What does an HR person do? A Brief Outline

Human Resources is one of the most in-demand roles in any industry. More often than not, people know only one thing about an HR manager’s role – it pays well.

However, a role that pays well also comes with significant responsibilities. Human resources managers work on multiple verticals. Some core responsibilities include recruitment, workforce management, statutory compliances, payroll processing, and employee engagement.

For freshers looking to make a career in this industry, it’s best first to know what you’re in for. Keep reading if you want to see the role of an HR and how you can train to be one!

1. Recruitment

This is one of the core responsibilities of an HR executive or manager. As the title suggests, you are responsible for the ‘human resources’ of the company. Hiring these resources is the first step.

However, recruitment isn’t easy. It requires advanced workforce planning and a proper hiring system in place.

Here are some of the critical tasks an HR will work on for recruitment:

  • Estimating staffing requirements
  • Preparing and posting job descriptions
  • Conducting interviews
  • Offers and negotiations
  • Induction and orientation

To be good at this job, you must have excellent communication, analytical skills, and company knowledge.

2. Workforce Management

Workforce management refers to a company’s processes to track, evaluate, and boost its employees’ productivity. This comprises a substantial chunk of a human resource person’s responsibilities. This can be carried out with the help of workforce management software too.

While it conventionally takes place over emails and in-person meetings, today, several tools help you with it. Thus, being technically sound is essential to the job.

Here are some of the core tasks that come under this key role-

  • Performance evaluation
  • Budgets and forecast
  • Rosters and schedules
  • Time and attendance tracking
  • Statutory and legal compliances
  • Payroll processing

A strong background in business administration can help you get an edge as an HR manager.

3. Employee Engagement

The HRs of a company are responsible for the engagement of the employees. The HRs need to stay in touch with the employees and know their needs. The HRs should also be able to motivate and encourage them if they feel down.

Employee engagement measures an employee’s emotional attachment to their organisation. It is a crucial indicator of the success of an organisation and its future.

Some companies use gamification strategies like contests, rewards, and prizes to engage their employees.

Others use social recognition programs and clubs that provide a sense of community among employees. Most companies use a combination of these methods to keep engagement levels high.

Here are the primary areas of work for employee engagement as an HR:

  • Learning and Development
  • Rewards and Awards
  • Office parties
  • Grievance Redressal
  • Mental Wellbeing Assistance
  • Sexual Harassment Committee

Keeping employees engaged in the organisation is an integral part of employee retention. This helps HR cut down on efforts of frequent recruitments and replacements.

To Conclude

Human resources form a crucial part of any organisational structure. Working in this department comes with its advantages and responsibilities.

If you’re looking to start a career as an HR or simply researching the role- now you’re better informed.

Use this brief to analyse whether your skill sets and interests lie in this area. If workforce management and employee engagement excite your creative cell, go ahead.

There’s more to an HR than just their pay grade. And now, you know it all!

Author:  Alison Lurie