Human resources, also referred to as HR, is a critical component of any business. It helps to ensure employee happiness, productivity, and well-being. As such, a human resource professional’s role involves a wide variety of tasks and duties. Whether the professional is in charge of a small or medium-sized company or a large corporation, he or she must have in-depth knowledge of HR, as well as interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
A human resource’s job includes promoting employee morale, assisting with employee training, and maintaining a positive employer-employee relationship. Moreover, it is responsible for ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations. For this reason, HR professionals are required to have a thorough understanding of the latest legislation in their field.
HR functions will continue to evolve as technology continues to advance. The rise of the gig economy has created a new type of employee. One such worker is the on-call or contract worker. These workers typically work for several different companies in a given year.
In addition to managing the workforce, a human resources professional must also know how to navigate the internal politics of an organization. They are also in charge of handling employee contracts, as well as handling paperwork related to tax law. Consequently, the professional must possess expert people and interpersonal skills.
HR managers oversee all aspects of the employee life cycle. This includes hiring, paying, and providing benefits. Having the right offer of pay is a key factor in attracting and retaining the best employees. Moreover, HR should be able to balance pay and the company’s budget.
While the initial use of the term “human resources” was limited to the management of the workforce, it has expanded to include strategic planning. Today, human resources is one of the most important departments within a company.
Human resources departments deal with all aspects of employee relations, such as implementing a company’s culture. They oversee payroll information, benefits, and employee records. Additionally, they may handle employee recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding.
In the 1970s, personnel management departments began dealing with issues associated with labor law, training, and worker satisfaction. After World War II, these departments began implementing employee training programs, as well as safety and compliance programs. However, with the advent of more advanced tools and a large, complex brain, HR departments evolved to address a wider range of human-related issues.
Human resources has become a more data-driven discipline. Since many of these roles are now digital, it is increasingly important for HR employees to understand how to effectively use data to improve operations. Moreover, they must develop interpersonal skills to effectively interact with both employees and managers.
Because human resources are so crucial to a company’s success, it’s essential for the department to be effective. Fortunately, there are numerous opportunities for aspiring professionals to obtain the education they need.
Associate degrees in human resources can be completed in less than two years. Most programs are comprised of courses that cover the basic principles of business and human relations. Students with an interest in pursuing a career in HR can also consider a master’s degree in the discipline. Master’s degrees are generally designed to focus on leadership, critical thinking, and collaboration.