The functions to be listed and explained in this post represents the five major or core functions of human resources management. These functions are evident in the way HR perform their duties in different industries – whether manufacturing, oil and gas, finance and other industries.
Let’s take a look at these functions one after the other.
Five Functions of Human Resources Management
These are the five major functions of human resources management: recruitment and training, development and training, relations and engagement, performance management and appraisal, and compliance with laws and regulations.
- Recruitment and Training
For many organisations in Africa, attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry is a priority. And for this reason, HR managers play a key role in not only recruiting the very best, but also training them. HR helps to build the future of the organisation by overseeing the recruitment and bring process.
Hiring qualified employees is just an aspect of an HR job; however in order to retain talent and remain competitive, HR managers are often saddled with the responsibility of launching employee development initiatives. This could also lead to additional on-the-job training, professional development programs, or educational opportunities that allow employees to grow and develop in their current roles, as well as prepare them for career advancement within the organisation.
- Development and Training
While recruitment and training primarily deals with the search for rewarding talents and induction to the goals and objectives of the organisation, development and training takes a step further by ensuring that the resources employees need to excel in their roles and advance their careers are provided. And when employee development and training is encouraged, their skill, knowledge and competence is enhanced, thereby enabling them to perform their jobs effectively and contribute to the overall success of the business. As a result, employee engagement is fostered, motivation and loyalty is achieved, leading to job satisfaction and retention.
- Performance Management And Appraisal
In performing the function of performance management and appraisal, you find HR establishing performance management systems to set clear performance expectations, provide feedback, and evaluate employee performance. This function, considered a very important one, enables managers to assess employees’ strengths and areas of improvement, identify training and development needs, and reward high performers.
- Relations And Engagement
This is a function that is also known as Employee Relations and Engagement. It is a function in which HR uses to foster positive employee relations, as well as create a supportive work environment. Through this function, concerns, grievances and conflicts among employees are addressed, thereby promoting open communication and resolving issues in a fair and timely manner.
- Compliance with Laws and Regulations
It is mandatory that organisations adhere to laws and regulations. HR performs a function that ensures that the organisation comply with all relevant employment laws, regulations, and industry standards. They also stay informed on policies and procedures accordingly, and advise management on legal compliance issues.
Lastly, one of the other functions considered a major human resource function is organisational development.
Organisational development functions help in leading management efforts, communicate organisational changes to employees, and help employees adapt to new ways of working.
