Human Resource Management: All you need to know about HRM

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Human Resource Management, often referred to as HRM, involves operations related to the management of the employees of an organisation. This includes but is not limited to recruitment, performance management, compensation, organisation development, safety, wellness, benefits, employee motivation, and healthy relationships between employees and trade unions.

Given how common human resource professionals are in different organisations, it’s only natural to wonder about a career in HR. Sure enough, HR professionals form an essential part of the business world.

While understanding that they are important to every organisation is a good start, you need to know what you can expect from a career in HR.

So, what is human resource management? Let’s find out. 

What is Human Resource Management?

Human Resource Management is all about the management operations like planning, conducting, directing and controlling. It includes functions such as

  • Procuring, developing and ensuring the wellness of human resources within the organisation
  • Extending support to achieve individual goals within the company in order to achieve the overall organisational objective
  • Establishing and maintaining healthy work culture and strong team spirit
  • Ensuring the well-being of the employees and making sure that they thrive in the organisation
  • Communicating employee concerns professionally and tactfully
  • Facilitating communication between management and employees by acting as a bridge between them in case there is an issue that needs to be resolved

Once the staff force hits a certain number, one full-time HR professional is required to manage all their human resource-related activities.

The Purpose of HR Management

The main objective of HRM is to ensure that all employees are surrounded by a healthy work environment and can do their tasks efficiently. This means ensuring that the company culture is fruitful enough for the employees to bring their best selves to work. That also means ensuring that the right person is in the right position, doing their work correctly.

What does an HR manager do?

While the idea of a human resource manager can give you an impression of a person who is bound to deal with the uncomfortable aspects of looking after the employees in an organisation, their main purpose is to support employees.

Here are the main tasks undertaken by the HRM:

Recruiting candidates

The HR department is in charge of the recruitment process. However, ideally, they should also consult with the manager of the hiring department.

The process involves:

  • Understanding the organisational needs and talent gaps that need to be filled.
  • Researching the market.
  • Consulting with relevant stakeholders.
  • Taking the budget into consideration and advertising to the right audience in the right space.

Upon completion of the advertising part, more research should be conducted on the prospective candidates. Ensuring that the right talent enters the next round is critical. This includes analysing the work requirements and reviewing previous work experience and references to determine if the candidate would be a good fit.

Hiring the right employees

Once they’re done with the recruitment process, then comes the hiring process. This involves arranging interviews, coordinating and updating the management, negotiating the budget, and onboarding and training newly recruited employees.

This process also includes all the paperwork required to prepare a legal contract while hiring a new employee to safeguard the rights of both the company and employees.

Processing payroll

The HR manager and the finance manager undertake the payroll process. The process includes calculating overtime hours, taxes, raises, bonuses and employee expenses that require reimbursing.

Conduct disciplinary actions

If necessary disciplinary action is taken, it should be conducted appropriately to avoid losing valuable employees or any legal actions against the organisation. If handled well, it will improve the overall well-being of individuals in a team.

Updating company policies

Consistent evaluation of policies and regulations should be ensured, especially when the company is growing. Updating and maintaining policies to ensure they’re relevant to the organisation and within the legal requirements is critical in eliminating the risk of legal issues.

Maintaining effective employee records

Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records for HR is not important, but also legally required. These records help employers identify the skill gaps and in the smooth running of the hiring process. Having accurate information about an employee is also vital in case there is an emergency.

Analysing and offering benefits

A company that is hiring should ensure that it offers competitive benefits in order to attract the best candidates. HR professionals should research possible benefits that can be added and align with the organisation’s vision.

Suppose you are someone who is already working in the HR industry or are looking for a managerial post. In that case, online senior management courses are worth considering as they can prepare you for the duties and responsibilities of the role.