Table of Contents
What is the human resources department?
Depending on the company’s requirements, a human resources department may consist of a single generalist, a full team of professionals, or an outsourced service. Typically, entire human resources departments are required in larger organizations with numerous employees and complex needs. A small business that does not require or cannot afford an in-house human resources department may hire a generalist or outsource its HR duties to a third-party provider.
Human resource support types
The following are the forms of human resource help that businesses may contract:
1) Human resources department located in-house
Human resources experts with an in-house department are on-site and intimately aware with every facet of a company’s rules and employee interactions. Staff members can meet with employees at any time, which facilitates conflict resolution and expedites the processing of paperwork. Additionally, in-house HR personnel tend to have a more personal relationship with employees and their success.
Employees often feel at ease approaching a dependable and impartial in-house HR expert to discuss or resolve workplace concerns or conflicts, or to negotiate benefits and compensation.
2) Professional employer organizations (PEO)
Smaller businesses may decide to join with a professional employer organization (PEO) to handle their human resources (HR). A PEO assumes legal responsibility for the company’s employees and manages their recruiting, firing, and remuneration.
When smaller and even mid-sized businesses lack the funds or need for an in-house HR department or manager, it may make the most sense to outsource these responsibilities to PEOs or e-services. Human resources positions within these firms are diverse, but require similar skill sets and a willingness to improve the working lives of others.
3) Business process outsourcing (BPO)
According to the HR definition, a BPO handles a variety of company needs, including human resources. This sort of organization extensively relies on technology to streamline business processes and departmental operations.
4) Application Service Providers (ASPs)
An ASP is an e-service, which is simply a software program that suppliers rent to businesses in order to manage essential HR requirements, including as benefits, policies, remuneration, record-keeping, and more. The web application allows employees and management to maintain their preferences and execute online tasks, such as enrolling for benefits. On an as-needed basis, certain ASPs also supply consultants to assist with staff training and development as well as workplace conflict resolution.
Common human resources competencies
People who work in human resources are often people-oriented and like assisting others in achieving success. Here are some of the abilities and traits required for success in a job in human resources:
- Interpersonal skills: As mediators in employee relations, HR practitioners must possess exceptional interpersonal skills and be able to address employee concerns with tact. They must be capable of managing and resolving any problems between employees and, in certain circumstances, employers.
- Technical skills: Human resources professionals must be comfortable utilizing technology and Human Resources Information Software (HRIS) to manage payroll and other HR activities and to keep workforce operations operating smoothly and efficiently. They may also be required to conduct data analysis and make estimates.
- Communication skills: Individuals working in human resources must have strong customer service and communication skills for phone, email, and face-to-face contacts. Good communication skills include the capacity to actively listen to the complaints and needs of employees. Some HR professionals are obliged to speak in front of big groups, departments, or the entire organization on issues ranging from employee benefits packages to business regulations.
- Organization and project management: HR professionals must be able to efficiently manage many projects and juggle multiple responsibilities. They should have excellent scheduling abilities and the ability to prioritize tasks.
- Discretion: Because HR teams deal with several sensitive matters and secret or private information, these individuals must exercise discretion to prevent legal and professional ramifications. They must approach jobs like disciplinary action, employee complaints, and conflicts with caution.
Common human resources jobs
Depending on the size of the firm and its workforce requirements, it may hire anything from a single specialist to a whole team of HR professionals. Here are some of the most popular positions in human resources:
a) Document specialist
Large organizations may require an HR expert to handle and update employee files and data, including tax forms, compensation information, and performance reports. This professional may also be responsible for data entry, absence tracking, administration of employee benefits, and administrative support for special initiatives.
b) Human Resources Coordinator
Typically holding entry-level roles to support HR managers, these professionals are primarily responsible for filing, organizing documents and paperwork, updating spreadsheets, and performing other administrative chores vital to the department’s efficiency and organization. This position requires excellent written and verbal communication skills as a prerequisite.
c) Training professional
Training specialists, often known as staff coordinators, assess personnel needs and train employees and managers as their primary responsibilities. Frequently, they supervise development and leadership programs, provide orientation sessions, and train employees in specific job skills. Generally, training professionals have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills and are born leaders.
d) Human resources generalist
The primary responsibilities of these adaptable professionals include employee relations, policy execution, benefits, recruiting, and more.
e) Specialist in compensation and benefits
These specialists are primarily responsible for payroll tasks (such as salary, bonuses, and pensions) and benefit packages (such as medical insurance, retirement options and time off). They are always evaluating and modifying employee benefits to match employee expectations and increase employee happiness. These personnel must be proficient in mathematics and data analysis, and have a solid grasp of local and federal labor laws.
f) Recruiting manager
These professionals are responsible for all aspects of the hiring process, such as developing and posting job descriptions, analyzing resumes, checking references, selecting qualified candidates, and presenting job offers.
Additionally, they may be responsible for representing the company at employment fairs. Recruiting managers, often known as hiring managers, recruiters, or talent acquisition professionals, must possess great communication skills, self-assurance, and the ability to analyze applicants and candidates. These folks are especially important to rapidly expanding businesses that must swiftly identify and hire qualified candidates.
g) Employee Relations Professional
Human resources experts in this position interact closely with employees to address their needs and resolve problems. Employees approach these professionals with questions, comments, or complaints regarding the workplace, and the employee relations specialist helps to find a solution. These folks possess superior communication and bargaining abilities.
h) Analyst, Human Resources Information System (HRIS analyst)
The primary responsibilities of this human resources professional mix communication and technological skills in order to monitor the HRIS of an organization. Analysts of HRIS are accountable for HR system performance and maintenance, as well as maintaining system security and enhancing process efficacy.
i) Human resource director, manager, or executive
Principal duties: Companies that require only a modest HR department may rely on a generic HR manager or consultant. This position is responsible for overseeing all elements of the department, including employee relations, training, and legal compliance. These leaders typically possess an advanced degree in human resources or another business-related degree.
Human resources qualifications
Some positions in human resources (HR) require a bachelor’s degree. Here are some examples of degrees in human resources:
a) Diploma or certificate in human resources
You might apply for entry-level positions such as human resources assistant, generalist, training coordinator, benefits specialist, or recruiter with this two-year degree or diploma.
b) An undergraduate degree in human resource management
A four-year degree provides a more comprehensive education in the HR field. In addition to traditional human resources courses, business training frequently covers accounting, finance, critical thinking, ethics, management theory, and communication.
c) Master’s degree or Master of Business Administration (MBA)
A graduate degree in human resources can prepare you for positions of corporate leadership, such as director or executive. Coursework and training at this level frequently equip students with transferable business and management skills applicable to any industry or profession. You could pursue a Master of Science in Human Resources or a broader advanced degree, such as a Master of Business Administration with a human resources specialization.
d) Certifications
Obtaining certifications from organizations such as the Human Resource Certification Institute, the Society for Human Resource Management, or the International Foundation for Employee Benefit Plans may also be beneficial. You can become educated in specialist areas such as employee relations and training and development through certification programs. Some colleges may permit the transfer of credits from certificate programs toward a degree in human resources.
