The role of HR in a modern workplace
Human Resources is more than just administrative or management tasks; HR now serves as community builders. Their role is to connect with employees, nurturing relationships, and constantly working to improve the employee experience.
HR support offers many benefits including conflict resolution, culture building, and ongoing training and development.
This blog will go into depth on the benefits of HR support and what the overall role of HR actually is.
Employee Perks: Beyond Traditional Benefits
Having HR can provide employees with more than just the standard benefits that come to mind when you think of HR, like health benefits, leave days etc. There are many ‘soft’ perks of having HR support in your business, for example increasing employee wellbeing and advocacy of the business, mediation in disputes and training opportunities to further develop necessary skills.
Advocacy: Who does HR Represent?
HR can represent and benefit both the business and employees. The HR representative has a dual role in boosting company interest, but also protecting employees rights and wellbeing. Having good HR in place can help boost morale for employees which would in turn improve the productivity of the business. Also, if the employee feels valued and protected, they are less likely to leave, leading to lower rates of employee turnover, decreasing employment costs.
HR’s advocacy benefits employees by ensuring they are treated fairly whilst at work, holding the business accountable to employee protection laws. Employees are protected already by law, however HR means that they have someone to represent them.
Neutrality: Striking a Balance Between Employees and Employers
Maintaining neutrality is a fundamental component of HR, to ensure unbiased decision-making, build trust amongst employees, and upholding the integrity of the business’s conflict resolution process. This is a perk for employees as neutral HR ensures that every employee’s concerns are addressed fairly and impartially. This leads to an overall fairer and happier workplace.
Confidentiality: The Safeguard of Employee Conversations
A safe space is important for voicing concerns as it allows room for open communication, promotes mental well-being and ensures that individuals feel respected and heard.
When HR maintains confidentiality, it upholds trust and privacy in the workplace. However, in certain situations such as potential legal violations or threats to workplace safety, it may be necessary to escalate to senior members to protect both employees and the business.
This confidentiality assures employees that they can seek guidance or raise concerns without fear of undue repercussions, fostering a transparent and supportive work environment.
Approaching HR About Superiors: Navigating a Tricky Terrain
As mentioned previously, having a formal channel of communication can help employees to feel protected.
HR serves as a bridge between employees and management by using mediation techniques to navigate and resolve conflicts. Their expertise in workplace dynamics and employment laws, means that they can offer guidance that protects both the employees rights and the company’s interests.
Having HR in place offers a system of checks and balances that ensures the power dynamics within the company don’t unfairly favour one side over another. While HR may be employed by the company, they are there to maintain a balanced and harmonious work environment, emphasising the well-being and rights of employees just as much as organisational interests.
Continuous Professional Development: An Overlooked Perk
HR can play a key role in employee training, development and growth. The department can offer different training opportunities like leadership development programs, soft-skills workshops, and technical courses. These are all designed to enhance an employee’s skill set and advance their career.
HR can also provide training programs that help employees expand their knowledge and learn new skills that can advance their career possibilities.
Why Is HR Important?
The significance of HR support extends beyond just administrative duties. It isn’t just about conflict resolution or regular training sessions, but about the deeper foundation of trust and understanding that is constructed between the business and employees.
Mutual trust is nurtured through consistent collaboration and transparent communication between both parties. HR functions as the bridge between the executives and the employees.
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