HR Job Description: Salary, Top Companies, and Future

Human Resources (HR), an integral part of every industry, is experiencing transformations driven by emerging technologies in the continuously changing landscape of workplace operations. The HR technology market is expected to double from US$40.45 billion in 2024 to US$81.84 billion by 2032, underscoring the increasing importance of AI-driven recruitment and automation in contemporary HR functions.

With more and more companies adapting to these changes, a huge transformation can be seen in HR jobs, emphasizing the importance of online MBA in HR courses to open doors to competitive compensation and new opportunities. This blog explores HR job descriptions, including salary, the top HR recruiters for HR, and prospects in this field to help aspiring professionals navigate this exciting field.

What Is an HR Professional Job Description?

HR professionals are individuals who are responsible for performing several human resource-related functions, like recruiting, training, and supporting employees. With the emergence of new technologies, the demand for enhanced HR skills has increased. 

Courses and certifications in HR Analytics can help candidates upskill and gain expertise in these emerging technologies and skills to help them perform better. Take a look at the typical functions included in the job description of HR professionals:

• Recruiting and Onboarding Employees 
• Reviewing Resumes
• Keeping Track of Employees
• Handling Employee Relations
• Taking Care of Employee Compensation and Benefits
• Employee Performance Management
• Ensuring Adherence to Compliance and Policies  

Different Types of Human Resource Functions:

The HR department of an organization offers a range of activities covering varied areas:

• Recruiting and retaining employees
• Promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace for employees
• Creating terms of employment for employees
• Handling cases concerning discipline and employee grievances
• Working for the welfare and engagement of employees
• Formulating policies and practices for employees
• Negotiating with external agencies for work

The HR department of an organization adds value to it by guiding employees and offering them complete support. This department is assigned to find the right people or workforce and retain them while enhancing the productivity of the company. 

Let’s take a look at the key roles and functions performed by HR professionals in an organizational setting.

Roles and Responsibilities of HR Professionals

HR professionals perform several important functions. Here are some key roles and responsibilities performed by HR professionals on a day-to-day basis: 

1. Identify and Recruit Candidates

One of the key roles of HR professionals is to identify and recruit qualified candidates for different positions across departments. This task involves sourcing and screening resumes to select qualified professionals to fill different open roles in an organization. 

Core Responsibilities:   

• Develop deliberate hiring plans to meet company requirements
• Use job portals, social media, and networking platforms to identify talent
• Review resumes and conduct interviews. Coordinate with managers engaged in hiring
• Allow a smooth onboarding experience for recruits

2. Manage Employee Payroll and Compensation 

HR professionals are responsible for managing employee payroll to ensure that all employees in an organization receive their pay on time. They ensure the timely and accurate salary processing for employees, and also ensure that bonuses and deductions are maintained well. They comply with tax regulations and play a crucial role in building employee trust and financial transparency.

Core Responsibilities:   

• Responsible for processing the monthly payroll of employees
• Maintain the salary structure for every employee
• Manage other salary-related concerns like bonuses, tax deductions, etc.
• Pay and compensation-related queries of employees

3. Manage Employee Benefits

HR professionals are also responsible for managing and administering employee benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, housing allowances, leave policies, etc. These professionals design and communicate the various benefits that employees can avail of as a part of the organization.  This way, they support employee satisfaction and retention.

Core Responsibilities:   

• Manage employee benefits like health insurance, leave policies, retirement provident fund, etc.
• Educate employees on the various benefit options they can avail
• Review benefit offerings regularly 

4. Employee Training and Development

The HR department of an organization is responsible for identifying areas where employees can improve their calibre through various training strategies. The HR team plans and implements training and learning programs to help employees upskill and grow better. 

Core Responsibilities:   

• Assess gaps in skills and formulate programs to train employees
• Regularly organize workshops and other sessions to help employees upskill
• Track the effectiveness of training and employee progress
• Promote continuous learning and growth

5. Administration 

Administration is a key role of the HR department in an organization. HR professionals are accountable for maintaining employee records. They must keep a tab on the attendance, leave, as well as keep a record of important documents. 

Core Responsibilities:   

• Maintain employee records and database
• Safekeep employee documents 
• Coordinate administrative processes
• Help in day-to-day operations

6. Employee Engagement and Performance Management

The HR department creates a positive work environment to ensure that all employees stay motivated and productive through various engagement activities. They also gather feedback and manage performance reviews. They might also act as a liaison between employees and senior management. 

Core Responsibilities:   

• Design employee engagement activities
• Implement performance appraisals
• Reward employees performing the best
• Create a culture of collaboration 

7. Compliance and HR Policies

HR professionals ensure that their companies adhere to labor laws and workplace regulations. They develop and enforce policies to maintain a fair, safe, and legally compliant work environment. 

Core Responsibilities:   

• Make sure the organization adheres to labor laws and regulations
• Develop and update HR policies
• Conduct audits and handle compliance checks
• Train employees on workplace ethics and policies

Also Read: 18 Types of HR (Human Resources) Roles in 2025: Salary and Job Role Insights

How Does the HR Department Assist Employees?

