Human Resources is a critical component of every business or operations grid. It informs the business with its understand of how human capital affects the organization’s overall organizational success. It enables the employer to establish a salary structure that will adequately compensate its human resource personnel as comparable or even better skills than those of other employees. The main function of human resources is to recruit, hire, and retain the best employees available, with an eye toward future profitability. It also recognizes the need to keep its costs at a minimum by avoiding unneeded employee benefits.
The primary focus of human resource practices should always be to recruit high-performing employees who match the job profile, paying capacity, and skill set of the business. Leaders must therefore recognize their personal and group contributions to the organization in all areas and try to align their actions and accomplishments with these objectives. One important area to watch for as human resource leaders progress through their careers is pay equity. Pay equity is what would amount to the total compensation of an individual if he were to leave his or her employer and acquire another position in the same industry and/or discipline. The current practice is that the longer an employee has been with an employer, the more he or she will receive in salary; however, the quality of the employee’s performance is also factored in and should remain high.
The need to address stagnating pay equity in the workplace is one of the main drivers behind the push for greater workplace productivity and efficiency. A major factor behind this productivity drive is the growing awareness of the need to address the needs of all employees as well as the need for a well-balanced workforce, capable of producing both good profits and superior service to customers. Another driver behind the productivity push is the recognition that the physical and mental health of employees is directly linked to their productivity and profitability. This has given rise to a plethora of different HR strategies and practices designed to improve the well-being of employees as well as their overall productivity and well-being.
The advancement of internet technology has also contributed significantly to the increased productivity of companies across the globe. Increasingly, companies need to find ways to foster more interaction between their employees, which can only be done through an effective communication process. Many companies are discovering that implementing video conferencing can actually help to resolve some of the communication issues that exist between employees and management. In addition, the ability to view webcams has allowed for employees to view their bosses in real time, something that was previously impossible. Furthermore, the increasing use of smart phones and tablet computers have increased the need for employees to be able to take their tablets anywhere in the office, including the restroom and break room. All of these technological advances and the implementation of comprehensive HR technology trends are creating a very positive working environment for everyone involved.
Beyond simply ensuring that employees receive the best treatment possible, another benefit gained by implementing these strategies is the creation of a healthier work environment. Studies continue to reveal that the majority of workplace injuries occur during the work period, with many of them occurring during the lunch break. With this being the case, it is becoming increasingly necessary for businesses to implement strict lunch hour policies and even implement a 30 minute lunch break. Apart from this, many companies have discovered that implementing strict dress codes and other policies can go a long way towards reducing injuries among employees. By putting a greater focus on employee dress codes, an employer will not only ensure that they provide a safer working environment, they will also encourage greater employee motivation. All of these efforts combined can create a tremendous impact on overall morale and engagement.
Finally, studies continue to reveal that the introduction of new technology and strategies designed to enhance employee experience has led to an overall reduction in the level of absence related sickness absence due to illness. This improvement in the health and wellness of employees has resulted in a considerable reduction in the rate of missed days at work. In addition to this, according to a survey conducted by McKinsey, almost thirty percent of companies experience a high level of absenteeism due to sickness or stress, which is one of the main reasons for failed attempts at recruitment and higher turnover rates. Therefore, it is clear that there is a definite link between an improved working environment, increased motivation and improved employee engagement and a decrease in the rate of absence associated with sick leave. It is clear that the key to success in the 21st century lies in HR departments developing and implementing strategies which are designed to improve the health and wellness of employees through the various strategies listed above.