Why the HR department is so important at any organization

The Human Resources department, or HR, is known for being one of the most important parts of a company. With diverse job descriptions and flexible teams that handle multiple areas of concern, some still get confused on the department’s actual role in an organization.

The HR department handles many facets of the employees’ life cycle, including the onboarding, training, and termination of an individual. The team also deals with sensitive workplace matters that affect the company operations on both day-to-day and long-term cases.

In this blog, we’ll give you some insights on the roles the HR department takes on every day and why HR is important.

What is human resources?

Human resources (HR) is the department of an organization that deals with human resource management and improving employee performance.

HR takes care of:

• Training and professional development
  
• Recruiting employees
  
• Onboarding employees
  
• Managing employee benefits
  
• Managing payroll

Why is human resources important?

The importance of human resource management is to maintain and improve the workforce environment of a company. HR professionals oversee and assist employees from the onboarding stage to payroll to resolving interpersonal conflicts and more. HR also nurtures the culture of the workplace in planning work events and other initiatives to bring the workforce together and encourage a positive spirit. Overall, they help maintain a happy, peaceful and productive workforce for organizations, making it a vital part of business.

Below are some of the most crucial roles that HR is responsible for:

1. Talent acquisition

One of the department’s main objectives is to help the company source talented people in the job market. That’s why whenever you apply for a job, the first person you’ll talk to from the company is usually the HR representative, as they are trained to gauge people based on their character and skills. Since employment processes tend to be tedious work, larger companies tend to create a separate division solely focused on hiring future employees!

2. Upholding company handbook and standards

It is HR’s responsibility to ensure that the workplace is a safe space for both employees and employers. In addition to their day-to-day, HR professionals are trained to address matters around occupational safety — whether it’s ensuring training is provided around handling hazardous materials or managing conflict resolution. HR also handles sensitive processes such as implementing disciplinary actions against employees that go against standards or protocol as indicated in the company handbook. It is the HR department that steps in as mediator to resolve the internal company issues.

3. Keeping confidential employee information

HR keeps track of information only you should know, such as your salary, insurance, allowances and promotional status, among others. They may also store sensitive and personal employee records, such as identification and emergency contact numbers, with your consent. So, if you ever have concerns with your job details or compensation, you’ll have to go to HR to settle the issue.

4. Maintaining healthy employer-employee relationships

One of the most important duties of the HR department is to keep employees happy and satisfied with their employers, and vice versa. For the former, they often conduct events, trainings, and workshops to keep employees engaged. For the latter, performance reviews are routinely checked in order to avoid complacency and maintain employee’s proficiency in the workplace.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the role of HR?

The role of HR is to help maintain a positive workforce. HR professionals manage onboarding, recruiting, training, professional development, interpersonal conflicts, workplace culture and more.

Why is HRM important in human resources?

Human resources management (HRM) is important to keep an organization’s workforce happy and productive. This includes functions like resolving conflicts, improving workplace culture and offering professional development opportunities.

Is a career in human resources good?

A career in human resources is a strong choice. It is a fulfilling career with versatile tasks to enjoy, depending on your interests. The current job outlook for human resources managers in Ontario is positive, promising a steady flow of job opportunities in the coming years.

What are the different types of human resources roles?

The main roles in HR are recruitment, learning and professional development, performance management, culture and employee relations.

Interested in pursuing a career in the human resources sector? You’ve got a wide range of opportunities coming your way. Gain the necessary knowledge, hone your skills, and widen your network when you apply to Niagara College – Toronto’s Human Resources Management program. You can send your inquiries to info@niagaracollegetoronto.ca and we’ll assist you with all the information that you’ll need.