If you are passionate about working closely with others, human resources (HR) could be a good fit for you. As a human resources specialist, I get this recurring question from young colleagues and students: “Is working in human resources a good career?”

Ultimately, it all comes down to exactly what you want from your future job experience. However, if you enjoy working with others and want to impact a company’s success directly, I strongly believe this path will be worth considering. With a better understanding of some of the benefits of working in HR and getting started as an HR professional, you can make more informed decisions for your future. In this guide, I will provide insights on what HR professionals do, their required skills, industry trends, and the many career options with their salary range. Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways 

• Human resources departments enhance employee productivity, develop benefit packages, find and retain talent, and implement company-wide policies that improve operations.
• HR positions require at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Communications, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• HR professionals are in high demand as every organization needs them to hire new talents, retain existing ones, and manage compensation.
• A stable career, higher paychecks, and a dynamic work environment are some of the perks an HR career offers.

What Is Human Resources?

Not sure what HR is? You are not alone. Many individuals don’t understand what HR is and what an HR professional actually does, so it’s an easy career choice to overlook.

You don’t hear much about it in the media; the hero of your favorite movie or television show is rarely a human resources specialist. And, unless you’re checking out the course offerings at a business school, you’re unlikely to have learned about it in school. However, human resources significantly impact a company’s culture and ability to differentiate itself from competitors. The HR team (the people team) works closely with a company’s leadership to attract, develop, manage, and retain top talent.

Companies rely on human resources departments to enhance employee productivity, develop benefit packages, find and retain talent, and implement company-wide policies that improve operations. That’s a large order for HR professionals, but it comes with high job satisfaction, significant earning potential, and plenty of opportunities for growth. It may even lead to an executive position in a company. Sounds awesome, doesn’t it?

What Are the Main Responsibilities of HR Professionals?

The main responsibilities of HR professionals vary based on the size and structure of the company they work for. 

Some common responsibilities include: 

1. Recruitment and Hiring: Hiring new employees and ensuring that the right people are hired for the right position. 

2. Compensation and Benefits: Creating and implementing compensation and benefits programs to recruit and retain the best talents.

3. Performance Management and Appraisal: Establishing performance standards and goals, providing feedback and coaching, conducting evaluations, and identifying areas for improvement.

4. Employee Training and Development: Identifying training needs, developing and delivering training programs, and assessing their efficacy to help employees improve their skills and knowledge.

5. Compliance: Ensuring that the company complies with all employment-related laws and regulations while operating within legal and ethical boundaries. 

6. Employee Engagement and Relations: Managing employee-related issues, such as conflicts, grievances, and disciplinary actions, to maintain a positive work environment and boost employee morale.

Read Also: How to Deal With Difficult Employees: Expert Strategies for Managing Challenging Team Members

How Can Human Resources Professionals Ensure Compliance With Labor Laws and Regulations? 

The HR manager plays an important role in assisting companies in operating within legal and ethical boundaries, ultimately creating a safe and secure workplace for employees. According to Forbes, some of the best practices for HR compliance are: 

• Proper documentation and accessibility to practices and policies. 
• Keeping up with changing labor regulations. 
• Using HR software for applicant tracking and payroll. 
• Communicating with employees on their roles in complying with tax and labor laws.

What Skills and Qualifications Are Necessary for Success in a Career in HR? 

Some of the most important aspects to consider when answering the question “Is human resources a good career?” are skills and qualifications. HR positions require at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Communications, Business Administration, or a related discipline. In addition to formal education, professional certifications can help show one’s expertise and boost job prospects. Most HR roles require a candidate to complete a course accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Furthermore, the key skills needed for success in a career in HR include: 

• Effective written and verbal communication, as well as interpersonal skills 
• Ability to work in a team and collaborate with other departments 
• Strong attention to detail to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations.
• Technical skills include using ATS, HRIS, and L&D software to enhance HR processes. 
• Proficiency in computer skills such as using spreadsheets, word processing applications, and macros to manage HR data and prepare reports. 
• In-depth understanding of HR best practices, methods, and principles for developing HR policies and procedures 
• Strong leadership skills to coach and mentor employees in developing their skills and improving their job performance.

