Why every business needs a HR professional – Part 1.
No matter the size of your business, managing Human Resources (HR) and Industrial Relations (IR) are a vital element to success. Whether you look to employ internally to manage this process or engage with an external service provider, like Workplace Partners.
People are central to every business, so it’s not only critical to have the right people and to retain them but it’s also your obligation as a business owner to keep them safe. The business of HR and IR has evolved from essentially being responsible for the “hiring and firing” to taking ownership of providing a high return on investments in the business of people, all the while meeting ever changing legal and compliance requirements.
What is HR?
HR is a wide umbrella that covers all elements in a business from strategic planning to training and development. At Workplace Partners we work with businesses to assist in areas like induction and on-boarding, people and performance management, safety and environment, Fair Work and legislative compliance, employment contracts, workplace audits, and training and development.
The role of HR affects all aspects of the business because human resource supports employees and employees are your most important resource. Here are a few reasons why every business needs to employ an HR professional:
Recruitment
New employee recruitment is a vital element of any business. HR professionals manage the recruitment process from determining where new hires are needed in the business, to interviewing, screening and selecting. During the process, HR professionals also consider cultural fit to ensure the successful candidate fits in with company culture. Hiring for company culture as well as professional suitability is critical for both the long term success for the candidate and the business.
On-boarding new staff
In addition to successfully securing new staff for the business, HR is responsible for the on-boarding and induction process. A streamline induction process for new hires is incredibly valuable to a business in the long run as it eliminates any hurdles and settles new staff into the team and workflow seamlessly.
Employment law
A HR professional with strong knowledge of workplace legislation is critical in any business. HR that knows the ins and outs of employment law can help your business navigate through the complex and ever changing industrial relations landscape. HR professionals can guide you through the steps in hiring and firing to avoid or mitigate an unfair dismissal, general protections, or underpayment claim. Just one mistake could put you and your business at a financial and reputational risk. To protect yourself against a lawsuit, engage a HR professional who can help you in achieving and maintaining compliance with state and federal workplace legislation.
Employee management
Maintaining employee satisfaction and engagement is another key role of a HR professional. They act as the middle man between management and employees and even between employees themselves. Keeping employees grounded is essential in maintaining a positive workplace atmosphere and overall satisfaction. Communicating employee incentives and benefits sits with HR, along with processing any applications and forms associated with this.
Every business regardless of size needs HR
Regardless of the size of your business, if you employ others, you need to ensure that you have the HR knowledge and know how to effectively manage and build your team. Save yourself time, money, and the potential stress of a lawsuit by engaging a HR professional.
Most businesses don’t need a full time HR professional of a whole HR department so consider hiring a part-time HR professional or outsource your HR needs to an external service provider like Workplace Partners.
The information contained within this article is for general advice only, to obtain specific advice for your business contact us on 1300 116 400 or email [email protected].