The most valuable resource: What does HR do anyway

What is the most valuable resource for any company or business? Most people would probably answer that question with something along the lines of money, profit, or revenue. Those responses, while logical, are ultimately wrong.

A steady stream of income absolutely keeps the lights on, but there’s one asset far more valuable than dollars and cents. Any seasoned entrepreneur or business leader will tell you that the people themselves are the absolute lifeblood of any healthy, thriving organization. A bad batch of toxic employees or in-fighting co-workers is hardly conducive to success on any level. 

So, just like there’s an accounting squad to keep tabs on company finances, and a marketing team tasked with spreading the word, the Human Resources department is all about attending to and advocating for the actual people behind the job titles. Whether you’re interested in exploring a potential career in the HR sphere, or just want to learn more about Human Resources in general, this article will detail a day in the life of a typical HR representative. 

The business of people

From initial recruiting efforts and employee onboarding to payroll administration and exit interviews, the HR department oversees each and every stage of the employee life cycle. While many HR duties involve rules and regulations, the role of a Human Resources professional goes far beyond inspecting pay stubs and ensuring regulatory compliance.

A pillar of successful HR efforts is establishing and maintaining a safe work environment in which all employees find themselves on equal footing. That means creating and constantly reimagining policies that foster transparency and inclusivity. Beyond overseeing DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) efforts, Human Resources workers help manage general relations between employers and employees, or a company’s leadership and workforce. For example, negotiating with union reps or mediating a contract dispute.

On a more individual level, Human Resources is usually the first department an employee approaches in the event of a disagreement or confrontation with a co-worker. The same goes for unexpected medical situations or any number of other personal developments or emergencies. Of course, while conflict resolution and discretion is undeniably part of the job, don’t make the mistake of assuming HR is solely about stepping in when issues or arguments arise

Another key characteristic of any worthwhile HR department is developing new and exciting ways to support employee development and continued growth. Nowadays workers expect their employers to support their professional journey and offer consistent learning opportunities and chances to develop new skills. Just a few examples include monthly seminars, specialized voluntary training courses, and in some cases, even tuition assistance. This benefits employers in two main ways; not only do workers get better at their jobs but these initiatives also help promote a greater sense of loyalty to the company.

Additional duties traditionally associated with HR include benefits administration and compensation benchmarking. In other words, choosing available health insurance providers/packages and helping employees choose the right plan for their needs, as well as ensuring worker salaries are fair and inline with industry standards.

Is HR right for you?

Upon grasping the full breadth of responsibilities placed upon the HR professional, it’s easy to understand just how quickly the biggest and brightest businesses would crumble without an HR department. Human Resources may be supremely important and ubiquitous across industries and fields, but as a career, it requires a very specific skill set and demeanor.

Simply put, if you tire of others and their problems quickly, Human Resources probably isn’t the path for you. The very best HR managers, representatives, and coordinators are genuinely invested in the wellbeing of the employees they oversee, but also know when to adopt a more analytical approach when it comes time to make a difficult decision. Problem solving skills are an absolute necessity, as is high emotional intelligence, empathy, and active listening skills.

Tact is another indispensable tool. Topics brought to the attention of HR workers are often delicate, to put it mildly, and usually require the utmost discretion and sensitivity. Meanwhile, however, on the other side of the communication spectrum, a successful HR pro also knows when to speak up and help bridge the communication gap between employer and employee.