Transforming role of HR Managers

Transforming role of HR Managers

The role of Human Resource Managers are transforming these days.  Gone are those days in which HR function was viewed as a support function and today, it has become the major differentiator for organizations and HR department is more aligned towards the strategic goals of the organizations.  This article would focus on the transformations that had happened in the roles of HR managers and how budding HR professionals can adapt to these new roles.

Style of Reporting:

Earlier HR managers were to report to single boss but today in organizations HR Managers are supposed to report to more than one boss. It may be his/her functional head and administrative head, who may be present in different location and sometimes in different country. Each boss may have different personality styles so HR manager should be very careful so that they do not hurt the ego of their boss and see to it they satisfy both their bosses.

Managing Time:

The role of HR managers has changed substantially today; he/she is supposed to wear multiple hats in and out of the organization. HR Mangers should attend meeting with the employers, which is inevitable, spend face time with the employees to understand and address their grievances, and participate in personal and professional success of employees such as wishing on their birthday and anniversary.  Finally, HR managers should maintain a proper work-life balance.  

So, HR managers should be proficient in handling their time and they should organize their calendar effectively.  They should plan their daily activities and prioritize the task. They can follow the simple to-do-list which would aid them to manage time effectively and efficiently.   

  

Managing Teams:

Organizations expect HR Managers to be trainer, mentor, motivator and effective communicators. They should be accessible, constantly educate and retain the team to deliver excellence. HR managers should maintain a good balance between employee and employer interests. HR Managers should provide feedback effectively or else employees would be demotivated.   Here’s an example for providing an effective feedback- “You have done a good job and here’s how to get better and best…”  

HR managers should take great attention in goal setting. You should set SMART goals and clearly define the parameters and never micromanage- let the team to perform.  HR managers should be buddies with the employees and at the same time you must command respect and lead.  HR managers should be capable of managing multiple teams from different geographical locations. Clear communication of the policies to various strategic business units should be given top priority.

High Adversity Quotient:  

HR managers should possess high adversity quotient because they act as a key player in implementation of strategies, policies, new ideas. They design these considering the current environment but unprecedented events happen which makes everything chaotic.  So, HR managers should be prepared to face unprecedented adversities with positive attitude, motivate themselves and teams and they should create high level of energy and endless enthusiasm.

Understand the business:   

  

HR managers should possess business acumen and partner with core functions of the organization.  Understanding the business nuances would help them to recruit the best talent, renders deeper knowledge about competitors and so on.

So, the budding HR professionals should understand and adjust to this system at a faster pace to succeed in the HR profession.

Author : Subburam N.N

College : Amrita School of Business, Bangalore

Email id : subburamnn@gmail.com