5 Key Roles in Human Resources

The human resources department is responsible for managing several key functions, including talent management, employee benefits and compensation, training and development, compliance, and workplace safety. These disciplines work together to help create an organizational structure and meet the needs of the business by effectively managing the company’s employees, who are considered the most valuable asset. In small companies, human resource managers may be responsible for handling multiple HR duties.

The talent management team within the HR department has a wide range of responsibilities, including recruiting, developing, and retaining employees. HR professionals play a crucial role in building a strong workforce for a company. They are responsible for managing the entire recruitment process, including posting job openings, sourcing candidates through job fairs and social media, reviewing resumes, conducting initial interviews, and coordinating the hiring process. The talent management team is also responsible for making the final hiring decision. The success of a talent management team is often measured by the number of positions filled each year, the sources of candidates (such as job postings, social media, or career fairs), and the time it takes to fill positions.

In smaller companies, salary and benefits may be managed by a few human resources professionals, while larger companies may have a dedicated team or teams for these tasks. HR professionals in charge of compensation are responsible for evaluating industry pay practices and establishing the company’s compensation structure. They also work with department managers to create job descriptions and with the talent management team on succession planning. HR practitioners in charge of benefits may be responsible for negotiating group health insurance rates with insurance providers or coordinating with the company’s benefits director. Payroll is also typically a part of the pay and benefits function within HR, although some companies choose to outsource this task to an accountant or payroll service.

To help employees succeed, companies need to provide them with the necessary resources, which may include physical tools such as laptops and business software, as well as training and development opportunities. These may include new employee orientation, leadership training programs, personal and professional development, and management training. Training and development is an important part of the HR team’s responsibilities.

Ensuring legal and regulatory compliance is a crucial aspect of the HR department. Employment and labor laws can be complex and constantly changing, and having a team dedicated to staying up-to-date on these regulations helps companies avoid potential legal issues. The HR compliance team also plays a key role in developing company policies, including the employee handbook, in collaboration with other HR professionals.

Ensuring a safe workplace for employees is a key focus for HR. This includes developing and providing safety training, as well as fulfilling legal requirements in the event of workplace injuries.