HR offers fewer quantitative functions than the seven examples above, which are largely operational in nature: It exists to assist workers in thriving.
After all, workers are a company's most valuable asset. As a result, safeguarding their well-being is critical. Here are four ways HR may aid workers with their emotional and professional needs:
1. Providing opportunities for professional advancement
Stagnation is terrible for business, therefore it's a good idea to retain your best personnel on board. HR may give career pathways to assist lead each employee to a successful future inside the organization. HR may then follow up with workers on a regular basis to further advise them on their career pathways.
2. Providing on-going education
Sometimes the above-mentioned job advancement necessitates further training. Your company may provide educational aid, and human resources may assist in determining which courses and training programs would be appropriate for an employee on his or her chosen career path. HR may also collaborate with managers to ensure that the employee's work schedule is flexible enough to allow for class attendance.
3. Manager training and support
Managers are not created. They are made. HR may assist managers in providing management assistance, ensuring that departments and teams are as healthy and functional as possible. This might entail sending managers to formal trainings and retreats on a regular basis.
4. Promoting health and well-being
It is critical to recognize that workers are individuals. They will need assistance in dealing with mental illness, health concerns, debt, pregnancy, adoption, and a variety of other life events. HR can assist workers in dealing with any of these and other situations.
When should you call human resources?
An HR department that does not communicate with workers is not doing its duties. While you're working on an onboarding method, teach new workers when to contact HR and what resources HR has to offer. The HR department should organize one-on-one interviews with workers on a regular basis to check in on their career growth, comfort in their jobs, and any other challenges they may be experiencing.
Given these duties, workers should feel safe contacting their HR departments in the following and comparable situations:
When you (or a coworker) is subjected to harassment or discrimination by your coworkers, including your management
When you have queries concerning benefits, such as company-provided health insurance or legal rights,
When your personal situation changes (e.g. having a child, needing to reduce your hours, needing accommodation for a disability)
When you need an impartial third-party to work through a work-related problem When you have concerns about growing within the organization, including possibilities to shadow other workers or enroll in further training