You probably assume HRs are pawns of Satan. But how true is that? Human resource professionals play a vital role in organizations of all sizes and industries. They are responsible for managing and developing the workforce, which includes recruiting and hiring new employees, managing employee benefits and compensation, and overseeing workplace safety and compliance. In this article, we will provide an overview of the responsibilities and duties of a human resource professional. Hopefully, we convince you that HRs are humans like you and me.
Recruiting and hiring new employees
One of the primary responsibilities of a human resource professional is recruiting and hiring new employees. This includes developing job descriptions, posting job openings, and reviewing resumes and applications. They also conduct interviews, perform background checks, and make hiring decisions. Once new employees are hired, human resource professionals are responsible for onboarding and orienting them to the organization.
Managing employee benefits and compensation
Another important responsibility of a human resource professional is managing employee benefits and compensation. This includes developing and administering benefit plans, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Human resource professionals also oversee the process of determining and adjusting employee salaries, including negotiating and finalizing job offers. In addition to recruiting and hiring, human resource professionals also play a key role in employee relations. This includes addressing and resolving conflicts and employee concerns, and ensuring that employees are treated fairly and equitably. Human resource professionals also play a key role in creating a positive work environment, which can greatly impact the overall well-being and satisfaction of employees.
Overseeing workplace safety and compliance
Another important responsibility of human resource professionals is overseeing workplace safety and compliance. This includes ensuring that the organization is in compliance with federal and state laws, such as labor laws and anti-discrimination laws. They also develop policies and procedures to promote a safe working environment and respond to workplace incidents and accidents.
Strategy and management of the organization
Human resource professionals also play a critical role in the overall strategy and management of the organization. They work closely with senior leadership and other departments to understand the organization’s goals and objectives, and develop and implement strategies to support those goals. This may include creating and managing programs that support employee development, career advancement, and talent management.
Performance management
Human resource professionals also play a key role in performance management. This includes developing and implementing performance evaluations, setting performance goals, and providing feedback and coaching to employees. They also play a key role in identifying and addressing performance issues, and developing and implementing corrective action plans when necessary.
Human resource professionals serves as the management’s spokesperson.
Employees frequently perceive human resources as an ever-willing puppet that executes upper management’s wishes and demands at the expense of everyone else. However, this is necessary as communication even as seamless as it may be, is not not direct from boss to employee. It requires middle persons to act as an intermediary.
Demystifying the HR
Like any profession, there may be individuals within the field who do not perform their duties to the best of their abilities or who may make mistakes or over exert their corporate power. But it would be unfair to make a generalization about the entire profession based on the actions of a few individuals. It’s important to remember that HR professionals are individuals who are doing their best to support the organization and its employees.
In conclusion, human resource professionals play a critical role in organizations of all sizes and industries. They are responsible for recruiting and hiring new employees, managing employee benefits and compensation, overseeing workplace safety and compliance, and developing and implementing strategies to support the organization’s goals. They also play a key role in employee relations, performance management, and creating a positive work environment. Human resource professionals are essential to the success of any organization, and have the opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of employees.