You can search a variety of definitions for “human resources.” No where will you find indications of the heavy issues facing HR leaders today.
Changing Role of HR
Dictionary entries tell us that HR is the department of a business or organization that deals with the hiring, administration, and training of personnel. Boy, if it were only that simple!
A broader explanation might say that human resources describes both the people who work for a company or organization and the department responsible for managing all matters related to employees. HR leaders are the people who collectively represent one of the most valuable resources in any businesses or organization – their people.
The term human resources was first coined in the 1960s when the value of labor relations began to garner attention. Back then, philosophies around motivation, organizational behavior, and hiring practices began to take shape in all types of work settings. Today, the scope has broadened, and HR leaders need help to tackle some daunting challenges.
A Look at the Issues
The Hartin Dynamics team closely follows the issues and is committed to staying one step ahead of emerging trends in the world of human resources. Although we specialize specifically in employee benefits plan design and management, we are acutely aware of the breadth of topics our clients are managing. Hats off to the professionals who dig deep into areas of social and economic impact.
A quick scan of recent blog posts from SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management) reveals how the umbrella has only gotten bigger for HR professionals. Yes, HR plays a key role in helping companies deal with a fast-changing work environment and a greater competition to attract and retain talent. But folks, the questions employers now field go far beyond hiring and training. This is heavy stuff.
Example HR Issues Being Addressed
- Health Premium Surcharges for the Unvaccinated?
- Burned-Out Workers and Time Off—Do Employment Laws Allow Flexibility?
- Should Remote Workers Who Relocate Be Paid Less?
- When Panic and Anxiety Come to Work
- Is My Employee Eligible for Unemployment Benefits?
And we’ll throw in one more topic that’s not so heavy, but still disruptive to your work:
HR leaders can’t be just tactical in their roles, answering questions with black and white answers. They are strategic influencers, and their decisions impact an organizations most important asset – their people. Thought leaders are pushing for innovation, and we like to think our team is part of that forward-thinking group. Take a look at the HR certification programs offered by the Human Capital Institute, and you’ll see training topics such as People Analytics, Change Management, Performance Coaching, and Employee Engagement.
Whoever said, “Remember, HR is important in good times, but HR is defined in hard times,” got it right. And if hard times correlate with a whirlwind of unimaginable, unprecedented change, then that’s what HR pros continue to face.
We Are Here to Help
Wherever we can be of service, we are here to help. Let’s talk about how Hartin Dynamics can help with the heavy load, so you can focus on what you do best to drive the mission of your company or organization.
