Key rules for smaller HR departments

Large firms usually have well defined policies in place for HR personnel to follow. Smaller organizations may lack the resources, training or background to match. For even the smaller guys the risk of liability requires you to adhere to some basic precepts. 

Here are the top 10:

1. Learn about your organization from bottom to top and edge to edge - even though you may have to put out numerous fires.
2. Don't blame everything on the law.
3. Know your customers, who are the managers and employees of your company, and meet their needs.
4. Understand what constitutes discrimination and harassment.
5. Understand the difference between exempt and nonexempt employees.
6. Understand an employer's rights and obligations under the doctrine of at-will employment.
7. Hire solely on job-related criteria.
8. Help managers coach their employees for development and a focus on the future.
9. Think of personnel files as an ongoing relationship.
10. Know that HR requires an organized and orderly approach.