The functions of the HR department have undergone significant changes and growth over the past few years. These changes were mainly driven by the changing workforce and workplace situations. After COVID-19, the traditional in-office landscape has revolutionized to work-from-home or virtual office workplace situations, thus adding one more responsibility to the HR professional’s list.
Human Resources is an evolving field, and over the past few years, it has focused on several aspects of HR, such as recruiting top talent, shaping the company’s culture, building better leaders, maintaining legal and effective company policies, and so on. Since the scope of Human Resources is increasing in terms of its tasks and responsibilities, it is important for companies to focus on updating the HR department’s skills and abilities so that they can work more efficiently in the future.
Why Should a Company Focus on Updating HR Department’s Skills
There are hundreds of potential HR skills to learn, each with its own purpose and advantage. If an individual acquires a few HR skills, it not only benefits the individual’s career but also benefits the company. Since companies are the ones reaping benefits from HR personnel, if an individual polishes their HR skills, it is automatically going to make the company’s HR practices more effective and efficient. Other than this, here are a few reasons why a company should focus on updating the Human Resources skills of the HR department:
More Resources Will be Dedicated to Employee Experience
Professional growth and access to resources are significant aspects of the employee experience that employers must consider to attract and retain top talent. For every employee, their career is their top priority, and if they believe there is no opportunity for career development, they will simply move on to the next best option they get. Professionals who have the expertise in enhancing employee experience seek new and innovative ways to keep employees connected to the company and one another.
Virtually Maintain Company Culture & Employee Engagement
As said earlier, remote working situations have skyrocketed after the pandemic. Although virtual offices seem like a convenient and feasible idea for current times, it gets very difficult for HR professionals to keep remote employees engaged and foster a positive company culture. Without a physical office space and daily routine to connect with co-workers, employees may feel isolated or disengaged. Skilled HR personnel realize the importance of employee engagement, and they try their best to prioritize employee engagement and culture by hosting virtual meetings and hangouts, surveying employees about their interests, and increasing internal communication.
Automated HR Processes
99% of Fortune 500 Companies use ATS software in their hiring processes. ATS was unknown if we look 10 to 20 years ago; however, almost every company today uses ATS software to make their hiring process more efficient. The workplace automation trend is expected to keep growing, spreading into industries that have traditionally been slower to adopt automated tools. Automated onboarding tools will continue to become more commonplace, thereby accelerating and optimizing the hiring process for employers and employees.
How Could Companies Help Develop HR Skills
Here are a few ways through which a company could help HR personnel to develop their HR skills:
Encourage Them to Pursue Additional Education
HR professionals need to pursue additional education to expand their skill set and learn modern HR practices. Since an HR professional is working under a company, the company should motivate the individual to pursue additional education and give them the feasibility to maintain their studies and work simultaneously. If an HR personnel has already acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in HR management or a similar discipline, then they could consider pursuing a Master’s Degree.
Provide Opportunities to Obtain Certification Courses
Other than a Master’s Degree, an HR professional can even obtain certification courses. The internet is filled with websites offering courses with certifications, and some of them are even credible and globally recognized. Websites, such as HRAcademia, provide internationally accredited certifications with affordable rates, convenient class schedules, and maximum feasibility. Companies should provide opportunities for HR professionals to register for these courses and upgrade their skill sets.
Certifications are the best way to upgrade HR skills and stay relevant and updated with modern HR trends and practices. Since HR is a continuously evolving field, staying updated with the latest information is crucial for companies to stay competitive in the industry. If a company assists its employees in taking online HR certification programs, that is not only going to benefit the employee but the company, too.
Training & Development Programs
Employee training and development programs are essential to the success of businesses on a global scale. Not only do these programs offer opportunities for employees to improve their skills, but also for HR personnel to enhance employee productivity and improve company culture. Employee training and development programs are critical for improving employee performance and productivity.
Companies can offer many kinds of in-person or online training and development opportunities to HR professionals. They can even use in-house training, third-party training, or off-site activities to provide those opportunities for HR personnel who are working virtually or through remote workplace settings.
Emotional Intelligence Sessions
Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own and others’ emotions. It is essential for HR professionals as they deal with complex and sensitive human issues, such as conflict, feedback, motivation, and change. To enhance the EI skills of HR professionals, companies should conduct Emotional Intelligence sessions so that the professionals are able to listen and communicate effectively, build rapport and trust, and collaborate and influence others.
Conclusion
Today’s HR efforts continue to expand beyond policies and procedures. The modern workplace requires a proper balance between appropriate policies with emerging technology, new business needs, and employee desires. As employees demand more from HR personnel than ever before, in coming years, the HR department will be crucial for business success.
