Question

Of all the issues affecting HR practices discussed in this week’s required reading, which three, in your opinion, are the most important ones? Justify your choices. 200 words

Answer 1

The HR practices that I feel are most important are HR and how it is important to the management process. It is important for managers to understand the importance of the proper ways to coach employees so that they can be the best workers they can be. Proper training techniques are equally important because an improperly trained employee lowers morale and engagement. An employee who doesn’t understand the proper procedures for a position can cause frustration for management and fellow employees. This could turn into an employee relations issue real fast. Managers need to know from an HR standpoint how to deal with these types of situations. In my personal work experience, this does happen. I have seen managers get irritated with improperly trained employees and it turned into an HR issue. This can end a manager's career. Managers also need to know about safety in the workplace and make sure the rules are applied to everyone. This is also an HR controlled issue. I actually am in charge of this area now. The second HR practice I feel is important is abiding by the Equal Opportunity Laws this is a very important issue, especially in today’s society. There so many people who are discriminated against and the sad part is there is always a way around it as an employer. Employers will start creating documentation for certain people so they can have some form of back up if the employee cries discrimination, some employers will give out a severance package and draw up a contract stating the employee will not sue for discrimination if they signed and accepted the severance package. This is very sad, this is why want to try and change some of these things. Bring Employee Relations back to HR. I think today it is not what it is about. I have dealt with HR who know about a discriminatory situation and completely disregard it like the employee isn’t important enough to make a change or even investigate the situation. I also think diversity management is so important. There are consumers of all races, sexes, origins so why can’t the workforce be the same. I am realizing that segregation and profiling is so prevalent in today’s workforce. For example: If a minority walks into a company that is predominately Caucasian and has a great interview, the manager is ready to set her up, filling out all the necessary paperwork giving this young lady hope. Just as she is walking out the next candidate is there ready to interview. She is an older Caucasian woman. The first young lady is waiting for the phone call of potential start date. That phone call never comes. She tries reaching out but never gets a response or feedback. I am not a psychic but I can take a wild guess what happened. This is a true story and it happens more often than not. Employers are getting further and further away from a diverse workforce. With everything going on in politics today it is no surprise, it is unfortunate though. The last important practice I feel is important is trying to execute a program to improve employee engagement, I feel like without something like this in place turnover can be extremely high. Managers really need to know their people every interaction with an employee can keep them engaged and inspired. To help build that engagement there are some things you can do. Using employee surveys gives the employees a way to voice their opinions. You need to make sure that the leaders are setting the right tone and that trickles down the ladder, managers need to work with their employees to identify any barriers to engagement opportunities so that it can be a positive and effective change. This brings me to have the right managers and leadership, ones that empower the employees and recognize their value. A manager is a unique and important role. Coaching and holding them accountable is also important when it comes to the managers, and lastly, when creating any employee engagement plan you need to set realistic goals. You can’t expect the impossible. This is an area some leaders don’t understand.