There is a perception of HR that is so outdated that in many cases it is almost laughable. Most people see HR as simply that department that does the hiring, firing and training. After all, there is the accounting department to see to payroll so what is it that is so important about HR and is it really that important? Actually, if the average person knew all the tasks that HR does on a daily basis they would wonder why anyone would ever want to work in that department. Could it be that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Here is a look at the many faceted roles of HR within an organization.
Key Areas Where HR Interacts with Any Business
Yes, HR does do all the recruiting, hiring and ultimately firing or retiring but because they are involved in literally every department within the company, HR has to have an all-around knowledge of both front and back end operations and is really the only department with all those responsibilities. They interact literally with every single person in the company from the CEO to the newest hourly employees and sometimes on a daily basis. For this reason, among so many others, HR personnel should have at least one graduate of an AACSB online MBA from a school like Northeastern University. Why online? Because by continuing to work day to day they can focus areas of concentration while getting that degree to what they see as weaknesses in the organization of the company. It's a win-win for everyone involved.
Some of the Key Hats HR Wears
When you know just how many hats members of the HR team is required to wear on a day to day basis, you will understand why that online MBA degree is so crucial. HR is seen as the team to go to when mangers need consultants. HR works closely with managers to help them envision how to grow their departments and what they need to do to keep their team on task. Also, HR needs to know exactly what skills are required for key positions and it is the manager that is best able to provide that information. HR is also delegated that task of making periodic analyses of the organization to ensure that things are running as efficiently as possible. If not, HR plays a critical role in revamping the business plan going forward. HR oversees employee services such as counseling staff on insurance, benefits and rates of pay as they work towards getting a rating of ‘meets' or ‘above meets' in terms of documented expectations.
So you see, there isn't a function within your company that HR doesn't have a hands-on relationship with and that's why it is vital that they be trained as business administrators. Each and every one on your HR team should ideally hold an MBA, but if you can only afford to pay graduate tuition for one, then pay one at a time. As they bring back knowledge and help to grow your business you can send further employees for advanced training. HR is the backbone of your business so make sure to invest in this team and all other teams will benefit as a result.
