As a startup owner, your business’s success depends on the workforce you hire. Various departments require executive-role employees for supervision. For example, the human resources (HR) department requires an executive assistant to perform efficiently.
An HR executive assistant offers invaluable benefits to the department. They can supervise and manage all human resource tasks for optimal business growth. With their help, you can streamline HR processes like recruitment, payroll, and more.
The HR executive assistant role is a desk job. Hence, the candidate will have to sit in front of a computer and work with Human Resource Management (HRM) software. The role’s purpose is to assist the executive director with administrative and technical support. You can assign them coordination and data collection tasks, too.
In this blog, we will discuss the HR executive assistant’s job role, average salary, and more.
What Do HR Executive Assistants Do?
Ideally, HR executive assistants will offer administration services and perform complex tasks to support operations. They are in charge of ensuring an effective and efficient turnaround for all employees in the organization. These executive assistants will manage and collect data about hiring and training recruits.
In recent years, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has simplified various HR executive assistant job roles. However, AI cannot replace a human executive assistant. These employees work together with AI tools to enhance productivity and administration. The HR executive assistant analyzes, verifies, and finds context when using AI.
According to C-Suite Assistants by Coleman & Company, AI can help these employees gather and verify information. Tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and Brad simplify an HR executive assistant’s daily responsibilities. Therefore, as a startup owner, you should condone the use of these tools for enhanced efficiency.
Either way, these executive assistants have responsibilities such as:
- Maintaining the confidentiality, accuracy, and integrity of HR records and documentation
- Helping employees during the hiring process and answering FAQs about standard policies
- Communicating between the organization and external beneficiaries for retirement plans, health, and more
- Assisting HR associates to organize and execute special events like retirement celebrations, birthdays, etc
- Providing advice and updating or developing new company policies for startups through coordination
They also perform routine audits of HR files to ensure efficiency. Moreover, HR executive assistants maintain all company records in the database.
What to Look for When Hiring Human Resources Executive Assistants?
HR executive assistants are responsible for administrative, financial, and wellness program duties. They take care of various day-to-day activities that aid business growth and productivity.
That is why startups must find a qualified individual to ensure optimal efficiency. Hence, you should look for these traits in an HR executive assistant:
- Perfect communication skills, both verbal and written
- Good interpersonal skills like empathy and diplomacy
- Exemplary organization, negotiation, and conflict management skills
- Excellent skills to coordinate and manage sensitive situations
- An ability to juggle various tasks and work under pressure
- Exceptional software skills to understand HRM
- Knowledge about employment laws and regulations in the city or state
Furthermore, you should look for individuals with excellent research skills and proactivity. The HR executive must be well-versed in advising employees and analyzing situations. Of course, they should have unparalleled knowledge about human resources.
What Is the Average Salary You Should Offer?
Startups should hire HR executive assistants with prior corporate knowledge and an associate degree in a related field. That means their salaries might be higher than your regular employees. For instance, Zippia suggests that these employees have an average salary of USD 31.70 per hour.
Their yearly salaries can range between USD 47,000 and USD 95,000. However, it will depend on their work experience and degrees. For example, you should offer a higher salary to individuals with exceptional communication, time management, and organization skills.
As a startup owner, you should hire HR executive assistants with three years of proven experience. This way, you might not have to train them for administration or supervision duties.
The Bottom Line
Ideally, startups neglect the HR department to focus on core business growth. However, without this department, your company cannot succeed. They ensure a conflict-free environment and reduce a manager’s workload. These employees interact with employees from all departments and job roles to enhance productivity.
According to Statista, 2021 witnessed a significant rise in the employment of HR personnel. Approximately 805,080 people worked in the HR department. It proves the importance and demand for HR executive assistant roles in various companies.
An HR executive assistant can assist you in aligning your startup’s strategies, plans, and culture. In short, they help reach long-term business goals by caring for your employee’s needs.
