HR is an integral part of every organisation, managing its most valuable resource, its people. While it’s easy to think of HR as just handling hiring, payroll, and policies, the role goes far beyond that. So, what does HR do every day, and what skills do they need? Let’s take a look at some of the key roles HR professionals play in today’s businesses.
1. Talent Acquisition and Recruitment
Talent acquisition is all about finding the right person for the right job. HR needs to understand what the company needs, what each role requires, and how well a candidate will fit in with the team. It starts with writing job descriptions, posting job ads, and reviewing resumes. Once that’s done, HR interviews candidates to see if they match the company’s needs, keeping the budget in mind.
2. Onboarding Employees
When new employees join, HR is there to help them settle in. Onboarding isn’t just about filling out forms or watching slide presentations; it’s about helping new hires understand their role and get comfortable with the company. A smooth onboarding experience makes them feel part of the team faster, which helps improve retention. HR makes sure the training and support are in place to get them started on the right foot.
3. Employee Growth and Development
HR is focused on helping employees grow. They work with them to identify strengths and areas for improvement. HR also checks in regularly to make sure employees have what they need to progress in their career. They also work with managers to make sure the team is on track and supported. HR’s job is to give everyone the tools to succeed and reach their potential.
4. Performance Management
Performance reviews don’t have to be all formal and stressful. HR helps make them more useful by ensuring managers ask the right questions. The focus is on giving feedback that helps people improve, not just telling them what they did wrong. Instead of waiting for a big yearly review, HR encourages managers to have regular check-ins with employees, making feedback a regular occurrence.
5. Employee Wellbeing
HR plays a big role in making sure employees feel good about their work and their place in the company. It’s about creating a culture where people feel supported and connected to what they’re doing. HR is also key in promoting work culture that helps employees find work-life balance and focuses on their overall wellbeing. When employees feel like they’ve got that support, they’re happier, more engaged, and stick around longer.
6. Conflict Resolution
If something goes wrong at work, HR is often the first to step in. Whether it’s a disagreement between team members or more serious issues like harassment and discrimination, HR is there to sort things out. They ensure company policies are followed and that everyone is treated fairly. When problems arise, HR makes sure they’re handled quickly and properly, so the workplace stays positive and on track.
7. Compensation and Benefits Management
HR makes sure employees are paid fairly and have the benefits they deserve. They’re responsible for setting salaries, creating bonus structures, and managing benefits like health insurance and paid time off. HR also stays on top of legal changes, like minimum wage increases, so the company remains compliant with local manpower regulations. At the end of the day, it’s about ensuring employees feel valued and supported.
8. Compliance and Legal Obligations
HR ensures the company follows all necessary regulations, from employment laws to workplace standards. They focus on creating a respectful, safe work environment. If there’s an issue, like harassment or discrimination, HR steps in quickly to address it. They also monitor legal changes to make sure company policies are up to date and compliant with the law.
Want to dive more deeply into generalist versus specialist HR roles? Read our blog here.
Level Up Your HR Skills with Infotech Academy’s WSQ HR Course
HR is more than just filling positions; it’s about creating a space where everyone feels supported, has room to grow, and knows their well-being is a priority. When HR is done right, it helps employees succeed and feel truly valued.
If you’re already in HR and want to take your skills to the next level, consider our WSQ HR Course for Enhanced Productivity at Infotech Academy. You’ll gain hands-on experience on HR software that can make your daily tasks more efficient.
Contact us to know more about our WSQ courses. Or call us at +65 6668 7222 or email us at courses@infotech.edu.sg.
As a linguistics enthusiast, I am passionate about transforming complex ideas into simple, engaging stories. With a strong background in the tech space, I’m excited to craft content that captivates audiences through the power of words, specifically focusing on tech-related topics.