Introduction
Most people in all likelihood are aware of the term human resources and must have heard of different organisations and sectors. They can be an indispensable link to the success of an organisation. It helps in the expansion of a company and illuminates necessary company policies, information, and benefits. An HR manager also assures that you are updated with the newest changes to employment law.
Human Resources Definition
In small businesses, you may not have the need to appoint human resources or an HR team. But if you are a growing company or thinking to flourish your company, then you should not think twice before engaging an HR. Most people do not have a clear idea about what HR is and what are the key responsibilities of an HR team. Basically, human resources handle and resolve the issues that arise by the employees or around the employees (and employer as well) in an organisation.
Responsibilities of Human Resources
People have stereotypical opinions when they are asked what is human resources since they have always known about the specific job role of an HR. But over the years, we have seen why human resources are important in any organisation. It focuses on every aspect of a company or a sector. These days, HR targets assisting a business through a wide range of activities. It includes proper engagement of employees, to refine the working environment and advise the managers to upgrade their employees’ performance.
Course Modules for Human Resources
Just like every other course, human resources as a course subject follow a few criteria. Some colleges permit admission based on an entrance test, and some require 50% of marks in 10+2 or equivalent examinations from an acknowledged state or central board. There are several sectors divided for an HR job role, and you can through the terms below:
Recruitment
Digital media
Education and training
Medical and health care
Information technology
Banking and finance
Hospitality and tourism
Telecommunication and insurance
The fee structure of the HR course varies in different colleges and also in which sector of Human resources you want yourself to get admitted into. HR courses can be carried out on a full-time or part-time basis through regular, online or distance learning methods. To have a practical understanding of online classes regarding this course, you can visit Vedantu’s official website.
Importance of Human Resource
Since HR is a booming field, pursuing a career in this field can provide several lucrative job offers in the best companies. Employees are blessings in any business, and recruiting the right professionals is the requirement of every organisation. Here, we understand the actual concept or human resources. An HR of the company plays a pivotal role in bringing worthy candidates for the organisation. They need to understand the organisation’s specification and approach; only then will they be able to bring out the best performances from the candidates.
Types of Human Resources
There are various departments divided into HR jobs, and different departments have key responsibilities to perform. The departments that are most common in HR jobs are mentioned below:
Employment Specialist
Human Resource Assistant
Human Resource Coordinator
Recruiter
Human Resources Generalist
Recruitment Manager
Employee Relations Manager
Human Resources Manager
Core Component in an Organisation
As we already know, Human resources are not a small-scale department. It performs significant responsibilities and shows the path of development and growth of a company. So, there is no exact human resources definition as this department promotes employee’s contentment and obedience.
There are very few things in our surroundings that are irreplaceable. Human resources are one of those things that do not have a substitute. If you ask us what HR means in one line, we would say, an HR holds the essence of an organisation and performs the responsibilities with competence.
Role of Human Resource in Economic Development
Human resources and economic development are interrelated. It is one of the principal factors for obtaining economic development of a nation. The economic development of a country constitutes several factors like:
If per capita GDP is high and if the country has the faulty infrastructure, the disparity in income value, then it would not be considered as economic development.
Decrease rate of unemployment and reduce the number of impoverished.
Labour sections of people are making a productive contribution in the country, but the increased rate of population hinders the development process and thus hampers the economic development of the country.
Human resources can be highly responsible for economic development as it can provide knowledge to people, make them skilled and physically fit, which can further raise the potency of the workers. To gain more knowledge about what is the human resource in Economics, you can download the Vedantu app and check out online classes
FAQs on Human Resources: Roles and Importance
1. What is the fundamental definition of Human Resources (HR) in a business context?
In a business context, Human Resources (HR) refers to the department responsible for managing an organisation's most valuable asset—its people. It involves a strategic and comprehensive approach to managing employees and the workplace culture and environment. The primary goal of HR is to ensure that the company can achieve success through its people by handling all aspects of the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to retirement.
2. Why is the Human Resources function considered crucial for the success of an organisation?
The importance of Human Resources lies in its ability to be the backbone of an organisation. HR is crucial because it ensures that the right people with the right skills are hired, trained, and motivated. An effective HR department helps in fostering a positive work culture, improving employee morale and productivity, and resolving conflicts. By managing talent and ensuring legal compliance, HR directly contributes to the company's stability, growth, and profitability, making it an indispensable function.
3. What are the primary roles and responsibilities of a Human Resources department?
The primary roles of a Human Resources department are diverse and cover the entire employee journey. Key responsibilities include:
Recruitment and Selection: Attracting, screening, and hiring qualified candidates.
Training and Development: Onboarding new employees and providing ongoing training to enhance skills.
Compensation and Benefits: Designing and managing salary structures, bonuses, and employee benefits.
Performance Management: Setting performance standards and conducting regular appraisals.
Employee Relations: Maintaining a positive employer-employee relationship and resolving disputes.
Compliance: Ensuring the organisation adheres to all labour laws and regulations.
4. What are some practical examples of day-to-day HR activities in a company?
Examples of common day-to-day HR activities include conducting job interviews, processing payroll, administering employee benefit programs like health insurance, maintaining employee records, organising training workshops, updating company policies, and mediating workplace conflicts. These activities are the operational side of fulfilling the broader roles of HR.
5. What is the difference between Human Resource Management (HRM) and Human Resource Development (HRD)?
While related, Human Resource Management (HRM) and Human Resource Development (HRD) have different focuses. HRM is a broader function concerned with the overall management of people, including recruitment, compensation, and employee relations. In contrast, HRD is a subset of HRM that specifically focuses on the growth and development of employees through training, career planning, and performance improvement, aiming to enhance their skills and capabilities for current and future roles.
6. How does the role of HR extend beyond the company to impact a nation's economic development?
HR plays a significant role in a nation's economic development by cultivating a skilled and productive workforce. By focusing on training and development, HR enhances the 'human capital' of the country. This leads to increased organisational productivity, higher business revenues, and greater tax contributions. Furthermore, by ensuring fair labour practices and creating stable employment, HR contributes to social stability and a higher standard of living, which are key drivers of economic growth.
7. In what ways does HR play a strategic role in shaping a company's culture and long-term objectives?
Strategically, HR moves beyond administrative tasks to become a partner in achieving business goals. It shapes company culture by designing hiring processes that select for cultural fit, implementing performance systems that reinforce company values, and promoting communication and collaboration. By aligning HR strategies—like succession planning and leadership development—with the company's long-term objectives, the HR department ensures the organisation has the right talent and structure to succeed in the future.
8. How has technology changed the traditional roles and importance of Human Resources?
Technology has significantly transformed the role of HR. Automation of routine tasks like payroll and record-keeping has freed up HR professionals to focus on more strategic initiatives. Tools like Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and applicant tracking systems have made recruitment and data management more efficient. The rise of remote work has also increased the importance of HR in managing virtual teams, ensuring employee engagement, and developing new policies for a distributed workforce, making HR's role more strategic and data-driven than ever before.