Read Also: WHO IS A HUMAN RESOURCE GENERALIST: Skills & Qualities of a HR Generalist

How Technology Impacts HR: Trends to Be Aware of 

Technology has greatly impacted HR processes, increasing efficiency and effectiveness. Human resource departments can improve communication, streamline data management, and improve employee performance analysis by utilizing cutting-edge software tools and applications. As technology evolves, we can expect even more exciting advancements in the Human Resources industry in the years to come. Here are five HR trends that all HR professionals should be aware of:

1. The implementation of a hybrid work model. 

2. Use of people analytics to make data-driven decisions. 

3. Metaverse-enabled workplace transformation. 

4. The integration of Digital Adoption Platforms (DAP) such as Oracle Cloud, SAP, and Salesforce to provide a better employee experience. 

5. Process automation and mobile self-service to increase service quality.

What Are Some of the Most Significant Challenges HR Professionals Face Today?

HR can be a fulfilling career for those who want to help businesses build a healthy workplace culture, develop personnel, and efficiently manage talent. This helps to answer the question, “Is human resources a good career choice?”. However, it is crucial to be aware of the challenges that HR professionals face, as these might have an impact on work and job satisfaction. Let’s look at the biggest challenges that HR professionals face today to answer the question, “Is human resources a good career choice?” 

• Attracting and keeping top talent in a fiercely competitive job market

• Adapting to new technologies and automation in HR practices, such as applicant tracking systems and HR analytics software. 

• Incorporating remote and hybrid work cultures as it demands new rules and practices to support employees. 

• Improving workplace diversity, inclusion, and equity to foster an inclusive culture.

• Managing employee health and wellbeing, including fitness programs, resources to ensure strong mental health, and stress management tools to support employee well-being. 

• Implementing effective training and development programs that help individuals learn new skills and advance in their careers

Is HR a Good Career Choice?

Yes, human resources is a rewarding career choice with opportunities for advancement. HR professionals are in high demand as every organization needs them to hire new talents, retain existing ones, and manage compensation. It’s an excellent career choice for the following reasons: 

Stable career: Technology advancements can help make recruitment and payroll easier, but they cannot replace the responsibilities of human resources experts. This makes human resources a stable career choice.

Potential to earn a higher salary: Because the work these HR experts undertake can benefit an organization in a variety of ways, HR professionals are well compensated. For example, the average annual income for a human resources specialist is £29,779; for a human resources officer, it is £26,105; and for a human resources advisor, it is £30,048. 

Provides an opportunity to change lives: HR professionals can advocate for processes and policies that can benefit an employee’s life. They can assist employees in every way because it is part of their job to ensure employee happiness and wellness.

Professional advancement: Working in HR provides ample opportunities for professional development. From developing suitable employee compensation plans to leveraging technology to screen candidates during recruitment, HR offers a fast-paced atmosphere for professional development. 

Dynamic work environment: Every day is different for an HR professional. One day, an HR professional may assist an employee with leave approvals, while another day, they may conduct exit interviews for employees leaving the company.

Work with people: As an HR professional, you collaborate with employees from other departments. These professionals always interact with others, whether conducting interviews or assisting existing employees with their questions.

Read Also: How to Become an Effective Human Resource Manager in 4 Steps

What Are the Various Job Roles in HR?

The different job roles in HR include: 

1. Human Resource Specialist. 

The national average salary is £29,764 per year. 

An HR specialist’s primary responsibilities include assisting a company in finding qualified candidates and meeting the requirements for the vacant job positions. These experts oversee the interviewing and recruiting process and conduct background checks on hired individuals. They train new employees on the organization’s policies and procedures. A part of their workday may include coordinating the exit processes of existing employees.

2. Human Resource Coordinator 

The national average salary is £26,216 per year. 

An HR coordinator’s primary responsibilities include overseeing and executing all administrative duties for the HR department. These coordinators play an important role in an organization, helping managers recruit employees, maintaining employees’ track records, and assisting with payroll processing. Oftentimes, they plan seminars and training sessions and assist the HR department with performance management procedures. During recruitment, an HR coordinator reviews potential employees’ references and provides new hires with employment contracts.

3. Human Resources Manager 

The national average salary is £41,611 per year. 

