1 What Are the Aims & Objectives of HR Development?
One of the key roles of the human resources department is to keep the workforce safe, productive and engaged in the company’s activities and interests. HR training objectives support this role by educating employees and managers on the relevant procedures. Training objectives focus on what the organization needs to achieve and how to help employees attain company goals. Depending on the type of business and specific challenges the company faces, there are a wide range of possible HR training objectives. However, some are important in almost every organization.
Every employer has a duty to provide a safe and healthy working environment. Every employee has a duty to protect himself and those around him. Health and safety is an area that is often included as part of the HR function in small and medium-sized companies. In large organizations, there may be a dedicated health and safety department. Managers need to be trained in risk assessments and the importance of undertaking them regularly and correctly, while implementing any necessary actions quickly. Neglecting this duty can lead to injury, illness, death and legal action against the company. All of these have significant financial costs that may put the company’s future at risk. As all staff must be made aware of health and safety issues and company policies, this is a significant ongoing training objective for every company.
Companies avoid unlawful behaviors and potential lawsuits by ensuring all staff are aware of the basic legal requirements regarding equalities and have an understanding of the benefits of diversity. Equality training equips managers to work within the legal structure and avoid discrimination in recruitment and how they treat staff. A diverse workforce brings many advantages to a company including a range of skills and ideas. However, it is important that everyone is able to communicate effectively with a desire to work together. HR training in diversity can help staff make the most of their working relationships and develop new insights into how the business interacts with its customers and the wider community.
Being able to manage staff effectively is essential for every manager. This includes how to run recruitment campaigns and choose the right people; supervise them and maximize their performance; maintain good employee relations; and build teams. While complex issues can be handed over to an HR manager, day-to-day staff management is the responsibility of line managers. Often, managers are promoted to their posts with expertise in their relevant fields but little knowledge of employment law, HR policies or good practice in relation to managing people. This makes competent staff management a key objective for HR training programs.
Ongoing training in job-related skills is essential and takes priority in company training programs. However, soft skills, which often take a back seat, can be just as important. Time management, team leadership and communication skills are vital for many types of roles, particularly where there is front line customer contact. Personal development skills such as confidence building and assertiveness training help individuals feel empowered in their personal lives and at work. Consequently, they are better able to communicate with their colleagues, which makes them more effective in their jobs.
Dillon, Shelagh. "HR Training Objectives." Small Business - Chron.com, http://smallbusiness.chron.com/hr-training-objectives-60381.html. Accessed 21 April 2019.