What is an HR Associate?

In brief

As HR Officer you make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes: from contracts and job postings to personnel administration and employee happiness. You are the connecting factor between people and policy, the driving force of any HR team.

What does an HR employee do?

An HR Officer supports the HR Advisor and HR Manager in all daily tasks related to human resources. You are responsible for administrative, organizational and communication tasks within the HR team.

Main Activities:

  • Drafting and managing employment contractsManaging personnel files and HR systems
  • Assist with recruitment and selection (job postings, interviews, correspondence)
  • Create reports on absenteeism, leave and staff turnover
  • Being the contact person for employees for HR-related questions
  • Thinking along about personnel policies and improvement projects

What competencies should you have?

These are the qualities that make you excel in this role:

Organizational ability and helicopter view
Results-oriented and proactive attitude
Strong communication skills

What does a workday look like?

Your day starts with going through incoming questions from employees and managers. Then you draft new employment contracts, update mutations in the HR system and schedule job interviews. You might consult with the HR consultant about a new onboarding program or organize an anniversary for a colleague. No day is the same, you're constantly switching between administration, communication and organization.

How do you become an HR employee?

To become an HR employee, you can take several courses, such as:

  • MBO Human Resource Management (level 4)
  • HBO Human Resource Management
  • MBO Office & Management Support with HR specialization

Also courses in labor law, payroll or absence management are valuable. Many HR employees start through an internship or BBL training and grow within the organization.

Salary

An HR employee's salary in 2025 will average between €2,600 and €3,600 gross per month, depending on experience, education level and sector. Senior HR employees or specialists can advance to €4,200 gross per month.

Diploma

A mbo or hbo degree in Human Resource Management is the standard. Additional certifications in, for example, labor law or payroll administration (PDL) will increase your chances of advancement.

Number of hours

Most HR employees work 32 to 40 hours per week. There are also part-time opportunities, depending on the organization and industry.

Working Hours

Usually you will work during office hours (08:30-17:00). During busy periods, such as payroll rounds or reorganizations, overtime may occur.

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Your next step?

HR employee

Are you ready to bring structure, connect people and strengthen the heart of the organization?
Apply now and help build a strong and engaged work culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does an HR employee do?

An HR assistant supports the HR team with administration, recruitment, personnel management and employee communications.

The HR officer primarily handles execution and administration, while the HR consultant is more concerned with policy and strategic issues.

Not always. With a relevant education and eager to learn, you can often get in as a junior HR person.

Yes, definitely. Many HR employees are growing into positions such as HR Advisor, recruiter, or HR business partner.

Yes, discretion is essential. You have access to employees' personal and contractual information.