Human Resource

What is Human Resource?

Human resources is used to describe both the people who work for a company or organization and the department responsible for managing resources related to employees. The term human resources was first coined in the 1960s when the value of labor relations began to garner attention and when notions such as motivation, organizational behavior, and selection assessments began to take shape.

Human Resource Management (HRM):

Human resource management is a contemporary, umbrella term used to describe the management and development of employees in an organization. Also called personnel or talent management (although these terms are a bit antiquated), human resource management involves overseeing all things related to managing an organization’s human capital.

“The field of HRM involves planning, organization, directing and controlling functions of procuring, developing, maintaining and utilizing a labor force.”
- M. J. Jucious

 “HRM is the provision of leadership and direction of people in their working or employment relationship.”
- Dale Yoder

“The policies and practices one needs to carry out the people or human resource aspects of a management position, including recruiting, screening, training, rewarding, and appraising.”
-Gray Dessler

Human resource management is therefore focused on a number of major areas, including:

• Recruiting and staffing
• Compensation and benefits
• Training and learning
• Labor and employee relations
• Organization development

Due to the many areas of human resource management, it is typical for professionals in this field to possess specific expertise in one or more areas. Just a few of the related career titles for HR professionals include:

• Training development specialist
• HR manager
• Benefits specialist
• Human resource generalist
• Employment services manager
• Compensation and job analysis specialist
• Training and development manager
• Recruiter
• Benefits counselor
• Personnel analyst 

Human resource management involves developing and administering programs that are designed to increase the effectiveness of an organization or business. It includes the entire spectrum of creating, managing, and cultivating the employer-employee relationship.

For most organizations, agencies, and businesses, the human resources department is responsible for:

• Managing job recruitment, selection, and promotion
• Developing and overseeing employee benefits and wellness programs
• Developing, promoting, and enforcing personnel policies
• Promoting employee career development and job training
• Providing orientation programs for new hires
• Providing guidance regarding disciplinary actions
• Serving as a primary contact for work-site injuries or accidents

Human resource management is about:

Addressing current employee concerns: Unlike company managers who oversee the day-to-day work of employees, HR departments deal with employee concerns such as benefits, pay, employee investments, pension plans, and training. Their work may also include settling conflicts between employees or between employees and their managers.

Acquiring new employees: The human resource management team recruits potential employees, oversees the hiring process (background checks, drug testing, etc.), and provides new employee orientation.

Managing the employee separation process: The HR management team must complete a specific set of tasks if an employee quits, is fired, or is laid off. Paperwork must be completed to ensure that the process was completed legally. Severance pay may be offered or negotiated, benefits must be settled, and access to company resources must be severed via the collection of keys, badges, computers, or sensitive materials from the employee.

Improving morale: Effective HR teams encourage company employees to do their best, which contributes to the overall success of the company. Their work often involves rewarding employees for good performance and creating a positive work environment.