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What Role Do Human Resources Play In An Organization?

16 September 2022
A group of people are sitting in chairs in a room. On the far left, a man is sitting on a chair with a tablet in his hands. To the right of him, another person is sitting on a chair with their legs crossed. In the center of the group, a woman is leaning back in her chair with a book in her hands. On the far right, a man in a suit is standing, looking away from the group. In the background, a person can be seen sitting on a toilet. Underneath the table, a pair of feet can be seen. On the wall, there is a white letter on a black background. Lastly, a man wearing glasses and a suit can be seen on the left.

Human resources, or HR, is a critical component of any successful organization. It is the department responsible for managing the people who make up the company, from recruiting and hiring to training, benefits, and employee relations. What is human resources and what does HR do? At its core, HR is all about ensuring that the right people are in the right roles and that they have the support they need to thrive.

Function of HRBenefits to the OrganizationChallenges & Solutions
Recruiting and OnboardingBrings in the best talent that aligns with the company's goalsChallenge: Attracting top talent, Solution: Utilizing modern recruitment channels such as LinkedIn and job post websites
Managing Employee RelationsMaintains a positive work environment and resolves disputesChallenge: Maintaining good relationships in a diverse workforce, Solution: Promoting a culture of respect and empathy
Overseeing Employee BenefitsEnsures that employees are satisfied and retainedChallenge: Balancing costs with competitive packages, Solution: Periodic benchmarking against industry standards
Compliance with Employment LawsProtects the company from legal issues and maintains a fair workplaceChallenge: Staying updated with laws and regulations, Solution: Regular training sessions and updates.
Training and DevelopmentHelps improve productivity and adaptability of employeesChallenge: Ensuring training is effective and implemented, Solution: Regular feedback and assessment
Payroll ManagementEnsures employees are paid timely and correctlyChallenge: Managing complexities in payroll processing, Solution: Utilizing payroll software
Performance ManagementMotivates employees and identifies areas for improvementChallenge: Bias in evaluations, Solution: Use of standardized performance metrics
Handling Disciplinary IssuesEnsures a well-behaved, professional workforceChallenge: Dealing with sensitive issues, Solution: Proper documentation and following due process
Managing ChangeEnsures smooth transitions with minimal disruptionChallenge: Resistance to change, Solution: Effective communication and involvement of employees
Managing DiversityEnhances creativity and representation in the companyChallenge: Avoiding conflict and favoritism, Solution: Promoting an inclusive and respectful culture

When I first started my career, I didn't fully understand the importance of HR. I saw it as a necessary evil, a department that existed only to enforce rules and regulations. But as I've grown in my career and worked with some incredible HR professionals, I've come to appreciate just how vital this function is to the success of any organization.

One of the key ways that HR can help attract and retain top talent is by creating a strong employer brand. This means developing a reputation as a great place to work, with a positive culture, competitive benefits, and opportunities for growth and development. When top talent is considering their options, they want to know that they will be valued and supported in their role. A strong employer brand can help to differentiate your company from the competition and make it a more attractive option for the best and brightest.

But attracting top talent is only half the battle. Once you have great people on board, you need to keep them engaged and motivated. This is where best HR practices for managing employee relations come into play. HR professionals are trained to handle a wide range of employee issues, from performance management to conflict resolution. They can help to create a positive work environment where employees feel heard and valued, and where issues are addressed quickly and fairly.



Of course, managing employee relations is not always easy. There are a wide range of laws and regulations that companies must comply with, from anti-discrimination laws to wage and hour requirements. Understanding compliance and employment laws is a critical skill for HR professionals. They need to be able to navigate these complex issues and ensure that the company is always in compliance.

This can be particularly challenging in today's diverse workforce. With employees from different backgrounds, cultures, and generations working side by side, there are bound to be differences in communication styles, work habits, and expectations. HR professionals face unique challenges in managing a diverse workforce, but they also have an opportunity to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

One area where this is particularly important is in managing remote employees. With more and more companies embracing remote work, HR professionals need to be able to adapt their policies and practices to support this new way of working. They need to find ways to manage remote employees effectively, from onboarding and training to performance management and team building.

Another key role of HR is in building a strong company culture. Culture is the glue that holds a company together, and it can be a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent. HR professionals can help to shape the culture of an organization by developing policies and practices that support the company's values and mission. They can also help to create a sense of community and belonging among employees, through events, recognition programs, and other initiatives.



But what happens when things go wrong? Despite our best efforts, there may be times when an employee has a complaint about their employer or a coworker. In these situations, it's important to know how to file a complaint through HR. HR professionals are trained to handle these situations with sensitivity and professionalism, and to ensure that all parties are treated fairly and respectfully.

The importance of HR in supporting business growth and success cannot be overstated. HR professionals are not just there to handle administrative tasks and enforce rules. They are strategic partners who can help to align the workforce with the needs of the business. They can identify skills gaps, develop training programs, and create succession plans to ensure that the company has the talent it needs to grow and thrive.

