Human resource management can be defined as the efficient management of people in an organization. It helps in bridging the gap between the performance of the employees and the strategic objectives of the company. As Charles Spinelli says, effective human resource (HR) management can provide companies with a good edge over their competitors. HR management is an important strategy in the organizational structure, and is quite valuable in managing the workforce and internalizing the values of the company in its employees. It can help improve the overall productivity and profitability of an organization.
Charles Spinelli offers an introduction to human resource management
Human Resource Management implies to the strategic approach towards managing people at an organization. It involves the creation of a work environment where employees are aligned, motivated and engaged with the objectives of a company. Human resource management, at its core, includes processes like employee recruitment, on-boarding, training, performance management, as well as employee relations.
Companies of multiple types use human resource management to invest in employees, boost job satisfaction and improve employee performance. The methodology behind HR recognizes the value brought by employees to an organization. By investing in employees and supporting their needs in a strategic manner, companies can significantly improve job satisfaction. This can result in greater success in their role within an organization. Employees who are competent, well-trained and feel valued by their employers would be more motivated to accomplish the goals of an organization. Hence, companies should organize mentorship or on-the-job training within the organization, or invest in reimbursement programs, to help employees develop and hone their talent, and boost overall productivity at the company. HR management focuses on the creation of a highly skilled workforce, increasing their competency and confidence, and keeping the employees motivated to contribute to the growth of the company.
Human resource management typically includes:
- Recruiting new hires: A robust recruitment process is key to HR management. If a company can recruit good talent, they shall also be able to build on their skills and invest in employees consistently as they add value to the organization.
- Evaluating employee performance: HR professionals use data for tracking employee performance, and help ensure a well-trained and capable workforce.
- Ensuring fair compensation and benefits: Compensation shall include salary, benefits, commission, and various non-monetary benefits. HR management typically involves the use of industry standards to set salary, commission rates, and benefits.
As per Charles Spinelli, HR management has a high degree of focus on job satisfaction and company culture. A good part of what motivates the employees comes from the type of culture in which they work. Building and developing a company culture can be a bit challenging to quantify and measure. However, it is an important function of HR management to retain and recruit employees.
Human resource management also protects employees. HR professionals are typically responsible for managing legal documents, policies, and regulations. They identify the regulations applying to their company, and try to find effective ways to educate employees and enforce company policy. HR professionals try their best to be an ally to the employees. They put emphasis on employee development, while also taking proactive steps in protecting the employees from issues like discrimination, workplace hazards, and unfair compensation.