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A Professional In Human Resources

© Archana Khambekar

The quality of a company's output, it's productivity, implementation of business strategy and achievement of long term goals are linked to the quality of its personnel. The abilities of this valuable resource contribute to the success of an enterprise. In today's work environment companies are faced with the complexities of workforce diversity, rapid pace of technological changes and revisions in employment laws. Hence organizations rely on the expertise of a human resource professional in the performance of personnel functions such as:

• Estimate the staffing needs of the organization
• Assess and recruit prospective employees
• Assign appropriate positions
• Determine employee compensation and benefits
• Review job performance
• Plan employee training programs
• Ensure compliance with employment laws
• Mediate in disputes and support labor relations
• Ascertain employee satisfaction with working conditions
• Oversee restructuring and downsizing

In smaller organizations the HR generalist handles multiple tasks from recruitment, employee relations to workplace safety whereas larger firms have specialists for the different areas. For example compensation analysts determine pay scale structure, hiring specialists review resumes and interview candidates, allocation managers match assistants with managers or support staff with the appropriate departments and training specialists identify the firm's training needs and set up employee training programs. In order to prevent workplace disruptions, avoid expensive litigation and settle disputes through negotiation organizations need knowledgeable mediators or conciliators, which is another crucial HR job function. An emerging career track in this field is that of human resources information system specialists who develop computer applications to process information and assist in personnel functions.

Although new recruits learn about a company's work practices and procedures on the job, an educational background in human resources, personnel administration or industrial and labor relations provides a good grounding. Many universities offer degree programs in human resource management or personnel administration. An MBA with a major in HR will equip you with basic business skills and an understanding of HR function from a broader organizational perspective, a qualification that serves well when seeking senior management positions. Alternatively you can pursue a master's degree in HR which concentrates on core HR courses such as personnel management, organizational behavior and legal issues. On gaining some work experience in the field you can appear for certification exams administered by the Human Resource Certification Institute. These credentials are an industry recognized proof of your expertise that will further advance your career. The ability to communicate persuasively, work with people of different backgrounds, being tactful and to diffuse conflict situations are personal qualities that are much more relevant to the HR profession than in other occupations.