There was once a time not that long ago when work was a purely utilitarian affair – employers would hire someone (through their ‘Personnel Department’) based on their “hard skills” or ability to perform the practical aspects of a job no more, no less. Discussions of a more holistic nature were rare and contemporary notions like workplace “culture” and “work/life balance” were dismissed as having little relevance on the actual doing of the work at hand. In these more traditional days, the role of a HR Manager (then referred to as a Personnel Manager) was simply to hire and fire staff where required – all with an eye to the company’s bottom-line.
But the nature of work has changed dramatically since the 1980’s as the economies of developed nations have increasingly shifted from manufacturing and process- driven roles (many which have now be outsourced or automated) to service-based roles that require critical thinking and creativity over form-filling and physical labour. As a result of these changes, the nature of human resources management has also evolved to reflect the simple truth that keeping employees happy is the best way to improve productivity and therefore the bottom line.
HR: A Dynamic, Fast Growing Profession
With the mantra of modern HR being that “an organisations most valuable resource are its people” (or human capital), today’s HR managers are responsible for more than just hiring and firing, although these traditional roles are still a key part of their job description. But more than just the mechanical aspects of their role, HR managers are now also focused on the important task of building and strengthening company culture to attract talent to their organisation in the first place and to keep them there once they’ve arrived. This imperative becomes clear with a 2016 Gallup survey finding that only 24% of Australian employees consider themselves to be “engaged at work”, whilst only 17% believed there is open communication throughout all levels of their organisation. Creating an environment where people are happy to spend 40 hours of their week and where communication can be open and constructive is the key goal, as is the second major task of aiding the professional development of staff (their “hard skills”) so they can perform their job more effectively. Listed below are key duties and responsibilities of modern HR jobs as defined by the Federal Government’s Job Outlook website:
RECRUITMENT
– Advertising vacancies via the relevant job portals, websites etc.
– Sorting through candidate applications & shortlisting promising prospects for interview
– Interviewing shortlisted candidates and making job offers
– “Onboarding” new employees by introducing them to company procedures, culture, colleagues etc.
HR ADMINISTRATION
– Maintaining employee records, including salary & superannuation details
– Ensuring employees are paid on time & the correct amount
– Liaising with management on HR laws and relevant regulations
– Resolving disputes between employees & managers satisfactorily, this includes terminating employment where necessary
BUILDING COMPANY CULTURE
– Overseeing workplace initiatives such as social events, flexible work practices etc. to improve employee morale & productivity
– Overseeing physical improvements to the workplace such as ergonomic
– Furniture & more functional layouts to achieve the above aims
– Encouraging & listening to employee feedback
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING
– Facilitating training sessions & courses for employers to improve key skills directly relevant to their role
– Recognising good work & arranging opportunities for promotion
Why You Should Study an Online Diploma of Human Resources Management with National Training?
If you’re thinking of pursuing a career in HR, National Training are well placed to help you achieve this goal. Founded in 2006, we are one now one of Australia’s largest RTO’s (Registered Training Organisations) and offer our students low-cost, 12 month online diplomas covering 8 in-demand subjects of which HR Management is just one. Having successfully trained more than 8,000 students over the past decade, we enjoy an enviable completion rate of 60% – a high figure for online study providers. Like all our courses, our Diploma of Human Resources Management, taught by experienced industry professionals is focused on equipping you with the practical skills you’ll need to work in this field effectively and hit the ground running on your first day of employment. With 3 units, each featuring 3 individual subjects, you will have 12 months to complete this diploma and can study whenever you like, wherever you like. Usually $2,950, this course is currently ON SPECIAL until February 28th 2017 for the discounted price of just $2,190! See below for a brief summary of the subjects you’ll be studying:
MANAGE HR & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
– Manage personal work priorities and professional development
– Manage human resources services
– Manage workforce planning
EMPLOYMENT LIFE CYCLE
– Manage recruitment selection and induction processes
– Develop and manage performance-management processes
– Manage diversity in the workplace
WHS, HR RELATIONS & PAYROLL
– Implement & monitor WHS policies, procedures & programs to meet legislative requirements
– Manage employee relations
– Manage payroll
Keen to get your HR career started? CONTACT US TODAY to learn more about our online Diploma of Human Resources Management and make 2017 your year of progress!
