The need for HR professionals is always there, regardless of economic downturns. This makes a career in human resources particularly attractive to many.
But what is human resource management? How can you launch a career in this field? And what qualifications do you need to start?
This article is a complete guide to human resources, including what human resource management is and its seven pillars. We will also suggest different courses you can pursue to launch your career.
What is human resource management?
Human resource management (HRM) is managing a company’s employees. It involves various functions to ensure the business recruits, hires, trains and manages the right people to help achieve its goals.
Effective human resource management involves a wide range of activities, including:
- Strategic planning
- Employee development
- Performance management
- Compliance with labour laws
In many ways, the HR department functions as a bridge between the company’s management and employees. Human resources managers are responsible for handling complaints, resolving conflict, and fostering relationships between all personnel.
What are the 7 pillars of human resource management?
The seven pillars of human resource management are foundational areas that support and guide HR practices within a company.
1. Recruitment and selection
The process of attracting, selecting, and onboarding the best candidate for the company. HR professionals are responsible for:
- Job analyses
- Creating and posting job listings
- Screening candidates
- Interviewing candidates to find the best fit
2. Training and development
This involves enhancing the skills and knowledge of new employees to improve their performance and prepare them to succeed in their roles. Some key activities include:
- Planning and creating training programmes
- Setting up career development initiatives
- Working with third parties to provide the best education to existing employees
3. Performance management
Frequently assess and improve employee performance through regular feedback and goal setting. This includes:
- Setting performance standards
- Conducting performance appraisals
- Providing feedback
- Implementing performance improvement plans
4. Compensation and benefits
Providing fair and competitive salaries and benefits to attract top talent and retain workers. According to Statista, fair compensation is the third most essential factor employees consider when choosing a job, only after impactful work and career advancement opportunities.
This pillar includes the following tasks:
- Salary structure design
- Job evaluation
- Administering benefits such as health insurance
- Managing compensation policies
5. Employee relations
Managing the relationships between the company and its workers to create a positive work environment and company culture. This includes the following key activities:
- Addressing employee grievances
- Resolving conflict
- Fostering employee engagement
- Hosting employee events
6. Compliance and legal
Ensuring the business adheres to all relevant labour laws and regulations to avoid trouble that could cost the company thousands or even millions. HR professionals are responsible for the following:
- Monitoring changes in labour laws
- Implementing compliant HR policies
- Managing risks
- Ensuring high workplace safety and health standards
7. HR strategy and planning
Aligning HR strategies with the company’s overarching goals and strategy. Some key activities to achieve this include:
- Workforce planning
- HR analytics
- Succession planning
- Developing HR procedures that support the company’s objectives
What qualifications do I need for a career in human resource management in South Africa?
There are different types of human resource management courses with varying levels of commitment and financial investment. These include, but are not limited to, a higher certification and a BCom degree.
Regent Business School offers a range of HR courses to provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in this field. Here are the essential qualifications and some of the courses we offer:
1. Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management
The HC in Human Resource Management is a 1-year entry-level qualification ideal for individuals seeking to start their careers in HRM. It provides foundational knowledge and skills in HR practices and principles.
2. Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Human Resource Management
The BCom in Human Resource Management is a 3-year comprehensive undergraduate degree that covers all aspects of HRM and prepares students for various roles within the field. It covers multiple modules, including:
- Business Management
- Commercial Law
- Financial Accounting
- Statistics
- Labour Relations
- Human Resource Information Systems
- Organisational Development
- Strategic Human Resource Management
- And much more
One of the benefits of studying an HR course is that it opens the door to further studies. After finishing your degree, you can pursue a postgraduate diploma or a Master of Business Administration.
FAQ
What skills are required to work in HR?
HR requires many skills to manage and support your company’s workforce. These include communication, interpersonal, empathy, ethical judgment and integrity, organisational skills, leadership abilities, and knowledge of labour laws and regulations.
What does an HR Manager do?
HR Managers are responsible for ensuring a company has the right people to help it achieve its goals. This includes attracting, hiring, developing, and retaining the workforce. It also involves building relationships between employees and management to create a positive company culture.
Is human resource management a promising career?
HR management can be advantageous for many reasons, including a wide range of human resource management jobs, high salary expectations, and career advancement. It also provides job stability since HR professionals are needed even during economic downturns.
Study a human resource management courses with REGENT
The Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management is ideal for those who want to explore the field of HR but do not necessarily want to commit to a three-year degree.
On the other hand, if you know that HR is ideal for you and want to build a thriving career in this field, consider the BCom in Human Resource Management.
