Major Categories of HR Management

Major Categories of HR Management Activities

Recruitment

The selective recruitment of employees is another major component handled by HR. This involves searching for the right people to fit in specific roles. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, HR professionals often comb college campuses and job fairs for potential candidates. HR can then check references, test for particular skills and conduct interviews to determine if individuals are a good fit for the company.

Compensation

The selective recruitment of employees is another major component handled by HR. This involves searching for the right people to fit in specific roles. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, HR professionals often comb college campuses and job fairs for potential candidates. HR can then check references, test for particular skills and conduct interviews to determine if individuals are a good fit for the company.

Training & Development

HR management also manages the training for new employees. Some training might only involve handing out a training manual and information on company policies. Other times, HR managers must coordinate off-site training through training managers within their organization. These employees also coordinate training sessions for existing employees who need to improve skills in using computer software, writing and oral presentations. 

Performance  Appraisal

HR managers usually develop performance appraisal forms for their organizations. These forms are often used to determine the percentages and amounts of raises employees receive each year. Performance evaluations also help department managers determine in which areas their employees need improvement such as report writing, working in teams and following directions. HR managers might suggest certain development plans for those employees who are not meeting minimal requirements on the job. 

Payroll

Handling compensation concerns is a chief duty of the HR department. Processing payroll accurately and on time is of great importance to everyone at the company. The main types of compensation that an HR professional deals with are guaranteed pay and variable pay. Guaranteed pay is an employee's hourly wages or set salary, while variable pay is contingent on performance generally in the form of bonuses or incentives.

Safety & Health

All HR departments must ensure that the working environment is safe. The degree to which HR employees work on safety and health issues is contingent on the types of companies in which they work. HR managers in small factories, retail companies and restaurants must follow certain safety guidelines devised by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These guidelines might include proper ways to lift merchandise or stack and store food inventory. Small business employers might also be required to post instructions showing emergency procedures for handling burns or exiting a building in case of fires.

Legal Issues

HR departments must be cognizant of discriminatory practices that can exist in the workplace. These issues might pertain to ethnic background, race, sexual harassment and other practices. Many HR managers devise and implement sensitivity training to apprise company employees about these issues. Some might even invite experts in to discuss various topics during one-hour seminars.

Community Initiatives

Companies should to be involved with causes and activities in their locality. Communities rely on the support and aid of the business sector to function as a society and meet the needs of its people. The HR department is responsible for coordinating company activities that serve its local area such as blood drives and recycling programs or other green initiatives.

Paperwork and Orientation

Most HR managers ensure that employees complete several key employment forms on their first day. One such form is the W-4 or Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate form. This form determines how much federal income tax will be deducted from employees' pay checks. The other form is the I-9 or Employment Eligibility Verification form, which shows the employee is legally allowed to work in the United States. Additionally, HR management usually introduces new employees to people in the company, telling them whom to see for specific issues