HR is the backbone of every organisation

Frans Shilongo

Organisations cannot function properly without HR. HR is the custodian of the organisation’s policy and staff rules which maintain orderly conduct. It is the link between employees and management and internal bridge between departments within an organisation and also the corridor that links to other organisation, partners and the community.

When people look at HR, all that comes to their mind is hiring and firing but in reality, HR has huge roles to play in organisations. HR is considered as all in one. HR is an informal lawyer as it provides advice and legal guidance. HR is an investigator as it research, gather evidence and proves reports. HR is social worker as it supports individuals and families during difficult times. HR is consultant as its coach, teach and partner up. HR is the communication centre; HR is an ambassador as it serves as the face of organisations.

One of the most powerful and useful tools to grow and develop an organisation is to involve and empower employees. Employees are empowered when they are made to understand the mission and vision of their organisation, given clear instructions, adequate resources to carry out tasks and provided with feedback. It is very important to consider employees suggestions and proposals and delegate some core functions to employees to challenge their abilities. The best way to welcome employees is to introduce them to their colleagues, show them around the office, give them induction, give them orientation and work to do immediately. Employees creates a great work environment when they know they are valued and feel that they are the really owner of the organisation. HR reminds employees that they are more of a family than colleagues and encourages team work within an organisation. It is crucial to maintain a conducive working environment as it yields positive results, high performance and maximum production.

Being a HR practitioner/coordinator there is no guarantee that you day will end on a high note. Day to day you are faced with new and unique challenges. HR works closely with human beings and it’s a known fact that human beings are the most difficult animal to deal/work with on earth. HR works in a diversified environment, with individuals from different backgrounds with different beliefs that interlink with others’ beliefs but HR have to find innovative way to balance situations.

HR is an exciting career, but there are days when you least want to be an HR practitioner. HR practitioners are faced with situations and difficult decisions to make such as terminating employees’ services or informing employees that they are fired. HR practitioners are human being with emotions; therefore, it is always difficult to give the bad news. HR strives to be fair and impartial to both the employees and organisation so HR has to set aside emotions and do the job.

Change is dynamic and the world is changing as we are moving forward. We are talking about the Fourth Industrial Revolution that change the way we live, work and how we relate to one another. HR is part of the world migration from manual to automation. I foresee the HR workforce being slashed to half in the next five years. Systems such as human capital management system will take over HR manual job. Employees will not be requiring physical supervision, employees may be required to work from home, enquiries will be done online, trainings, interviews and meeting will be conducted online. The future of HR is under threat but all would be fine if HR start preparing for change, keep up with change and the latest technology.

Organisations should invest more in HR as it is one of the most important departments in organisations but yet the most under-rated career.