Transactional human resources functions are the baseline paperwork functions of budgeting, payroll, new hire documentation, benefits, file management, and transition documentation. The key focus is the health of the function and risk management.

A. Organize the HR Department (even for an HR staff of one):

• If appropriate, request office space devoted to HR
• Create/assess/streamline information databases and systems
• Implement employment law regulations: federal, state, and municipal
• Establish and implement policies, procedures, and materials:
• Account for industry norms, organizational culture, and work environment
• Develop effective, lawful materials
• Implement policies, procedures, and materials
• Update on a regular basis and implement updates

B. Know when and if an HR activity should be outsourced.

C. Determine if it is appropriate to move the volunteer management function under HR. If volunteer management doesn't fall under HR, be aware of the paperwork and processes used for volunteers and review them periodically with the volunteer coordinator.

D. Paid staff basics:

• Employment (recruit, interview, select, orient)
• Compensation and benefits
• Manage, reward, support, and develop staff
• Compliance issues
• Document retention
• Basic risk management
• Communication with external entities (payroll service, state labor entity, taxation authorities)
• Employee performance basics and documentation
• Employee exits, documentation, and analysis

E. Volunteer basics:

• Employment (recruit, interview, select, orient)
• Compliance issues
• Manage, reward, support, and develop volunteers
• Evaluate performance
• Volunteer exits, documentation, and analysis

A. Budget and advocate for resources:

• Take into account industry norms, organizational culture, and work environment
• Get management and staff input
• Identify, analyze information, and propose solutions

B. HR metrics: Measure HR's financial impact and its contribution to the mission.

• Choose standard measurements first:
• Is the HR budget working?
• Are you recruiting competitively?
• Are you retaining employees?
• Do surveys, use focus groups, and analyze data to get results.
• Move on to more customized measurements.