Alita Beniwal
Ph. D, UGC NET (Management), MBA (HRM)
Assistant Professor (Management)
Apex Business School, Apex University
“Businesses need to go beyond the interests of their companies to all the communities they serve” – Ratan Tata
“I am convinced that nothing we do is more important than hiring and developing people. At the end of the day, you bet on people not on strategies.” – Lawrence Bossidy
The quotes given here by eminent persons explains the importance of Human Resources in every walk of life. The heart and soul of any company lies in its HUMAN RESOURCES.
A Introduction of HRM
Human resources management is the practice of identifying, allocating and coordinating the human capital needs of an organization. It includes hiring, compensating, training, developing and retaining an organization’s employees. Human resources management covers several functions, such as recruitment, classification, compensation, benefits and performance management.
HRM is a management function involving procurement of suitable human resources, train and develop their competencies, motivate & reward them effectively and create in them an urge to be part of the management team whose aim should be dedicated, committed service for the success and growth of the organization.
Definition of HRM
HRM is concerned with the people working in the organization to achieve the objective of the organization. It concerns with acquisition of suitable human resources, developing their skills and competencies, motivating them for putting their best efforts and ensuring their continued commitment towards organizational objectives.
This definition incorporates every organization, i.e., industry, business, government, education, health or social welfare of the people
Human resource operations contribute significantly to the success of an organisation. Hence, human resource management has emerged as a popular course of study. But what does a course in human resource management entail and what is its importance in the business world? Let’s find out!
What is human resource management (HRM)?
HRM can be defined as the effective management of people in an organisation. HR managers helps bridge the gap between employees’ performance and the organisation’s strategic objectives. Moreover, an efficient HR management team can give firms an edge over their competition.
Role of HR managers
- Recruitment: One of the major responsibilities of a HR manager is to recruit suitable personnel. The success of any organization largely depends on the quality of their workforce, so procuring human resource involves vital process that needs to be carefully planned and execution.
- Learning and development: In order to keep pace with the changing global needs, human resource needs continuous training and development programs and policies. Learning is a continuous process and essential to enhance employees’ productivity. HR managers are responsible for the orientation and induction of new employees, as well as the professional development of existing employees. They are responsible for strategizing development programmes. Moreover, they must have the ability to identify and analyze the areas that employee’s improvement.
- Building employee relations: Effective employee relations go a long way in boosting productivity and contributes significantly to an organisation’s success. Employee relations strategies are implemented to ensure that an organisation caters to the overall well-being of employees.
- Compensation and benefits: A major component of a HR manager’s job role is handling compensation and benefits. They are responsible for devising compensation strategies, performance management systems and compensation structures, as well as negotiating pay and benefit packages with potential employees.
- Importance of HR managers in organisations
- Strategic management: This is envisioning future of an organisation by framing strategies to ensure the organisation achieves its business goals, as well as contribute significantly to the corporate decision-making process. It includes assessments of current workforce and planning for future procurement of manpower based on business needs.
- Training and development: Since HR managers contribute significantly to training and development programmes, they also play a pivotal role in strengthening employer-employee relationships. This contributes to the growth of employees within the company, hence enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity.
- Communication within employees: HR managers are responsible for enhancing mutual trust, moral and motivation of employees by continuous communication. A good communication system with employees instils a sense of trust and respect among peers.
- Conflict management: Provision for special grievance department is encapsulated to resolve conflicts timely and efficiently. HR department ensures that conflicts are resolved effectively with unbiased attitude among employees. In addition, HR policies are planned in a way to make employees develop effective work relationships.
- Establishing a healthy work culture: A healthy work culture is crucial in bringing out the best in employees. HR managers contribute significantly in setting up a healthy and friendly work culture, which further translates into better productivity among employees.
- Compliance: HR professionals work towards making the organisation compliant with employment laws, as well as maintaining records of hiring processes and applicants’ log.
HR professionals show exemplary leadership skills and enhance the credibility of an organisation. The human resource management process ensures that the organisation leads by example and the firm’s actions fall in line with its vision.
Career Opportunities in Human Resources Management
Human resources management can be a rewarding career for people who enjoy helping others find satisfaction and fulfilment in their work. Effective human resources management is compliant with applicable employment regulations and helps create a corporate culture where employees feel valued.
Understanding the different functions and careers within human resources management can help you decide if it is the right career path for you. Here, in this blog we have define human resources management and provide information about 10 careers in this field.
How to become a human resources manager?
Becoming a human resources manager requires obtaining education, experience, and certification in human resources:
1. Pursue an education
Graduate from a college or university with a degree in human resources or a related discipline. Research for education requirements for human resources managers at your preferred companies to determine if graduate or postgraduate education is necessary.
2. Gain relevant work experience
You can gain initial experience in the industry as a human resources assistant or associate. This experience can help you decide if you want to pursue a career in human resources and expose you to the different specialties in the field. Since there are several specialties in the industry, you can choose to be a specialist in one area of human resources, or a generalist with basic knowledge in the different functions of the industry. Whether or not you choose a specialty, building extensive experience in the industry is the best path to becoming a human resources manager.
3. Earn professional certifications
Experience and education in human resources management are necessary to meet eligibility requirements for highly sought professional certifications, such as a senior professional in human resources. These accreditations increase your marketability as a human resources manager. Research different certifications to identify one that supports your career goals. When you meet the education and experience requirements, you can apply for the certification, then study for and pass the exam.
4. Lead or manage human resources projects
While in junior positions, seek opportunities to lead different human resources management projects for your organization. Recommend and manage small projects and tasks within a larger function to grow as a human resources management professional and demonstrate your abilities to senior managers in your organization.
5. Prepare your resume
You can include your highest level of education, technical or other related certifications, and your relevant work history on a resume. Your work experience section should consist of company names, the dates you worked there and a summary of your responsibilities, contributions and achievements. An effective resume can help you obtain the human resources manager job you want.
6. Apply to a human resources manager position
After earning education, certifications and experience, review the current job market for your preferred companies and geographic location. Select positions you are qualified for based on required years of experience as well as level and type of education.
This step can ensure you optimize your job search and increase the likelihood that employers contact you for an interview. Use the resume you crafted as well as a personalized cover letter that summarizes your suitability for that specific role and company.
Human resources management careers
Here are some examples of careers in human resource management to help you choose the path that is best for you:
- Human resources assistant
- Benefits administrator
- Payroll specialist
- Training coordinator
- Compensation specialist
- Training manager
- HRIS specialist
- Employee relations manager
- Benefits manager
- Human resources manager
