How to Manage a Human Resources Department

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Co-authored by Charbel Atala

Last Updated: October 16, 2025 Approved

The human resources department of any company or organization is responsible for recruiting and retaining employees, managing benefits and salary, training and compliance, working to resolve issues between management and employees, and contributing to a successful culture at work. Some companies have only 1 person managing all human resources functions and others have an entire team. The human resource department has a direct impact on the success of the company and its employees. Manage a human resources department by assigning specific functions to the members of your team and promoting a professional and supportive environment.

Steps

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   Put together a solid team. One function of the human resources (HR) department is to hire good staff for all departments. Be sure the HR department is staffed well.

   • Hire as many team members as your departmental budget will permit. The number of employees your HR department needs will depend on the size of the company you are working for, and the functions your department is expected to perform.
   • Hire specialists for each function, such as a Benefits Administrator, Trainer and Recruiter. Or, if you have fewer employees, hire Generalists who can manage multiple functions.
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   Communicate with your team about your expectations. Make sure all the members of the HR department understand their responsibilities.
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   Communicate individual responsibilities to the entire company. Your HR department will run more efficiently if the company employees know which team member to contact for payroll questions, benefits enrollment, etc.
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   Insist upon confidentiality. The HR department has access to a lot of personal information. The department also handles sensitive issues such as harassment complaints and labor disputes. Discretion is essential.
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   Maintain an open door policy for management and staff. The company's workers as well as its leaders should feel comfortable coming to HR for assistance.
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   Be sure to cross train the members of the HR team. This will help you cover vacations, sick days and other time off. No one will have to wait for help if one of your employees is absent.

   • Allow your department's team members to train each other. This will ensure everyone understands the basics of each person's job.
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   Promote professional growth on your team. Allow your HR staff to take seminars, classes and attend meetings that will further their knowledge of the HR field.

   • Suggest opportunities if there are areas of weakness on your team. For example, if attracting talent is something no one specializes in, look for classes or publications and recommend them to your team.
   • Keep yourself updated on the developments and best practices in the HR field. Join professional organizations such as the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), sign up to receive newsletters and network with other HR managers.
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   Set a good example. Maintaining a professional and positive demeanor yourself will help your department do the same. This attitude will then spill over into the entire company.
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   Be sure all company policies and procedures are followed within your department. Complete reviews on time, keep your budget on track and report to management as required.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  How can we create a culture of trust in the workplace?

  

  Charbel Atala
  Talent Acquisition Strategist & Managing Partner

  Charbel Atala is a Talent Acquisition Strategist & Managing Partner at Talent Gurus, a game-changing retained search firm located in the heart of San Francisco, California. With a unique blend of over five years in talent acquisition and a solid 15-year background in corporate law, Charbel crafts performance-driven talent solutions that are tailored to each client's unique culture and needs.

  

  Charbel Atala

  Talent Acquisition Strategist & Managing Partner

  Expert Answer

  Creating a culture of trust within the workplace is akin to laying the foundation for a thriving community. It starts with transparent communication, consistent actions, and a leadership team that embodies integrity. Trust drives success by fostering collaboration, empowering employees, and encouraging innovation. In a performance-centric approach, trust is not merely a word; it's a practice that resonates throughout every interaction, nurturing a positive and engaging work environment.

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• Question

  Can an HR manager supervise a front office staff?

  

  Mithlesh Dhar

  Community Answer

  The HR Manager supervises everyone. In the absence of a professional in the department, the person holding this role can act as department head for some time. Also, most of the HR managers are from different departments like sales, operations and even front office, so they have good exposure for being able to supervise front office staff.

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  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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Warnings

• Be sure your team understands the process of involving legal help when necessary. In cases where a complaint is filed by an employee against another employee or the company as a whole, the actions of the HR department will be scrutinized during any legal proceedings. Get your company's attorneys involved as soon as necessary.
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