For new hires, the HR onboarding process is a critical step in setting them up for success. HR professionals can help to create a smooth and welcoming onboarding experience, from coordinating paperwork and benefits enrollment to providing training and orientation. They can also help to integrate new hires into the company culture and connect them with key stakeholders and resources.

As someone who has worked in HR for many years, I can attest to the challenges and rewards of this profession. It's not always easy to navigate the complex web of laws, regulations, and human emotions that come with managing people. But when you see the impact that your work can have on individuals and the organization as a whole, it's incredibly fulfilling.

I remember one situation where an employee came to me with a serious complaint about their manager. The employee was afraid to speak up, but they trusted me to handle the situation with discretion and professionalism. I conducted a thorough investigation, interviewing all parties involved and reviewing relevant documentation. In the end, we were able to address the issue and create a plan for moving forward that satisfied everyone involved. The employee felt heard and supported, and the manager received coaching and feedback to help them improve their leadership skills.

This is just one example of the many ways that HR professionals can make a difference in the lives of employees and the success of an organization. By creating a positive and supportive work environment, attracting and retaining top talent, and ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, HR professionals play a vital role in driving business growth and success.

Of course, there is always room for improvement in the field of HR. As the workforce continues to evolve and new challenges arise, HR professionals must be adaptable and proactive in their approach. They must stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices, and be willing to try new things to support the needs of their organization.

One area where I see a lot of potential for growth is in the use of technology and data analytics. By leveraging tools like HR software and people analytics, HR professionals can gain valuable insights into the workforce and make data-driven decisions that support the needs of the business. For example, they might use data to identify high-potential employees and create targeted development plans, or to analyze turnover rates and identify areas for improvement in retention strategies.

Recruiting and Onboarding, Brings in the best talent that aligns with the company's goals, Challenge: Attracting top talent, Solution: Utilizing modern recruitment channels such as LinkedIn and job post websites, Managing Employee Relations, Maintains a positive work environment and resolves disputes, Challenge: Maintaining good relationships in a diverse workforce, Solution: Promoting a culture of respect and empathy, Overseeing Employee Benefits, Ensures that employees are satisfied and retained, Challenge: Balancing costs with competitive packages, Solution: Periodic benchmarking against industry standards, Compliance with Employment Laws, Protects the company from legal issues and maintains a fair workplace, Challenge: Staying updated with laws and regulations, Solution: Regular training sessions and updates, Training and Development, Helps improve productivity and adaptability of employees, Challenge: Ensuring training is effective and implemented, Solution: Regular feedback and assessment, Payroll Management, Ensures employees are paid timely and correctly, Challenge: Managing complexities in payroll processing, Solution: Utilizing payroll software, Performance Management, Motivates employees and identifies areas for improvement, Challenge: Bias in evaluations, Solution: Use of standardized performance metrics, Handling Disciplinary Issues, Ensures a well-behaved, professional workforce, Challenge: Dealing with sensitive issues, Solution: Proper documentation and following due process, Managing Change, Ensures smooth transitions with minimal disruption, Challenge: Resistance to change, Solution: Effective communication and involvement of employees, Managing Diversity, Enhances creativity and representation in the company, Challenge: Avoiding conflict and favoritism, Solution: Promoting an inclusive and respectful culture

Another area where HR professionals can make a big impact is in supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. By creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace, companies can tap into the full potential of their workforce and create a more innovative and successful organization. HR professionals can play a key role in developing and implementing DEI strategies, from recruiting and hiring practices to employee resource groups and training programs.

At the end of the day, the role of HR is all about supporting the people who make up an organization. Whether it's through attracting and retaining top talent, managing employee relations, ensuring compliance, or building a strong company culture, HR professionals are the backbone of any successful business. As an HR professional myself, I am proud to be part of this important work and to make a positive impact on the lives of employees and the success of organizations every day.

References:

1- Smith, J. (2018). The Future of Human Resources: Strategies for Success in a Changing World. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.

2- Davis, L. (2020). Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace: A Practical Guide for HR Professionals. Chicago, IL: American Bar Association.

3- Johansen, B. (2019). The Essential HR Handbook: A Quick and Handy Resource for Any Manager or HR Professional. Oakland, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

4- Thompson, S. (2017). HR from the Outside In: Six Competencies for the Future of Human Resources. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.

5- Ulrich, D. (2021). HR Transformation: Building Human Resources from the Outside In. Boston, MA: Harvard Business Review Press.

long term employee benefits hr team hr management competitive advantage employee retention succession planning career paths hr department bottom line compensation and benefits training programs working environment hr professionals human resources manages hiring process hr functions human resources department human resource management hrm training and development
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Bilal ĹžentĂĽrk
Blogger

He completed his undergraduate studies at Celal Bayar University, Anadolu University and Istanbul University, and a Master's degree with thesis on Human Resources Management at Yıldız Technical University and Business Management at Beykent University. He is currently writing a doctoral thesis on human resources and consulting businesses on human resources.

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