Where did the 'H' in HR go?

How do people understand the term Human Resources? How many of us have used the term human resources? How many of us think we know the term ‘human resources’?

The term "Human Resources" frequently hovers like a mystery in the busy hallways of corporate buildings, its meaning hidden by administrative duties and bureaucratic procedures. Many of us identify human resources as the division handling "people stuff," so to speak. But is it limited to that?

According to human resource professional Sylvie Koshkarian , recent graduates with bachelor's degrees have a limited perspective on what they want from their human resource professions. Interestingly, they anticipate starting their careers with this image in mind.

“Shackled to their desk like a typical 9 to 5 office worker, having a big pile of papers on their desk; sitting on their computer, screening CVs, or responding to their emails,” she says. Many individuals entering the workforce lack a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of HR, highlighting the misalignment between perception and reality.

Comprehensive training initiatives, such as those offered by Dereja.com , are essential in bridging this gap. The question remains: how many individuals truly grasp the significance of human resources?

The difference between ‘Humanely’ and ‘Humanly’

To unravel this mystery, let's explore the distinction between "humanely" and "humanly” in the corporate world. The word “humanely” implies meeting basic needs and adhering to regulations. This includes providing fair wages, ensuring safe working conditions, and complying with labor laws. While these aspects are essential and necessary, they only scratch the surface of creating a positive work environment.?

The latter transcends mere compliance. Treating employees humanly is acknowledging their intrinsic worth to foster an environment where they feel valued and empowered. It's about recognizing that each individual contributes to the organization's growth and success, their potential waiting to be unleashed.

The challenges faced by HR professionals

Human resource professionals often face many challenges despite the growing recognition of the importance of the human element in HR. They are tasked with managing the company's most valuable resource: its employees. This dynamic role requires adaptability to societal changes, technological advancements, global trends, and economic shifts. However, one issue they frequently face is the pressure to create a balance between the organization's objectives and employee expectations. This often leaves HR professionals torn between advocating for employee well-being and meeting business goals. Furthermore, the increasing reliance on technology in HR processes can sometimes lead to losing personal touch, creating dissatisfaction among employees worldwide. HR professionals must navigate these challenges and prioritize the human element in their work, ensuring that employees feel valued, supported, and engaged in their roles.

So, how can HR Professionals bring the human back into human resources?

To reinvigorate the human in human resources, HR professionals need to find a better approach to creating a human-centric organization rather than creating a transactional environment. Where do we start? By actively listening to your employees. We need to be understanding their needs and provide support and guidance.?

Here are a few other ideas that HR professionals need to implement:

Increase compensation: Offering a higher minimum wage can help employees meet their basic needs and serve as a motivation for better performance. In our Talent Search department at Ethiojobs.net , we recognize the value of wage benchmarks to establish equitable and fair compensation. We implement a deep dive research and analytics on salary data to offer valuable insights of various industry trends for organizations.

Encourage a positive working environment: Happy employees depend on a toxic-free workplace. This can be accomplished by encouraging candid communication, offering mental health care, and enacting laws that forbid harassment and discrimination.

Provide opportunities for growth: When workers have the opportunity to learn and advance their careers, they feel appreciated and engaged. Implementing career advancement opportunities, mentorship programs, and training initiatives can enhance work environments and boost employee happiness.

Flexible work arrangements: Offering flexible schedules and remote work options can significantly improve work-life balance and reduce stress and burnout.

The benefits of prioritizing the human element in human resources

Prioritizing the human element in human resources offers many advantages for both organizations and employees. Employees who feel valued and appreciated are more likely to be driven, engaged, motivated, and loyal. Consequently, this will create a positive workplace environment, an elevated employee retention rate, a great company reputation, and various skill sets in the organization.

So, let’s get back to the first question. How should people understand the term Human Resources??

The term Human Resources isn’t just a basic department. It’s a philosophy—a sonnet to the human spirit within the workplace. Human resources encompass everything from recruitment, training, performance management, and employee engagement. Employees will never be seen as cogs in a machine but more as protagonists in the impact that they can have on a company. They’re the heartbeat of an organization.?