Whether you believe that human resources functions should be limited to seven or thirteen, as some say, this post will look at what significant research and studies identify as HR functions.
The functions to be highlighted represent both day-to-day activities and the importance of human resources to organisations as demonstrated by their duties.These functions are evident in the way HR perform their duties in different industries – whether manufacturing, oil and gas, finance and other industries.
Key HR Functions
As previously mentioned in our introductory paragraph, some are convinced that HR only has seven main functions, while others believe that HR should not perform more than thirteen functions. With a focus on HR in Africa, we will look at what professionals believe to be the key functions performed by HR.
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 train 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 employees 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, enable 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 Employment Laws and Regulations
It is mandatory that organisations adhere to laws and regulations. HR perform 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. As a result, legal risks is mitigated, fair and equitable treatment of employees is effected. This function basically protect the organisation from potential lawsuits and reputational damage.
• Organisational Development
The last but certainly not the least identified function is organisational development, which works side by side with Change Management play an essential role in driving organisational development initiatives and managing change effectively.
Can you imagine doing everything that is needed to get a car started with no driver in sight? Organisational development function helps in leading management efforts, communicate organisational changes to employees, and help employees adapt to new ways of working.
So, when faced with questions on how significant HR functions are, or what functions are considered essential, let this post on key HR functions guide you.
