Exploring the diversity of HR roles across industries and company sizes

Human Resources (HR) is a dynamic field that plays a crucial role in organizations of all sizes and industries. The responsibilities of HR professionals can vary significantly based on the company's size, industry, and specific needs. (Coursera 2023) In this blog entry, I will delve into the diverse job descriptions within HR and examine how the role of HR differs in organizations of different sizes and industries. To gain a deeper understanding, I will also take a look at some current HR job openings.

 

HR in different industries

The core responsibilities of HR remain consistent across various industries. HR professionals play a crucial role in talent acquisition, encompassing tasks such as talent sourcing, attracting top candidates, and cultivating employer branding. They oversee the entire employee lifecycle, including onboarding, offboarding, and managing employee relations. Additionally, HR is responsible for performance management, rewards and benefits administration, and ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations (Viitala 2021, 58-65, 69-70).

Furthermore, HR professionals contribute to the growth and development of the organization by designing and implementing training programs tailored to the specific needs of the workforce.

 

Different HR roles:

Below I have gathered some HR roles from various industries.

Talent Acquisition Specialist: HR professional often specialized in certain industry that focuses on recrutiing and retaining highly skilled employees.

Healthcare Recruiter: HR professionals may specialize in recruiting healthcare professionals like nurses and doctors.

Labor Relations Specialist: Handles union negotiations and laber disputes. Common in manufacturing industry.

Safety and Training Coordinator: HR professionals that prioritize safety training, compliance, and employee development. Common for example in construction industry.

Compensation Analyst: Financial institutions require HR experts to manage complex compensation structures.

HR Business Partner: Collaboration with various departments to align HR strategies with business goals is vital.

 

HR roles in different company sizes

 

Small Businesses:

In smaller companies, HR professionals often wear multiple hats, handling recruitment, employee relations, and compliance. Smaller firms may employ HR administrators responsible for day-to-day tasks like payroll and benefits management.

I myself, have just started as a HR Coordinator in a small company. My tasks vary from recruiting to creating contracts to helping staff relocating from city to another and sometimes from country to another. I am in charge of occupational health care relations and help our personnel with legal matters related to salary, vacations, and work hours.

 

Medium-Sized Companies:

HR in mid-sized firms involves strategic planning, talent development, and employee engagement initiatives. Medium-sized companies often invest or starts to invest in employee growth and development.

 

Large Corporations:

Large organizations have HR leaders who oversee multiple HR functions.  Those HR functions include all functions mentioned above in small and medium-sized companies. Large companies often have specialized roles to promote diversity and inclusion. Large companies might also have legal departments with HR personnel as well.

 

Current HR job vacancies

Human Resources Assistant, American Embassy: entry level job including tasks such as administering internship programs, assisting in hiring and onboarding, and assisting newly-arrived American amployees with the requirement of the Finnish government (accreditations and other permits). (Duunitori 2023)

HR Administration Specialist, Schneider Electric: senior level position including tasks such as all HR administration relating to employee life cycle, reward coordination, project development, payroll back-up, and supporting stakeholder in various tasks. (Duunitori 2023)

HR & IT Director, Tampere-Talo Osakeyhtiö. Tasks include reporting to stakeholders, developing operations, reward programs, and everyday tasks in HR matters. (Duunitori 2023)

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, HR roles are as diverse as the industries and company sizes they serve. Whether the company is a startup or a global corporation, HR professionals play a vital role in shaping company culture, fostering employee growth, and ensuring compliance. As businesses evolve and industries adapt to changing world, HR remains a cornerstone, adapting its tasks to meet the unique needs of the workforce and the company's goals.

Sources: 

Coursera 2023. What Is Human Resources (HR)? Description, Duties, and Jobs. URL: https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-is-hr. Accessed: 8 September 2023.

Duunitori 2023. Human Resource Assistant. American Embassy. Open vacancy. URL: https://duunitori.fi/tyopaikat/tyo/toimistotyontekija-henkilostohallinto-american-embassy-helsinki-helsinki-stsyo-17272346. Accessed: 9 September 2023.

Duunitori 2023. HR Administrator Specialist. Schneider Electrics. Open vacancy. URL: https://duunitori.fi/tyopaikat/tyo/hr-administration-specialist-schneider-electric-espoo-sssta-17223659. Accessed: 9 September 2023.

Duunitori 2023. HR & IT Director. Tampere-Talo Osakeyhtiö. Open vacancy. URL: https://duunitori.fi/tyopaikat/tyo/hr-ja-it-johtaja-tampere-talo-osakeyhtio-tampere-stsyo-17253146. Accessed 10 September 2023.

Viitala, R. 2021. Henkilöstöjohtaminen. Keskeiset käsitteet, teoriat ja trendit. Edita Publishing Oy. Otavan Kirjapaino Oy, Keuruu.