What is Human Resources? (Definition & Responsibilities)

Table of Contents

• What is HR and its Responsibilities?
  • HR Responsibilities
• Top Skills an HR Professional Must Have
• Human Resources Courses for Professionals
  • Basics of Human Resources Management
  • Basics of International Human Resources Management
  • Basics of Strategic Human Resources Planning
• Conclusion
• Bonus Points

What is HR and its Responsibilities?

A work environment can make or break the company’s success –  yes, really! According to LinkedIn, 7 out of 10 people would not work at a company with a poor work culture, and 25% would choose to work in other companies. 

That is why the demand for talented HR Professionals is projected to grow by 8% between 2023 and 2033 – faster than average for all professions! 

The definition of Human Resources (HR) is simple; this department handles every function involving an organisation’s employees. The scope of HR is broad – the responsibilities of Human Resources can include strategic workforce planning, overseeing international teams, regulatory compliance and even employee training & development.

HR Responsibilities

HR Professionals are likely to have the following responsibilities: 

• Recruitment: HR assists in hiring talented and qualified candidates to fill vacancies. 
• Performance Monitoring: Human Resource Professionals will also keep track of employee performance, matching appraisals and compensations accordingly. 
• Maintain Employee Records: HR maintain key Employee records, ranging from Interview Forms to Insurance and Health records, and even complaints. 
• Process Payroll: HR is responsible for handling payroll, addressing changes based on overtime, benefits, raises or deductions.
• Undertake Disciplinary Actions: In cases of employee misconduct, HR is usually at the forefront of conducting disciplinary actions. 
• Offer Professional Development Opportunities: HR offers Employees the chance to grow, from training sessions to upskilling opportunities. 
• Prioritise Employee Well-Being: HR is responsible for ensuring that employees feel heard and satisfied with their workplace. 
• Apply Employment Legislation: HR is also involved in adhering to the ever-changing Employment laws to avoid legal repercussions. 

Top Skills an HR Professional Must Have

What are the skills an HR Professional needs to excel at their job?

• Communication: HR is the main point of interaction between the company and their employees, necessitating clear, strong and tactful communication skills. 
• Empathy: Human Resources professionals are the first point of contact for employee concerns and complaints, so empathy is a key skill to master. 
• Mediation: HR must also mediate between the company and employees, or between employees to handle conflict productively. 
• Negotiation: In the above mentioned situations, HR will also often have to negotiate with parties to reach a mutually acceptable solution. 
• Data Visualisation: Human Resources Professionals must be well-versed in Data Visualization to convey employee information clearly.
• Cultural Awareness: As workplaces get more diverse, it is up to HR Professionals to learn and become culturally sensitive towards employees.  

Human Resources Courses For Professionals 

Knowing what HR skills and HR responsibilities are is step one. If you wish to explore a professional future in this industry, now is time to explore HR courses. 

Most Human Resource aspirants start by looking for HR Courses online. If you, like most people, have a busy schedule and a strict budget, then you may find many on-site Human Resources courses to be impractical. 

All’s not lost yet – Online Learning Platforms like UniAthena are a great place to start learning. From HR Definitions, Roles and Responsibilities to HR trends and tools, online Human Resources courses can equip you with the fundamentals of the industry.

• Basics in Human Resource Management

Beginner blues? Start with UniAthena’s Basics in Human Resource Management. In as little as 4 hours, you can equip yourself with the core concepts of the Human Resources field. This human resources online course is also free to learn and self-paced – perfect for the busy Learner on a budget! 

Complete the course and you can add a shiny new Certificate from CIQ, UK!

• Basics of International Human Resource Management

Want to start global? UniAthena’s Basics of International Human Resource Management (IHRM) is perfect for the globe-trotting Professional. Discover what affects IHRM, explore International Operations and Recruitment, learn about Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions, and more! Unlike other HR courses online, this course is free to learn and self-paced too!

Earn a Certificate from CIQ, UK, after completing the course. 

• Basics of Strategic Human Resource Planning

UniAthena’s Basics of Strategic Human Resource Planning is another option that Professionals interested in Human Resources Management can explore. This course explores the Human Resource planning process, demand forecasting, HR Evaluation, Global HRM (Human Resources Management) and other aspects of the domain. 

Completing this free and self-paced course will make you eligible for a Certificate from CIQ, UK. 

Conclusion

Human Resources Management (HRM) is currently bursting with opportunities – and you are in the perfect position to utilise them and grow your career! By learning about Human Resources roles and responsibilities, along with exploring HR tools, trends and news, you will know what is required from you to excel in this field. Start with UniAthena’s Human Resources Courses online, for free, and set yourself up for success!

Bonus Points

• The HR responsibility of Onboarding is crucial – 71% of workers say that the process helped them understand their tasks better.  
• 60% of Candidates do not complete a job application if it is too complicated. As an HR Professional, consider implementing simpler forms for greater turnout.