Human resources managers plan and direct policies about employees.

Human resources managers develop policies for recruiting and getting new employees started in their jobs. Sometimes managers have to fire employees, settle disagreements, or conduct exit interviews.

Human resources managers keep records and write reports. For example, they prepare forecasts of employment needs. They prepare information for staff about pay or benefits. They develop ways to improve employment policies and give reports to officers. They also prepare budgets for their department.

Human resources managers also write training materials about topics such as how to avoid discrimination. They investigate work accidents and write reports. They write termination notices when employees are fired and represent the company at personnel hearings.

Some human resources managers oversee all aspects of an organization's human resources department. Human resources managers in large companies often work in one of several areas.

Compensation and benefits managers

Compensation managers plan and direct how and how much an organization pays its employees. Benefits managers plan and direct retirement plans, health insurance, and other benefits. They make sure employees have the required information about their benefit and retirement plans.

Labor relations managers

Some human resources managers work in the area of labor relations. They study laws and decisions about labor contracts to assess trends. They also negotiate new labor contracts and resolve disputes.

Recruiting managers

Recruiting managers oversee the recruiting and hiring of employees. They post notices for jobs. They also conduct orientations for new staff.

Training and development managers

Human resources managers who specialize in training perform many of the same tasks as other human resources managers. In addition, they set and evaluate training policies. They train instructors and supervisors. They write training manuals and create visual aids. In some industries, training managers interpret policies on apprenticeship programs. They also provide information to trainees and labor representatives.