Thanks to technological advances and cultural shifts, companies are relying more and more on Human Resources managers to recruit, retain and engage their most important asset – their employees.
What Does a Human Resources Manager Do?
Human resources managers (HR managers) are found in practically all industries. They need to have strong aptitude and skills in leadership, organization, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
- HR managers have to make quick decisions and motivate employees toward actions that will help the company meet its goals.
- They should be adept at organizing to stay focused on high-priority tasks, including implementing a project management system.
- The ability to communicate effectively is perhaps the most essential skill that an HR manager can bring to their job. This includes the ability to listen to others, not just talk to them. Whether conversing with an employee, consulting with a company executive, or speaking to groups, they must interact successfully with others.
- They collaborate with managers to achieve company goals and employees to improve workplace productivity. This can include mentoring new and lower-level employees and selecting appropriate benefits such as wellness programs.
- If an employee is concerned about workplace conduct, the HR manager is often the first person they come to for help. Problem-solving skills are essential to gather and document different perspectives on workplace issues, get feedback from company leaders where needed, and eventually obtain the best results for all parties involved
What Functions are Involved in Human Resources Management?
In small- and medium-sized businesses (SMB), typical functions and tasks for an HR manager include:
- Plan and oversee employee payroll and compensation
- Select, plan and oversee employee benefit programs, such as the wellness programs offered by Work-Fit
- Oversee the organization’s recruitment, interview, selection, hiring, and training
- Manage the human resource budget
- Implement engagement practices to maintain and improve employee morale
- Assess worker productivity and identify ways to maximize workforce value
- Mediate disputes and direct disciplinary procedures, including cross-training of managers on giving feedback and administering discipline
- Secure regulatory compliance related to human resource
- Consult with company leadership and managers on issues such as sexual harassment
- Amend the employee handbook to ensure compliance with all federal and state labor laws
- Supervise human resources specialists and support staff
HR Management Specialist Roles
The tasks above are often split between specialized Human Resources Managers in larger companies due to the sheer volume of work involved. For example, a large company may have different individuals responsible for each of these human resource specialty roles:
- Compensation and Benefits Manager (also called a Payroll Manager)
- Recruiting and Staffing manager
- Training and Development manager
- Employee Relations Manager (also called a Labor Relations Manager)
- General Administration Manager
What Does a Career in Human Resources Look Like?
If you love working with people and want to hold an essential role in the long-term success of a company or organization, then becoming a human resource manager could be a great fit. The following steps can put you on a successful path toward an HR career:
- Earn a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.
- Many HR managers get a degree in Human Resources, although any business degree can serve as the foundation for a successful career.
- Acquire professional work experience through internships while in college and by fulfilling lower-level positions within human resources as you work your way up to management.
- Pursue professional certifications to improve your knowledge and enhance your qualifications for higher compensation as well as promotion.
- The Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) grants the most popular certifications. They include the SHRM-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and the SHRM – Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).
What are the Earnings and Career Outlook For an HR Manager?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 162,000 active Human Resources Managers on the job in 2020. An additional 15,000 positions are expected by 2030. In 2020, HR managers earned a median annual salary of $121,220.
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