How to be a good HR Professional
Human Resources (HR) professionals hold a critical role in the ongoing success of a company. Not only are they typically the key person involved in the hiring process, but they are also involved in a variety of day-to-day tasks including employment contracts, grievances, new employee onboarding, and employee records. They also provide feedback to management regarding policies and procedures. To put it simply, HR help ensure positive relations between the employee and employer, and help promote a healthy and productive workplace. So, how do you become a good HR professional? Here are our top 8 tips:
1. Know your focus
When you work in HR, it is important to understand what the priorities are in your position. Is the company structure in need of an overhaul? Is employee morale low? Know what areas need attention, and implement this focus into your day-to-day transactions.
2. Take the lead
Employees want to know that you have their back. Managers want to know that you have everything staff-related under control. Make sure your organisation’s current policies are clear, and let them know your approach. Don’t leave any question as to who the point of contact should be in HR matters.
3. Develop a plan
What can your managers expect from you? What will you provide the employees? Understand what your role is, what responsibilities you must and want to take on, and develop a plan to make your expectations and policies known and accepted.
4. Establish trust
HR professionals are entrusted with an enormous amount of confidential information. From sensitive documents to employment disputes, it is important to establish a level of trust with both the employer and the employees. A good approach is to be open and honest. Let all parties know what they can expect from you, and keep them involved.
5. Get involved
Make your presence be known. HR staff can sometimes be seen as unapproachable, making many employees disregard their issues, or find alternate means of resolution. Be a part of the team. Let your employees know you are approachable, and want to have a relationship with them.
6. Build relationships
Interpersonal relationships are at the core of the HR profession. It is important that you do not isolate yourself from others. Go out of your way to connect with not only managers and employees but also other HR professionals, both within and outside of your organisation.
7. Stay up to date
Because HR professionals hold many hats, it is important that they never stop learning. Take continuing education classes, review and update company policy updates, and familiarise yourself with incoming and outgoing personnel.
8. Master time management
HR professionals have a lot on their plate. You’ll need to learn how to prioritise and manage your time to meet the needs of your company, but also to avoid burnout. Figure out what works best for you. Do you need to schedule everything? Are to-do lists the answer? Understand your responsibilities and find an approach that allows for balance.
The Human Resources field is continuously expanding, and developing in its importance. To enhance your HR skills even more, come along to a ThinkTank Media ‘Corporate Health and Wellbeing Summit’ event.