity and inclusion. HR managers help create an equitable, inclusive workplace that fosters diversity and cultural sensitivity. They manage discrimination and harassment complaints, coordinate investigations, and implement corrective actions when appropriate. 
• Employee training. HR managers implement training programs that empower and educate employees. They must customize effective, engaging training procedures to meet varying needs and continuously update the training programs to match evolving industry trends and technologies. 
• Policy development. HR managers must understand changing laws and regulations to develop policies and procedures that protect employees’ rights and ensure that organizations remain compliant.

Ashley explains, "Staying current on compliance as things shift in the regulatory landscape can be a challenge, so you need to seek support from your network. That means regularly reaching out to colleagues and utilizing support available from professional associations such as a local or national Society for Human Resource Management." 

HR managers frequently handle complicated, emotionally taxing situations. They must be careful not to let work-related stress negatively impact their personal lives. "Take care of yourself!" Ashley stresses. "Give yourself some grace, take time to step away and recharge, and create a strong support system." 

For Ashley, building trust with employees and seeing their impact in the workplace is one of the best parts of the job. "When you take the time to get to know employees individually, they see you as a partner and know you have their best interests at heart," she says. "Someone once told me that I completely changed the way they view HR. That was the best compliment I have ever received in a professional setting." 

Top Benefits of a Career in HR 

The HR manager career can be dynamic and rewarding. Many people get involved in HR because they want to use their “people skills” to enrich the lives of employees and help their companies thrive. Some other reasons to get involved in the human resources field include:

• Job security. Companies increasingly need qualified HR professionals to handle the challenges brought on by hybrid and remote work environments, new technologies, and evolving work cultures. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the growth rate for human resources jobs is well above average.
• Opportunities for professional growth. The HR field offers a variety of career paths and ample opportunities for advancement. Individuals with HR manager experience often transition into leadership roles.
• High salary. The BLS reports that the median annual salary for human resources managers is $130,000.
• Making a difference in employees’ lives. One of the most fulfilling aspects of HR management is the ability to positively influence others. HR professionals help workers deal with a range of complex issues, providing them with the ongoing support and encouragement they need to succeed. 
• Diverse work environment. HR managers interact with people from diverse backgrounds, making the work environment vibrant and enriching. 
• Dynamic nature of the job. The HR field is ever-changing. Professionals in this field must constantly adapt to new technologies and HR strategies. This offers numerous opportunities for professionals to enhance their skills and expertise. 
• Varied responsibilities. A day in the life of HR can involve duties that range from developing policies and interviewing candidates to overseeing staff training programs and managing health benefits. 

A bachelor’s or master’s degree from WGU can set the foundation for a thriving HR career. Learn the foundations of human resources management through a B.S. in Business Administration–Human Resource Management, or enhance your current skills even further by earning an M.S. in Human Resource Management. Our master’s degree program also contains a WGU certificate in HR Technology and Analytics for Decision-Making and the opportunity to earn the SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture specialty credential. WGU’s competency-based approach to online learning means that you can complete courses at a pace that works for you and your busy schedule. You can progress through classes as soon as you’ve mastered the course material, potentially graduating faster and saving time and money. Start your educational journey today!