Role of HR in today’s work place

Introduction: Traditionally, the role of human resource professional in many organizations has been to administrating or monitoring the policies. Their role was limited to personnel and administrative functions that were viewed by the organizations as paperwork.

In today’s context of extreme competition, role of HR in today’s businesses is changing. HR is becoming more a part of team and is also getting involved in decision making and making a contribution to the organization as a whole. HR is becoming a strategic business partner and advisor to the management. The focus is on actions that differentiate the organization from its competitors and aims to make long term impact on the success of organization. The focus is on attracting and retaining talent through engagement.

Roles handled by HR in today’s work place:

While HR still handles the regular and traditional activities like

• Manpower planning, recruitment and selection;
• Learning and development;
• Compensation, benefits and welfare;
• Employee engagement;
• Performance appraisals;
• Designing of policies;
• Statutory compliances;
• Corporate social responsibility;
• Handling employee grievance and etc.  

HR is making their contributions by handling activities like

Strategic Partner: In this role, HR contributes to the development of and the accomplishment of organization wide business plan and objectives. To be a successful business partners, HR representatives are developing their knowledge in various systems of business like finance and accounting, market conditions, competitors, production and cost reduction strategies. HR representatives are contributing with their knowledge about the design of work systems in which people succeed and contribute. 

Employee Advocate: HR plays a vital role in organizational success with his expertise on creating a best work environment in which people will choose to be motivated, contributing and happy. In this, the focus is on overall development of an employee. HR is focusing on employee assistance programs, organization development strategies, regularly schedule communication channels with employees and profit-sharing strategies.

Change Management: With an increase in competition, organizations frequently adopt changes in the organizations. Knowing how to link change to the strategic needs of the organization will minimize employee dissatisfaction and resistance to change. HR professional are contributing by their knowledge and ability to execute successful change strategies. 

Employer branding: Employer branding is communicating and shaping an organization’s reputation as an “employer of choice” or “best place to work”. HR Plays a vital role in this and brands the organization at various places. HR is becoming a champion in employer branding by taking lot of initiatives in improvising the employee experience at various levels and anchoring the branding activities at various places. HR is taking an active role in social media websites to promote the organization’s culture.

Analytics: Data plays a key role in any organization. HR is geared with a detailed analytics for it's various activities.

To conclude, the focus is on making the work place better and enhancing the employee experience at work place by understanding the various concepts of business and people.