What Does a Human Resource Manager DoWhat Does a Human Resource Manager DoWhat Does a Human Resource Manager Do

Human resource managers are vital leaders in their organizations, overseeing employee recruitment, staff training and development, and workplace policies and processes. The importance of human resource managers is especially evident today as companies adapt to new technologies, laws, and benefits programs to improve employee experiences and interrelations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of human resource managers to grow 7% from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average projected increase for all occupations.

What does a human resource manager do on a daily basis, and how can future professionals develop the skills to build rewarding careers in this evolving role? Read on to find out.

The Role of the Human Resource Manager

A human resource manager’s primary objective is to oversee a company’s administrative function, including:

  • Talent recruitment. This involves scouting prospective candidates, coordinating interviews with qualified applicants, and establishing an onboarding process for new hires.
  • Payroll and benefits. Human resource managers supervise the payroll department to ensure payments and benefits programs are processed correctly. They may also report to the accounting department and set up incentive programs for recruiting new employees.
  • Training and development. This aspect of the job involves maintaining training and development programs for new hires, as well as current employees who may need to be updated on new processes and learn new skills.
  • Governance. Human resource managers handle compliance with certain standards such as equal employment opportunities. They also oversee employee relations and address workplace issues such as disputes, sexual harassment claims, workplace health and safety, and labor law negotiations.

Human resource managers play a key role in developing an organization’s culture. They facilitate communication between a company’s managers and employees, helping to resolve disputes or complaints and advise executives on relevant policies for workplace conduct. These managers further work with executives to manage talent and ensure employees are delivering the most value. They may set up training resources and workshops as necessary to improve employee engagement, address workplace inequalities, or help develop necessary skills for success and improved performance.

The Skills of Effective Human Resource Management

Certain skills are considered essential for effectiveness in a human resource manager position, including:

  • Communication skills. Human resource managers must know how to clearly and effectively speak, write, and present about programming for both employees and executives. They should also be good listeners, gathering information about each party’s needs to build the most effective workplace strategies and help develop relationships.
  • Leadership skills. Professionals in this role lead colleagues and company employees in upholding programs and processes for hiring, training, and risk management. They also oversee teams to ensure people are fulfilling their tasks and responsibilities to the organization.
  • Technical skills. These managers should keep up with emerging technologies and trends that can help them streamline and automate processes for increased productivity.
  • Organizational skills. Human resource managers must be able to juggle a range of responsibilities, such as handling talent scouting and hiring, employee training, workplace dispute management, and payroll and benefits programming.

Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management program can help future leaders develop the core competencies needed to excel in this role. Students learn how to use the latest human resource methods and technologies to help companies onboard valuable talent and achieve their goals. The curriculum is designed to provide students with necessary skills in core areas such as talent management, labor relations, employment law, negotiations, compliance, and recruitment.

Students in Maryville’s human resource management program also engage in hands-on learning opportunities through experiential projects and internships, preparing them for real-world success in their field. Graduates can go on to pursue advanced education and certifications from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and HR Certification Institute (HRCI).

Emerging Trends in Human Resources

The answer to “What does a human resource manager do on a daily basis?” will continue to evolve as new technologies and digital trends emerge, making it important for human resource managers to develop basic technical skills.

According to a 2018 CareerBuilder survey, 70% of employers use social media to vet potential employees, and 43% use social media to monitor current employees’ actions and behaviors. Half of employers do so to ensure candidates remain professional online, and 57% had found information that led them to reject a candidate for a position. Human resource managers need to understand how to use channels such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to find new talent and conduct comprehensive screenings during the hiring process.

Human resource information systems (HRIS) are also impacting human resource managers’ responsibilities. These software platforms are designed to automate processes such as data entry and analysis to help human resource teams track applications, onboard new hires, monitor employee performance, and manage payments. An HRIS also allows teams to store important company documents, training procedures, and compliance protocols in one place so employees can easily access and distribute these assets throughout the organization as needed.

Additionally, human resource managers are preparing to welcome Generation Z — people born between 1995 and 2012 (approximately) — into the workforce. Compared with millennials, Gen Zers are more competitive and entrepreneurial, carry greater student debt, and place more value on security and privacy. As a result, they may not be as willing to share personal information with employers or post it on their social media platforms. They may also seek specific benefits, such as loan assistance, flexible work schedules, and retirement savings plans.

Build a Career in Human Resource Management

Maryville University’s online Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management program prepares aspiring human resource managers to become business leaders who can make a difference in employees’ lives and the future of companies. Students learn to effectively navigate changing regulations, market competition for talent, and emerging methods for success.

Learn more about how Maryville University’s online bachelor’s in human resource management degree program can help you pursue your professional goals.

Recommended  Readings

Human Resource Management Careers: Essential Roles in Business

Business Management vs. Human Resource Management: Comparing Two Career Paths

How to Become a Compensation and Benefits Manager

Sources

Business News Daily, “Keep It Clean: Social Media Screenings Gain Popularity”

CIO, “What Is an HRIS? A Key Tool for All Your Human Resources Needs”

Forbes, “15 Effective Ways HR Can Help Create a Sustainable Company Culture”

Houston Chronicle, “Primary Responsibilities of a Human Resource Manager”

Training, “How Will Gen Z Change the Workplace Created for Millennials?”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Human Resources Managers

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