The human resources department is an essential part of any business, acting as a liaison between employers and employees and maintaining the structural integrity of the workplace. Human resources departments and HR managers ensure that everyone within the workplace is safe, satisfied, and able to perform their jobs.
HR often gets a bad reputation because it is seen as disciplinary. Discipline is a small part of the role, but the focus should mainly be on other aspects of HR. HR is involved with many aspects of an organization and its day-to-day operations, from hiring to retiring and everything in between.
If you want to become a vital part of a workplace and help both employers and employees thrive, you may consider pursuing a Master of Human Resource Management. This can even be done online, from the comfort of your own home.
1. Recruitment
HR isn’t just about current employees- it’s also about future employees. An important part of building a business is attracting and recruiting the best talent your industry has to offer. HR managers take care of most of this process, from finding potential candidates, creating job postings, conducting interviews, performing background checks and overseeing the hiring process from start to finish.
For example, consider a job seeker who has turned their life around after a past mistake and has succeeded in expunging criminal records. This individual, now with a clean record, is eager to contribute positively to the workplace. As an HR manager, recognizing the potential in such candidates and giving them a fair chance can be a rewarding part of the job.
This is an essential process in a modern workplace and must be done without discrimination or bias. Making decisions about who to hire is an exciting responsibility. As HR manager, the future of the company is in your hands!
2. Onboarding
Once a new employee has been officially hired, it’s time to welcome them to the team. This is another job for the Human Resources department. Starting a new job can be nerve-wracking. The HR team has the exciting job of making them feel welcome and comfortable in their new position.
The onboarding process may include a warm welcome, showing them around the office or organisation, introducing them to their new colleagues, answering any questions, and providing them with all the tools, information and support they need to commence their new job. You can make the onboarding process even more welcoming with a small token to show that you’re happy to meet the new hire, such as a welcome basket or small gift.
Welcoming the new employee doesn’t stop once you’ve shown them their designated workspace. It will take a while for them to feel adjusted and integrated. Let them know that you’re there to answer any questions.
The onboarding process may also include training. And training isn’t exclusive to new hires. HR managers may find themselves providing opportunities for current employees to develop their skills and access further education that will help them thrive in their positions.
3. Employee Relations
Facilitating positive and ethical relationships between employees as well as between employers and employees is perhaps one of the most important jobs of a modern human resources department. Your goal is to have all members of the workplace see each other with mutual respect, implementing policies to ensure fairness and equality if necessary.
One of your tasks will be managing grievances, whether that be due to discrimination, harassment, bullying, lack of compensation, workplace burnout, or anything else that may be bothering members of your workplace. It is important to work through these issues without bias or interjecting your personal emotions. Your job may also include hosting meetings and seminars aimed at preventing harassment, unethical behavior, and workplace bullying.
In a modern organization, employees are often the driving force behind the success of the business. Taking care of employers and employees and ensuring that everyone is satisfied will create a happier, more productive workplace.
4. Health and Safety
Another responsibility of HR managers is ensuring the health and safety of the workplace and everyone in it. This can apply to physical health and safety concerns, such as structural damage to the building, toxic air quality, intruders, violence or tripping hazards. Nobody should have to go to work while fearing for their physical safety.
Health and safety can also apply to the mental and emotional health and well-being of employees. Workplace stress, burnout, bullying, discrimination, exploitation or harassment can take a massive toll on an individual and those around them.
5. Discipline
Workplace discipline can be a delicate matter. One way to avoid situations where disciplinary action may need to be taken is to set clear, concise rules and boundaries. But, no matter how much care is taken, chances are that a situation will crop up.
Depending on the severity of the matter, HR managers may consult with a legal team to ensure that a situation is not mishandled. Discipline can mean anything from a written warning to a suspension or, occasionally, letting someone go.
Benefits
The Human Resources Department isn’t all about discipline. They also handle employee benefits and rewards. Certain benefits, such as PTO, staff discounts, and access to workplace facilities are mandated by law and are standard in every workplace. Others offer the opportunity to get creative and fun while giving employees an extra treat.
Everybody deserves recognition for their hard work. A reward, such as a bonus or a gift card, can make employees feel appreciated and boost morale. Performance incentives can boost productivity while giving employees something exciting to look forward to.
