Is One HR Assistant Sufficient for a Staff of 90?

Introduction

When it comes to managing a team of 90 employees, the role of the Human Resources (HR) assistant becomes crucial. However, the question arises: is having just one HR assistant adequate for such a sizeable team? This article explores the responsibilities of an HR assistant and the potential drawbacks of having too few staff members dedicated to this role, supported by insights from HR professionals and data from industry benchmarks.

Responsibilities of an HR Assistant

An HR assistant is responsible for a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to:

Screening and qualifying candidates for job openings Processing hiring, onboarding, and termination paperwork Facilitating performance reviews and providing administrative support for HR managers Implementing and maintaining a system for employee records and documentation Handling employee benefits and compensation inquiries Assisting with training and development programs

To effectively manage a staff of 90, an HR assistant needs to have a high level of organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Challenge of Handling a Large Workforce

The challenges of having just one HR assistant for a staff of 90 employees are manifold:

Time Constraints

Consumer research indicates that one HR assistant can handle a maximum of 70-80 employees efficiently. With 90 employees, this leaves 10 employees without dedicated HR support. This can lead to a backlog of tasks, delayed responses, and increased stress for the assistant, ultimately affecting the quality of service provided.

Employee Engagement and Satisfaction

The study of corporate culture and HR management reveals that employees who have never or rarely interact with the HR team are less likely to feel engaged and satisfied in their work. In a team of 90, 75 employees might not bother to learn the HR assistant's name or reach out for assistance. This disengagement can result in missed opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as increased turnover rates.

Consistency and Reliability

With one HR assistant overseeing the needs of 90 employees, there is a risk of inconsistent service. What works for one employee may not be feasible for another, leading to potential miscommunications and dissatisfied employees. A trusted and reliable HR assistant is essential for building a positive company culture and ensuring that all employees feel valued and supported.

Industry Best Practices

Leading companies in the tech and financial sectors often have dedicated HR teams that allocate specific staff to different departments or functions. For instance, a company with 90 employees should ideally have at least two HR assistants: one for administrative tasks and another for employee engagement and development.

Dedicated Staff

A two-person team can handle the workload more efficiently, with one assistant focusing on administrative tasks like hiring and paperwork, while the other handles employee engagement, training, and development. This division of labor ensures that both critical and engaging aspects of HR management receive the necessary attention and resources.

Technology Utilization

Advanced HR software and tools can also play a significant role in managing a larger team. Automation of repetitive tasks and the use of digital platforms for communication and document management can significantly enhance the efficiency of the HR assistant. However, these tools are most effective when supported by a skilled and knowledgeable HR team, rather than a single individual.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while one HR assistant can manage the initial stages of a team's growth, a workforce of 90 employees benefits from having at least two dedicated professionals. This approach ensures consistent service, maximum employee satisfaction, and the full utilization of HR resources. By investing in a robust HR team, organizations can create a supportive and engaging workplace culture, ultimately driving success and growth.