Most people think of Human Resources (HR) as the department that hires and fires employees. However, HR actually does a lot more than that. Human resource management is the process of managing people in organizations in a structured and thorough way. This covers everything from recruiting and hiring staff, to onboarding and training new employees, to managing employee benefits and payroll. While HR is often seen as a necessary but boring part of running a business, there are actually a lot of interesting things about it that you might not know. Here are 8 of the most interesting facts about HR.
Best Hr Professionals Are Political-Savvy
HR professionals are always up to date with the latest changes in the political landscape. They know which policies could impact their company and employees, and they work tirelessly to ensure that their voice is heard by decision-makers. It’s no wonder, then, that many HR professionals have successful careers in politics. This ability to navigate the political landscape is also helpful in managing office politics. Imagine being able to defuse a potential conflict before it even starts. This is the kind of proactive thinking that HR professionals are known for.
HR Has New Job Titles
HR is always changing and adapting to the needs of businesses. As a result, HR job titles are constantly evolving. The most recent job titles include HR Business Partner, HR Transformation Consultant, HR Data Analyst, HR Systems Administrator, and Employee Engagement Specialist. The HR field is always changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest job titles. It’s also important to know that the title you choose for your HR career should be based on your skills and experience. This will ensure that you’re able to find a position that’s a good fit for you.
HR Earns Handsomely
The median salary for an HR professional was $60,350 in 2017, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s significantly higher than the median wage for all occupations, which was just $37,040 that year. The top 10% of HR earners made more than $102,780, and the bottom 10% earned less than $33,430. It’s a well-paying profession and one that’s expected to grow steadily in the coming years. The BLS projects that employment in HR will increase by about 7% between 2017 and 2026. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for most HR jobs, but many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in human resources or a related field.
Most Hr Professionals Are Women
The vast majority of HR professionals are women. In fact, as of 2017, women made up about 82% of the total HR workforce, according to the BLS. This is likely due to the fact that many of the skills required for HR jobs, such as empathy and emotional intelligence, are typically associated with women. It’s also worth noting that the median salary for women in HR is significantly lower than the median salary for men in HR, at $60,000 per year compared to $90,000 per year. This gender pay gap is even wider when you compare the salaries of HR managers specifically, with women earning a median salary of $75,000 per year compared to men’s median salary of $105,000 per year. More so, the top 10% of earners in HR are all men.
There’s a Lot of Paperwork Involved in HR
One of the most common misconceptions about HR is that it’s all about the paperwork. While there is a lot of paperwork involved in HR, it’s not the only thing that HR professionals do. In fact, HR professionals spend a lot of their time working with employees on various issues, such as benefits, payroll, and compliance. The paperwork is just a small part of what they do. This is an interesting thing you probably didn’t know about HR. More so, understanding this might help you see the value of HR in your organization and also understand why they are always so busy.
HR Professionals are Trained to Handle Conflict
Another common misconception about HR is that they’re not trained to handle conflict. This couldn’t be further from the truth! HR professionals are actually required to have a high level of emotional intelligence in order to be successful in their roles. This means that they’re able to effectively manage and resolve a conflict between employees. It’s one of the most important skills they can have. The ability to handle conflict is what separates good HR professionals from great ones. This is something you should keep in mind if you’re ever considering a career in HR. More so, if you think HR is right for you, don’t forget to brush up on your conflict resolution skills.
HR Departments are Required to Maintain Confidentiality
Another common misconception about HR is that they’re not required to maintain confidentiality. This is simply not true! HR departments are required by law to maintain confidentiality in many situations, such as when conducting investigations or when dealing with employee medical information. The only time HR may not be required to maintain confidentiality is if they believe there is a threat of violence or illegal activity. This is why it’s so important for HR professionals to be trained in confidentiality protocols. It’s also important to remember that, even if HR isn’t legally required to maintain confidentiality, they still may have ethical and moral obligations to do so.
HR Departments Can Be sued for Wrongful Termination
It’s a common misconception that HR departments can’t be sued for wrongful termination. This is simply not true! HR departments can absolutely be sued for wrongful termination, just like any other employer. In fact, there have been several high-profile cases in recent years where HR departments have been sued for wrongful termination, and have had to pay out large settlements. The takeaway here is that if you feel like you’ve been wrongfully terminated, don’t hesitate to consult with an attorney and explore your legal options.
In conclusion, HR is a field that is constantly evolving and there are always new things to learn. Whether you’re just starting out in HR or you’ve been in the field for years, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments. By doing so, you can be sure that you’re providing the best possible service to your organization and its employees.