An HR manager supervises all functions of the HR department, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and retaining employees. These professionals manage the department’s workflow and provide constructive and timely performance evaluations. These managers are in charge of employee discipline and termination, in accordance with company policies. They are responsible for producing clear and concise HR reports as part of their job.

4. Employee Relations Specialist 

The national average salary is £38,851 per year. 

An employee relations expert performs various tasks to ensure employee well-being and happiness. They manage labor relations in an office setting. To manage employee relations, they perform exit interviews, coach employees, assist with recruitment, and analyze employee data to provide HR recommendations. These human resource professionals represent the organization at college campuses and job fairs.

5. Benefits Manager 

The national average pay is £50,687 per year. 

A benefits manager’s primary responsibilities include planning and coordinating a company’s benefits packages and compensation plans. They collaborate with other HR professionals to assess and update existing benefits and compensation to provide employees with a lucrative benefits package. These experts guarantee that all of the company’s policies and regulations conform with government regulations.

6 Signs Humans Resources Is a Good Career Choice for You

1. You enjoy working with people. 

HR professionals interact with everyone, from new employees and top talent to executives and business owners. In other words, human resources is a people-focused business. To be successful in this person-facing role, you must have good interpersonal skills and social finesse.

2. You want to help businesses and employees. 

HR professionals assist organizations in being profitable by keeping employees engaged, enforcing employment regulations, streamlining the hiring process, creating a positive work environment, processing payroll, and more. HR professionals such as consultants, development managers, and human resources specialists can directly impact future success by implementing training, development strategies, and hiring talent.

3. You want a profession that will grow quickly. 

It’s no surprise that human resources has become one of the fastest-growing areas, given its critical role in keeping businesses running efficiently. In fact, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that an additional 78,700 HR jobs will be added to the industry by 2032. And the salary is as promising as the career prospects. According to Indeed, the average annual salary for an HR professional in the United States is $68,576. This includes entry-level roles. Those with more experience, who are in the top 10%, earn more than $100,000 each year.

4. You can manage challenging situations with ease. 

Working in HR sometimes requires working through employees’ interpersonal issues. This needs subtlety and professionalism and the ability to protect employee confidentiality, maintain mutual respect, and remain approachable. 

5. You want variety and growth. 

HR is becoming a more specialized field, with responsibilities such as recruiting, benefits and compensation, learning and development, labor relations, employee training, and more. Specializing in human resources can enable you to explore specialized positions in a company that match your experience and interests. It can also help you move up the career ladder swiftly.

6. You are a strategic, analytical thinker. 

In recent years, the function of human resources has moved from administrative to strategic. HR departments are now needed to assist with the execution of organizational goals as well as the support of company culture. This requires HR professionals who can think strategically and make sound decisions while considering many possible outcomes. Great HR professionals can maximize employee performance by implementing policies and tools that support the company’s goals.

To conclude, I hope this guide has helped answer the question: is human resources a good career choice to pursue? As the workforce evolves, so will the role of human resources, opening up new opportunities for professionals to have a meaningful impact in their organizations. To achieve long-term success, HR professionals must stay current on their fields’ latest knowledge and skills.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is It Worth Being in HR?

Like many other people-focused careers, working in human resources can be rewarding and demanding. Those who like a diversified and flexible profession with no two days being the same may want to consider a career in human resources.

Is Human Resources a Good Career Option?

Overall, the job outlook for HR professionals looks promising, with organizations of all sizes seeking experienced and competent HR professionals to help them reach their full potential.

Can You Make a Living as an HR Professional?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), human resources professionals earn an average yearly salary of more than $100,000. According to the BLS Occupational Handbook, an HR Manager with a B.S. Human Resources degree can expect to earn a median annual salary of $126,230.

Is Human Resources Stressful?

Employee conflicts, contract terminations, and compliance with employment rules and regulations are all delicate issues that HR professionals frequently deal with. These tasks can be stressful because they require careful management and can have serious ramifications for both employees and the company.

What Does HR Do All Day?

Human resources is responsible for scheduling interviews, managing hiring efforts, and onboarding new employees. They’re also responsible for ensuring that all documentation associated with employing someone is completed and that everything runs well from the first day to the next.

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References

• uk.indeed.com
• Emeritus.org
• Themuse.com