Why IHRM Skills are Crucial for Career Growth

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is IHRM
• Skills that International HRM Professionals Must Build
• International HR Certifications for Professionals in 2024
  • Diploma in Strategic International Human Resources Management
  • Mastering IHRM -  Training & Compensation
  • Mastering IHRM -  Organization & Recruitment 
• Conclusions
• Bonus Points

Introduction 

Human Resources Management, or HRM, is a crucial division in any organisation. From being at the forefront of Employee Recruitment to handling monthly Payroll, HR is every organisation’s key player in securing and nurturing a competent workforce. In the modern-day workplace, however, HR’s skills, roles, and responsibilities have evolved quite a bit. 

Thanks to Globalisation, the professional world is much more interconnected than it was just a few decades ago. As companies expand their establishments in other countries, the workforce inevitably becomes more diverse. This is where the importance of International Human Resources becomes clear. 

What is IHRM?

International Human Resources Management, or IHRM, is an extension of the typical HRM domain that is dedicated to overseeing a global workforce. In addition to HRM responsibilities, IHRM Professionals must also embrace diversity, ensure cultural sensitivity, enable clear and respectful communication and unite employees of multicultural backgrounds under a common organisational structure. The key difference between HRM and IHRM is the inclusion of Diversity Management. 

Professionals in this line of work have a few job titles to go by. Entry to Supervisory-level roles include International HR Assistant/Coordinator/Consultant, Global Payroll Specialist, and International HR Specialist. Management-level positions include Global Diversity and Inclusion Manager, International Human Resources Manager, Expatriate Services Manager and Global HR Director. 

Skills International HRM Professionals Must Build 

There are certain key IHRM skills that every aspiring Professional must work towards building, such as:

• Cultural Awareness: 

An International HR Professional must be aware of the different cultures their employees hail from, and familiarise themselves with these cultural values, events, and even manners of dressing and communicating. Understanding cultural norms, customs and priorities can help curb misunderstandings and minimise miscommunication. 

• Communication Skills: 

When interacting with a culturally diverse workforce, mindful and clear communication becomes even more important. Keeping an open and respectful line of communication can help settle misunderstandings between employees, and even between employees and HR professionals. 

• Legal Knowledge: 

When onboarding employees from different backgrounds, it is important to be aware of and compliant with labour laws. This is also important if your company operates outside its home country, at which point you must also be familiar with local employment, tax, and immigration laws. 

• Strategic Thinking: 

International HR roles demand strategic thinking. It helps IHRM Professionals to attract and nurture international talent, foster collaboration between multicultural teams, identify and grab opportunities for growth, and navigate the challenges of overseeing a global workforce. 

• Adaptability & Open-Mindedness: 

As an International HR Professional, being adaptable and open-minded is key. The role exposes Professionals to new cultures and perspectives, and an inability to adapt to these ideals will be a major roadblock in this career path. Like all roles, this role requires one to embrace change and value different viewpoints. 

• Data Literacy: 

Global HR professionals must be proficient in using Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and Performance Management Applications. Holding Data Visualization and Artificial Intelligence skills are also highly valued and extremely useful. 

While International Human Resource Management Professionals will develop a lot of skills on the job, these key skills are crucial to kickstart your career.

International HR Certifications for HR Professionals in 2024

If you are interested in the International HR field, but not willing to drop big bucks and clear your calendar immediately, then online International HR courses are for you. Not only are they more affordable and accessible than traditional programs, but they are also offered by reputable institutions and often come with Certification. 

UniAthena is one of the leading platforms offering Human Resources Courses. Here are our top recommendations:

• Diploma in Strategic International Human Resource Management

UniAthena’s Diploma in Strategic International Human Resources Management offers key insights into overseeing a cross-cultural workforce in global corporations. You will learn how to align HR efforts with organisational objectives, along with employee training, development, and compensation management. Discover the art of sourcing, nurturing, and leading a multicultural workforce with the latest IHRM tools, techniques, and strategies. 

This free-to-learn course is self-paced, but Learners can complete it in as little as 1-2 weeks. Upon completion, you will also be eligible for a Professional Certification. 

• Mastering IHRM - Training & Compensation

Perfect for HR Professionals and IHRM aspirants, the Mastering IHRM - Training & Compensation is a 1-week course covering the fundamentals of the domain. This International HRM course further explores the training, development, and performance management of Expatriate employees, along with compensation management and repatriation. 

In addition to being 100% Online, free to learn, and Self-Paced, this course comes with a Professional Certification from Acacia University Professional Development (AUPD). 

• Mastering IHRM - Organization & Recruitment

UniAthena’s Mastering IHRM - Organization & Recruitment is beginner-friendly and free to learn. This International Human Resources Program is primarily concerned with staffing approaches, including insights on global staff transfers, success/failure of expatriation, and influential factors and approaches. The course also further explores compensation management for Expatriates. 

Like the aforementioned courses, this International HRM course is also self-paced, 100% Online and comes with an impressive Professional Certification from Cambridge International Qualifications (CIQ), UK. 

Conclusion

International Human Resources Management is an up-and-coming extension of the traditional Human Resources domain. It deals with the overseeing of global workforces composed of multinational employees, thus necessitating a more informed approach and a varied skill set. The key skills of cultural awareness, clear communication, strategic thinking, legal knowledge, open-mindedness, adaptability and data literacy are mentioned. These are skills that even non-HR Professionals can master to strengthen their profile and prospects. 

Professionals interested in exploring International HR Certifications or even Human Resources Courses can kickstart their journey with UniAthena’s free-to-learn Short Courses. They feature beginner-friendly lessons with practical insights, coupled with course flexibility and affordability.

Bonus Points:

• One of the biggest HR challenges of 2024 is the consistently declining well-being in the workplace. 
• In the United Arab Emirates, 70% of Gen-Z prefer Hybrid working arrangements. The debate between remote, hybrid, and in-office working arrangements is also a trending topic in HR circles.