HR Fundamentals — 2-Week Guided Start

Each module is a pillar of the role. Finish one before opening the next — you’ll always know exactly what to read next.

1. 1
   Pillar · What HR is 45 min0/2 done

   Module 1 — The mental model (Days 1–2)

   Outcome: You can explain in one sentence what HR actually does and how the function is organised.

   Week 1 overview · objectives & prerequisites

   1. 1.1
      What HR Actually Does (And What It Doesn't)

      22 min read
   2. 1.2
      The Employee Lifecycle, Stage by Stage

      24 min read

   Next up → Module 2 — Your first 30 days on the job (Days 3–4)
2. 2
   Pillar · Operating as HR 25 min0/2 done

   Module 2 — Your first 30 days on the job (Days 3–4)

   Outcome: You have a calendar for week 1–4 and the vocabulary to follow any HR conversation.

   Week 2 overview · objectives & prerequisites

   1. 2.1
      Day One as an HR Generalist: Your First 30 Days

      14 min read
   2. 2.2
      HR Vocabulary You'll Hear Week One (40 Terms, Decoded)

      11 min read

   Next up → Module 3 — The paperwork that matters (Days 5–6)
3. 3
   Pillar · Policy + pay 40 min0/3 done

   Module 3 — The paperwork that matters (Days 5–6)

   Outcome: You can read an offer letter, follow a payslip, and write a handbook section.

   Week 3 overview · objectives & prerequisites

   1. 3.1
      How to Read an Offer Letter (Without Missing Anything That Matters)

      13 min read
   2. 3.2
      Payroll 101 for People Who Don't Run Payroll

      13 min read
   3. 3.3
      The Employee Handbook From Scratch: What Goes In, What Doesn't

      12 min read

   Next up → Module 4 — People, time, and trust (Days 7–8)
4. 4
   Pillar · Working with employees 25 min0/2 done

   Module 4 — People, time, and trust (Days 7–8)

   Outcome: You can administer leave fairly and hold information without losing trust.

   Week 4 overview · objectives & prerequisites

   1. 4.1
      Time Off and Leave Basics: PTO, Sick, Parental, and Statutory Leave

      12 min read
   2. 4.2
      Confidentiality in HR: What You Can Share, What You Can't, and How to Decide

      11 min read

   Next up → Module 5 — Becoming a partner (Days 9–10)
5. 5
   Pillar · From admin to HRBP 25 min0/2 done

   Module 5 — Becoming a partner (Days 9–10)

   Outcome: You can run your first HRBP 1:1 and connect HR to the wider operating model.

   Week 5 overview · objectives & prerequisites

   1. 5.1
      Your First 1:1 as an HR Business Partner

      10 min read
   2. 5.2
      Modern People Operations: The HR-as-Product Mindset

      22 min read