When it comes to your HR function, you shouldn’t have to choose between generalist or specialist. Demand both.

April 8th, 2015
Written by: Elizabeth Richards

The following blurb from popular knowledge site Quora captures a perspective about HR that is common in the business world: 

“In HR there are typically two paths. The generalist path and the specialist path. A generalist widely known as an HR Business Partner is the customer facing role player, while the specialists handle a particular area e.g. employee relations, compensation etc. To simplify things, the HR generalist is your family doctor while the specialist is a bone doctor for special situations and only handles issues within that domain.”

We don’t dispute this point of view. What we do take issue with is the notion among small- and medium-size organizations that when you choose an experienced HR consultant who has general experience you must sacrifice specialized expertise and knowledge in key areas such as Compensation, Performance Management, Employee Onboarding and HR Strategy.

This assumption is not true. You can find an HR solution that provides both excellent general support and deep knowledge in the above key areas, as needed. In fact you must demand it! Why? Because on the day you begin outsourcing your HR function, you probably have no idea what issues, challenges and opportunities may come around the corner—fast. So your HR resource needs to provide both ongoing, general support and direct access to specialized expertise.

The fact that businesses are not static and therefore need on-demand specialized expertise is exactly why TPO operates the way we do. Clients work with their TPO consultant week to week on HR infrastructure and priorities. Behind that TPO consultant is a “SWAT” team of Compensation, Performance Management, Employee Onboarding and HR Strategy experts who provide advice or services as needed—based on the client’s shifting priorities.

Many of our clients have commented over the years on the value of TPO’s approach. In fact one of those comments inspired this headline on our home page: “The focus of an expert resource. The value of an experienced team.” So when considering an HR resource, don’t settle for just general experience. Demand direct access to an array of specialists to help you with whatever your business priorities dictate.