I’m overworked! How many employees should one HR person have to keep track of?

We’re finally hiring again, which means our department of three is handling the HR needs of a company with 700 employees. There used to be more of us, but guess what—two HR jobs were eliminated in 2008. I’m trying to make the case that we need to hire at least one more HR professional, as we’re expecting to add at least 25 other positions this year. What’s the best ratio of HR staff to employees?—Jeannette, Mass.


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