The HR professionals help employees get the required training to support them in performing their responsibilities well. The department provides learning opportunities for candidates throughout their employment in the organization, as well as supporting health and welfare through various beneficial activities.    

The strength of an HR team in a company can be evaluated through the happy, contented, and motivated employees of the organization.  The support offered by the HR team may vary depending on the company. Here are some common ways HR can assist employees:

• Offer avenues of growth opportunities through employee upskilling or continuing further education. 
• HR professionals support employees by helping them explore and grow their careers within the organization.
• Trains managers and leaders in the company to help employees working under them across the organization.
• The HR department also supports the health and welfare of employees through various health plans, retirement plans, employee assistance programs, and disability benefits.

What Are the Various Roles and Salaries in the HR Industry?

The HR department performs a wide range of roles, and each comes with its own responsibilities and salary range based on experience and specialization. Take a look at the role-wise HR career opportunities and average salaries offered to HRM professionals in India:

Source: AmbitioBox

Top Companies Hiring HR Professionals

The HR department is a part and parcel of every organization, small or large, startup or established. Almost every company, including the leading ones in India and worldwide, actively hires HR professionals. Here’s a list of top companies: 

Source: AmbitionBox

Also Read: Top 20 HR Salary in India [For Freshers & Experienced 2025]

Which Skills and Qualifications are Needed to Work in HR?

To pursue a career in HR, a combination of workplace and technical skills is required. Here are some qualifications and essential skills for HR that can help individuals fulfill their goals and support the advancement of their HR careers: 

Key Skills:

• Administrative Skills: HR professionals must have good organizational and analytical skills. These professionals should possess the ability to multitask depending on the situations and needs. Hence, good administrative skills come in handy for HR professionals.
• Strong Communication: This is a crucial HR skill as these professionals are required to spend most of the time communicating and interviewing candidates, as well as training them. They are also required to write emails and other documents regularly. Hence, robust communication becomes a pivotal skill for HR professionals.  
• Active Listening Skill: Along with good communication, HR professionals also need good listening skills. Practicing good listening skills can help them acquire important details discussed with employees. This way, you can show employees that you care and value their time and opinions.
• Training Skills: As an HR professional, you may need to plan and lead training sessions for both new and current employees. Hence, proficiency in this skill is also important.
• Technical skills: Depending on the organization and the industry you work in, the required technical skills for HR professionals can vary.  Moreover, with the evolving HR job roles and the coming in of new and emerging technologies, HR professionals are required to be equipped with the latest technical expertise in their domain.

Educational Qualification:

Here’s the basic educational qualification that aspiring HR professionals must have to start an HR career and become an HR professional: 

• Complete 10+2: This is the first basic educational requirement. You must complete your 10+2 from a recognized school in any subject to pursue further education like a degree in HR.
• Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in HR, like a BBA in HR or any other degree, can help candidates further proceed toward their goal of becoming an HR professional.
• Complete Master’s Degree: Pursuing a master’s degree after your bachelor’s in HR can further help you acquire HR specialist roles in your career. You can consider an MBA in HR, labor law, or any other relevant area to boost your career ahead.  
• Internship: The next step is an internship, which is often provided by your institution or university. You can go for an internship after your bachelor’s degree and for a second one after completing your master’s. Doing several internships can help you learn different ways to handle your duties before starting a full-time job.
• Certifications: Candidates can further take short certification courses during their professional life to build expertise in areas like recruitment, compliance, and employee relations to boost credibility and career growth.

Future of HR Jobs: Trends and Career Growth

Looking at how artificial intelligence (AI) is influencing HR roles with algorithms reading resumes and AI systems evaluating candidates, staying connected and flexible is essential for HR professionals to stay better prepared and to grow with new roles in their domain. 

Readiness to learn different skills throughout their careers is another important aspect that HR professionals should understand. This requires them to keep a broader mindset. 

To make the most of new opportunities, HR professionals need to stay updated on tech trends and industry changes. They should use technology not just to save time or money but to make hiring fairer and to create a workplace where people feel happy and valued. 

This will boost their role while enhancing their job security in the age of AI and other emerging tools and technologies.

How can upGrad help you?

An MBA in HR is a popular degree for aspirants who wish to pursue a career in HR or for professionals willing to transition to this domain. The degree unlocks wide career opportunities with lucrative compensation packages in top managerial and leadership positions. 

To take the initial step in this direction, enroll in an online MBA course with upGrad. upGrad also offers several free online HR courses and certifications, which you can explore.  

Here are some relevant courses by upGrad to choose from:

• MBA from Paris School of Business
• MBA by Liverpool Business School
• MBA from O.P. Jindal Global University
• Post Graduate Diploma in Management (BIMTECH)
• Advanced General Management Program 

Also, learners can get in touch with our experts for a personalized career counseling session or visit an upGrad center for more details. 

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