3 Ways HR Managers Help Businesses Succeed

Today’s human resources managers are integral to the overall business strategy of the company they work for. The recruitment, hiring, training and retention of human capital can have a profound effect on business success. Below are three ways human resources managers can help shape, lead, and protect the present and future of a company.

1. Understand Business Objectives. Human resources managers need to fully understand business goals to plan effectively for the present and future needs of a company. “The executive team should be sharing very specific information with HR such as what resources, capabilities, and skill sets will be needed to keep the company competitive.” Human resources decisions have a significant effect on a business, and HR managers should have a complete understanding of the current and future priorities of the company. An HR manager should be active within all company departments in order to gain an overview of the business as a whole. With this understanding, an HR manager can create a hiring and development plan tailored to meet the specific human capital needs of a company; hiring and developing the right people at the right time to keep the company moving in the desired direction.
2. Communicate Effectively. HR managers must be able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of internal and external contacts. However, successful human resources managers also understand the value of listening. An HR manager who chooses to connect with the human capital of the company, observing the overall tone of the employee population, can work to provide solutions to issues quickly if they arise. Requesting and being ready to receive employee feedback gives human resources managers an opportunity to better understand what employees need from the company in order to produce at the highest possible level. Use of “Active Listening Techniques” can be beneficial in helping HR managers hear and understand what is being communicated to them. Providing both verbal feedback (repeating what you believe the person is saying back in your own words,) and nonverbal feedback (nodding your head, leaning toward the speaker slightly,) demonstrates that a listener is connected and giving the communication full attention. A human resources manager who can convey ideas clearly and listen effectively is also better equipped to resolve conflicts that may arise and help other employees communicate appropriately as well.
3. Understand the Law. A human resources manager is a company’s initial resource for laws regarding employment and workplace behavior and conditions. An understanding of labor laws can help prevent employer violations and protect a company. Providing thorough training and reference materials to supervisors detailing these laws is key. Additionally, human resources managers should understand the process of documentation that needs to be followed when the possibility of a violation exists. Human resources managers should coordinate with company legal counsel to create a comprehensive plan for training, prevention, and reporting of possible violations.

To learn more how HR managers can help businesses succeed check out Maryville’s Online MBA program.