Must-have Traits for the Modern HR People

Today, the world revolves around mobile—and to stay relevant, Human Resources needs to keep pace. HR evaluates our competencies, but how competent are our HR people? What competencies should HR professionals have now, most importantly in the advent of HR technology and event Ai? 

Understand Change and Trends

Many HR professionals are held back by clinging to the outdated thought that the human resources function is about serving employees. This was thought to be in the best interest of employees, however, not for the organization as a whole. 

According to Dr. Christopher Lee (2016), HR should champion high performance. Instead of helping and serving employees, it should be developing, supporting, encouraging, and enabling employees-building capacity. 

This involves recognizing that the link between helping an individual employee, their team, their department, and their company perform better is a matter of context and HR strategy. 

A strategic HR department enables, empowers, and engages employees for the purposes of the business or organization. 

Tech-Savvy 

According to the 2019 HCM Trends report from The HR Federation, a network of leading HR market analysts, global HR technology venture capital has topped $3.1 billion in 2018, more than triple the amount invested in 2017. While there’s a range of technologies, some of the most interesting — and disruptive — examples are powered by artificial intelligence and automation.

Technology changes the way HR departments contact employees, store files and analyze employee performance. Used well, technology makes HR practices more efficient. When used poorly, it can get in the way of managing the company's human resources. Good HR practices effectively utilizes the benefits and minimize the problems.

Communication Skills 

A major function of all HR professionals is facilitating communication between employers and employees. It entails that both oral and written communication skills need to be sharp so that information can be relayed clearly and effectively to employees at all levels. Part of the communication requirements also involves negotiation. 

During the hiring process, or when conflicts arise between employees, successful HR pros are able to help opposing groups compromise and find a middle-ground. Words have impact on everyone around you. As a successful Human Resource professional, words must be effectively communicated with all parties involved.

Time Management 

There are not enough hours in the day for a Human Resource professional to be able to get all of his or her work done. When working in Human Resources, it is highly efficient if you can get some of the tasks completed within the day. More often than not, HR people are faced with sudden issues that come up and require immediate attention. That is why the use of HR software is important. 

Implementing an HR mobile app or software for your organization empowers employees to access all of the information they need, no matter where they are. But mobile isn’t the only emerging trend HR needs to stay ahead of. From artificial intelligence to blockchain, the Future of HR Technology is definitely bright.

Ethics and Moral Principles

As a Human Resources Professional, there is an absolute line that you have to maintain when it comes to ethics. HR people are trusted with confidential employee information and the employer needs to know that this will not be shared. Setting the ethical standards and promoting them in the workplace is part of an HR’s job. 

Moreover, when dealing with a work incident or employee issue, you must be able to be objective and impartial. Having excellent problem-solving skills is a must, and you’ll need to apply them in numerous situations.

Organizational skills 

According to Andreea Harab, International HR Director (OSF Global Services), One of the many jobs of Human Resources professionals is providing training to employees and management. This involves keeping employees up-to-date and educating them on the skills and training needed to perform their job. Part of the task is developing skills to enhance job knowledge and performance. It does not only benefit the employee’s career, but the company as well. 

Nowadays, certain technologies can be used to further develop the connection between the employees and the company. It is up to the HR people to discern which one suits the company culture

Sources: 

• University of Southern California 
• Andreea Hrab (International HR Director for OSF Global Services)
• Concordia University, St. Paul