This is actually quite an ironic title, especially when you hear what many non-HR folks have so say about it! In fact, I still remember when I was doing my MBA, my non-HR classmates used to call the HR subjects ‘gas.’ Even when I joined the corporate world, I saw a similar attitude towards the HR function. However, the world is changing. And so is how people see HR. In fact, many people now actually look up to me when I say I belong to an HR consultancy in Mumbai!
So, why is HR really required and why are so many HR consultancies mushrooming in Mumbai and other metropolitan cities?
Well, if you ask me, an HR’s role is rather like parenting. And just like parents looks after their children, the HR looks after the employees of their organisation. Let me explain to you a little more of what I mean…
Adding the human touch
Well, this one is obvious, considering the name ‘Human Resources!’ While the other functions focus on getting the job done, HRs are the one who add the ‘nurturing element’ that we all require so much. They care for us like our parents and listen to our problems. They also counsel us at times so that we may successfully move. And this, I am sure all those employees will vouch for who have managers who are unable to give them a listening ear!
Focus on Growth
Yes, I know this too falls under our manager’s purview. However, many managers get caught in task completion and forget to focus on the growth and development of their team members. And that is where the HR comes in and sends us for various training programs. Just like our parents did by sending us to school and college!
Feedback
Just like our parents, HRs give us feedback. They tell us what we are doing well and which areas we can improve in and how. And they even pass on the informal feedback that they receive about us just like our parents do!
Managing Conflict
Plenty of HR’s do this job! They resolve conflicts when we feel like the other person or department is not listening to us and we need a neutral party to intervene. I’m sure you remember all those fights when your parents had to play umpire between you and your siblings!
So, these were some similarities that came to my mind. Of course, HR’s conduct many more important functions like Recruitments, Compensation and Benefits, Strategic HR, etc. And when even they are too tied up to do it themselves or feel they lack the expertise, then they bring in guardians. An HR consultancy who can do this role well and also advise them on how best to do it when they get stuck!