HR consultants can get hired by different types of businesses. They are experts in human resources, and their clients can count on them to help them improve their HR departments and their relationships with their employees.
But what does an HR consultant do all day, exactly? While no two days are the same for them, let’s look at the different duties they can perform to meet the needs of their clients.
1. Auditing the HR policies and procedures of their clients
HR consultants often get hired to audit HR policies and procedures.
Their clients can be small businesses that don’t have an HR team and hire a consultant to outsource some of their services. They can also be large businesses with an HR department in place but need some outside help to face a particular challenge or embark on a new project.
An HR consultant can then analyze their clients’ HR policies and procedures. This happens whenever a business needs clear solutions or wants to improve or upgrade its processes.
Their HR consultant will gather data, analyze it thoroughly, find flaws and strengths, and draw conclusions so they can offer guidance and recommendations.
2. Preparing reports with their recommendations
After auditing their clients’ HR policies and procedures, HR consultants prepare detailed reports presenting their observations and recommendations.
Their goal is to advise their clients on steps to improve their procedures and policies, but it’s not up to them to make final decisions. However, if a business decides to implement the recommendations of their HR consultant, they can count on their help to make the necessary changes and upgrades.
3. Providing guidance and solutions to issues
An HR consultant can also be tasked with solving problems their clients have with their workforce. By conducting surveys and collecting data, the consultant can gain valuable insight.
They will analyze each problematic situation, figure out its causes, and develop a personalized solution that will meet the needs and expectations of their client.
HR consultants need great problem-solving skills. They also need great communication skills since they have to explain to their clients the causes of an issue and how they can implement lasting solutions.
4. Assisting their clients with recruitment
HR consultants are experts in recruiting, training, managing, and retaining employees. When clients have difficulty finding the right talent to fill a specific position, their HR consultant will rescue them.
And when a business is growing faster than expected and has urgent hiring needs, it can also rely on its HR consultant to help them resolve this issue while keeping its peace of mind.
5. Preparing new training programs
An HR consultant can work on improving the experience of their client’s employees. They know how to attract and retain talent and that training them properly is crucial to increasing satisfaction.
HR consultants can then develop new training programs for employees and follow up with them to ensure they make the most of their training.
Consultants can also design training programs specifically for a client’s HR team.
6. Recommending and implementing HR software
Recommending software and IT systems is another example of what an HR consultant can do during a day at work.
Different software can help businesses manage their employees and payroll operations, among other things. It can be difficult for an HR team to stay up-to-date with the latest and the best options, so it’s up to their HR consultant to recommend the software that will meet their needs.
Consultants can also help their clients implement new technologies to ensure smooth transitions.
7. Ensuring compliance with employment law
HR consultants are equipped to ensure their clients comply with employment law. As they review their policies and procedures, they can recommend adjustments so their clients can improve their operations and be certain they are doing everything by the book.
Business managers, even though they have good intentions, simply can’t know everything there is to know about rules and regulations. Fortunately, HR consultants can help in that domain.
8. Following up with their clients
Finally, HR consultants stay busy even when they don’t have a new survey or report to work on. After making recommendations to their clients, they regularly follow up with them.
They do it so they can evaluate any change implemented and determine whether their recommendations are effective or if they will need to develop different solutions to resolve their client’s issues.