Human Resources is a fundamental component of any organisation’s internal business structure. HR managers are required to plan, coordinate and monitor all other divisions within the organisation, and staff retention and talent management strategies are both core elements of this role. HR managers and their teams require leadership, setting the benchmark for the company’s code of conduct, while also offering a diverse workforce and environment optimising productivity and job satisfaction with a strong focus on embedding the companies culture.
So, what are the most essential skills of a HR Manager in 2018? We have compiled a list of the key attributes for Human Resource Management professionals in 2018.
Key HR Skill #1: Organisation
While being organised applies to most roles across the board, HR managers typically approach their daily tasks with planning and efficiency. All documents and policies must be accessible and up to date at all times while meetings, interviews, inductions and outings are scheduled around the responsibilities and commitments of others, i.e. employees, managers and candidates. Other responsibilities of a HR manager include compensation and benefits negotiation, supervising and involved employment life cycle and company changes, in order to carry out these tasks a HR manager must follow a process and company policies to show they are an efficient and accessible HR department building trust with their employees.
HR Management Key Skill #2: Change Management
Most organisations today are in a constant state of change. Projects, matrices, technology systems and teams spring into being, run their course, and disband as others form. Hierarchies have been squashed, and companies have can have multiple generations working along side one another. HR has to manage a constant level of change within a business and ensure there are processes in place so that all employees and prepared, involved and can cope with changes directly impacting their roles and work lives.
Key HR Skill #3: Multi-tasking
HR differs to many other departments while working off the premises that responsibilities and priorities can change at any time. What makes a successful HR manager is their ability to prioritise and multitask all elements of their role, managing the talent strategy, interviews, training and coaching programmes, inductions and employee relation issues. The ability to multitask also comes with the capability of handling pressure in stressful situations whether it’s internal or external factors.
Key HR Skill #4: Communication
The HR department is the face of the organisation representing the company brand, strong interpersonal skills and effective communication are major aspects of this role. HR managers are responsible for circulating information to employees from senior managers, therefore communication must be clear and effective at all times. Whether it’s emailing employees regarding organisation changes, in-house training and feedback or employee lifecycle updates, HR managers are required to communicate in a professional manner, speaking clearly and confidently and building a strong working relationship with employees.
Key HR Skill #5: Negotiation /Conflict Management
When disputes arise within the work environment, it is vital they are acknowledged and resolved immediately, addressing office employee relation issues between work colleagues is a core responsibility of HR professionals.
Key HR Skill #6: Discretion
HR managers are responsible for personal information of employees within the organisation. Some of this information may be sensitive, the HR department is responsible for the safe keeping of this personal information ensuring it is filled correctly and secure at all times.
