Learn How to Conquer Human Resources Challenges
A productive workforce is one of a business’s most valuable resources. No company can succeed without skilled workers – but keeping them present and productive can be a challenge. This is where human resource managers come in. These professionals play a vital role in navigating the world of employee recruitment and retention, helping their employers stay steady and turn a profit. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers a B.S. in Human Resource Management program that helps aspiring HR workers launch their careers, and an M.A. in Human Resource Management to help them take it to the next level. Here, we explore the most common human resources challenges and their solutions.
Career Opportunities in Human Resources
Human resources (HR) specialists and managers are the professionals responsible for managing their company’s workforce. They perform a variety of duties to recruit, train, and retain a skilled team, including:
- Identifying empty positions and hiring needs
- Interviewing job applicants to determine their suitability
- Performing background and skill checks
- Designing attractive employee benefits packages
- Providing or overseeing employee onboarding and training
- Answering questions regarding organizational policies
- Maintaining employee relations and satisfaction
- Handling employment records and payroll
While some human resource managers are trained for all the above disciplines, others specialize in a narrower role. Talent acquisition specialists, for example, focus on finding, screening, and hiring employees to fill empty positions. Meanwhile, training specialists are concerned with preparing these new hires to fill their roles productively. An M.A. in Human Resource Management offers further opportunities for specialization.
Common Human Resource Challenges
The job outlook for human resource managers is strong. They are in demand everywhere employees are hired. They earn a median of $136,350 per year, making this a rewarding position – but not one without its challenges. Individuals entering the HR field must be prepared to navigate an ever-changing landscape. Potential HR challenges include:
Attracting Top Talent
Worker expectations have fundamentally changed over recent years, as employees are reconsidering what work means to them. The usual offers – competitive pay, strong benefits packages, and employee development – aren’t always enough. Prospects also look for a supportive company culture, fair values, opportunities for career advancement, and a sense of purpose. These priorities can change across demographics, as employees of different ages and backgrounds have different priorities.
HR managers must take an adaptable approach to talent acquisition. Use surveys, interviews, and focus groups to find out what your workforce needs. Be open to changing your strategies in response.
Job Retention
While filling positions and onboarding new employees is important, HR managers cannot afford to neglect their existing talent. Recruiting and training replacements can be costly, especially for skilled workers. In addition, the loss of invaluable team members can demotivate the remaining workforce, leading to lost productivity. Keeping employees happy is an essential part of keeping profits up.
HR managers may leverage a variety of strategies to retain employees. Incentives that employees value will encourage them to remain in their positions. In addition, managerial training can build trust between employees and their leadership to improve worker satisfaction.
Remote Work or In-Office?
Though some jobs have been performed remotely for years, national COVID-19 shutdowns pushed the issue to the forefront across all industries. Almost everyone was working from home, and the advantages and disadvantages of a remote workplace were made strikingly clear. Now that restrictions are lifting, companies must decide: stay remote, return to the office, or implement a hybrid model?
Many employees enjoy the flexibility of remote work, which allows them to attend to other life needs more easily. If they can’t find this flexibility locally, they may seek it elsewhere. This affects employee retention as well.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) Effectively
The rapid rise of analytic and generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools has had a transformative effect on business and technology. More businesses are exploring ways to improve efficiency by implementing AI tools to support a variety of tasks, from creative brainstorming to technical work.
As with any tool, AI is most effective when adopted strategically. HR managers must define their company’s relationship to AI, including how it is used, expectations for those who interact with it, and how its implementation may impact training and reskilling. They should also discuss ways to protect people who use AI from the cultural backlash directed against this new technology.
Managing DEI Goals and Politics
DEI refers to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. These programs are invaluable for attracting and retaining talent, encouraging employee engagement, and appealing to customers – increasing profit in the long run. They are also, however, often the first programs to face budget cuts or political scrutiny.
HR managers face the constant challenge of maintaining DEI goals, including diverse hiring practices and embedding DEI into the employee experience. They also may need to navigate a limited budget. They may also have to respond to political attacks against DEI policies with the fluidity to know when to adjust their approach and when to stand their ground.
Study to Overcome Human Resources Challenges
Do the challenges of human resource management sound exciting to you? Take your first steps toward a rewarding new career at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. We are a private, nonprofit Lasallian Catholic university committed to nurturing and empowering students with a high-quality education. We offer in-person and online human resource management certificate programs, preparing future professionals to overcome human resources challenges. Request more information or consult our admission team for further details.
