What is Human Resource Management? Overview, Functions, Career Options
Updated on Nov 13, 2024 | 12 min read | 7.1k views
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Updated on Nov 13, 2024 | 12 min read | 7.1k views
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Human Resource Management (HRM) is the strategic approach to managing an organization's most valuable asset: its employees. From recruitment and onboarding to performance management and employee relations, HRM handles them all.
HRM offers a wide range of career paths, from talent management to HR analytics. Technological advancements such as AI and data analytics allow HR professionals to move beyond traditional functions. If you’re curious to know “what is human resource management?” and the changing technological trends, this blog is your destination. Dive in!
HR Management is a specialized profession within an organization that adopts techniques to optimize its workforce so that it can meet its business goals.
Unlike personal management, which focuses on individual needs, HRM adopts a broader perspective, aligning employee needs with organizational goals.
As an HR professional, you'll use several core principles to manage human capital effectively. These principles will help you attract, develop, and retain top talent, thereby driving your organization's success.
The following are some core principles you’ll need to follow as an HRM.
As an HR professional, your overarching goal is to optimize human resources in your organization. However, there are other important purposes and objectives of HRM.
To excel in HRM, you'll need a blend of technical and soft skills. Here are some vital skills that will help you succeed in the role.
Also Read: What is Human Resource Planning? Process, Meaning, and Features
As an HR professional, you’ll be responsible for pre-employment activities like recruitment and onboarding and post-employment tasks such as performance management.
Some important duties you’ll perform as a HR professional are given below.
While your role as an HR professional generally involves employee management, you can further categorize your functions into managerial, operational, and advisory roles.
HRM professionals perform managerial functions to achieve organizational goals. Here are some essential managerial functions you’ll have to perform as an HRM.
Operative functions are the day-to-day activities that HR professionals perform to execute organizational plans and strategies. You’ll need to perform the following operative functions.
An HR professional provides expert advice and guidance to management on various organizational issues. Your advisory functions as a HRM include the following.
To become an HR professional in India, you'll need deft management skills to manage human resources. Through effective HRM, you'll ensure your organization benefits from its human resources.
You can check the following benefits associated with effective HRM.
Also Read: What is Human Resource Management Process?
As an HR professional, you can use strategic human resource management (SHRM) to align HR practices with broader organizational strategies.
By effectively managing people, you'll ensure your organization has the right talent with the right skills to execute its business strategy.
With the growth of strategic HRM, specialist roles like HR Business Partner and Organizational Development Consultant are gaining importance. Here are some key job roles associated with strategic HRM.
The growth of data-driven decision-making in organizations has created new specialized roles in HR analytics. You can check the following emerging roles in this field.
Specialist Role | Average Annual Salary |
People Operations Analyst | INR 4L |
HR Business Intelligence Analyst | INR 5L |
HR Data Analyst | INR 6L |
Source: Glassdoor
As an HR professional, you'll enjoy a dynamic role that involves connecting with people. If you need help starting your HR career, we’re here to assist.
Here's a step-by-step guide to become an HR professional in India.
Ready to take the next step in your career as a HR? Enroll in UpGrad’s HR Certification Course and gain in-depth knowledge from industry professionals.
As an HR professional, you have a promising career path ahead. Your role can evolve from entry-level positions to strategic leadership roles.
As you gain experience and expertise, you may progress through the following job roles.
Career Progression Roles | Average Annual Salary |
HR Generalist | INR 5L |
HR Specialist | INR 6L |
HR Manager | INR 8L |
Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) | INR 22L |
HR Director | INR 30L |
Source: Glassdoor
Apart from the above mentioned roles, If you are looking for a specialized career in employee engagement and compliance management, you can explore the following roles.
Job Roles | Average Annual Salary |
Organizational Development Consultant | INR 4L |
HR Compliance Officer | INR 6.5L |
Data Privacy Officer | INR 24L |
Employee Engagement Manager | INR 27L |
Source: Glassdoor, Ambitionbox
Also Read: Top 5 Human Resource Management Books to Become a Better HR
While a master’s degree in HR can help you land job roles in HRM, certification courses will give you expertise in specific HR areas, boosting your career growth.
Here are some popular courses and certifications that can help you grow in your career.
Courses and Certifications | Average Duration | Eligibility | Skills Gained |
Professional in Human Resources (PHR) | 3 to 4 months |
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Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) | 4 to 6 months |
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SHRM-CP (SHRM Certified Professional) | 2 to 4 months |
OR
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Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) | 12 to 18 months |
OR
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Certified Professional in Learning and Development (CPLP) | 4 to 6 months |
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If you’re planning to explore specialization courses in HR, UpGrad’s industry-oriented courses and certifications are here to help you.
Also, here are some popular courses by UpGrad that will help you grow your career in Human Resources.
Ready for a career hike? UpGrad’s MBA certification will give you the knowledge and skills to lead organizations and drive business success. Join now!
Rapid changes in strategies, workplace dynamics, and workforce demographics have significantly impacted the role of an HR professional. Here are some emerging challenges you can face in modern HRM.
To overcome these emerging challenges, you'll need to adopt the following proactive measures.
Emerging trends in HRM, such as AI, hybrid work environments, and data-driven decision-making, are shaping the future of work. As an HR professional, you'll have to stay updated on these trends to remain competitive.
You’ll need to follow the given tips to stay ahead of the emerging challenges in HRM.
Technology is revolutionizing the HR profession by automating tasks, driving decision-making, and improving employee experience. In fact, no task can be completed without using modern technological tools.
Here are some significant changes happening in HR practices due to technology.
The emergence of new technology can be beneficial to some extent. The following are the major benefits of technology in HRM.
You’ll need the following tools to perform your job as an HR professional.
Type of Software | Popular Examples |
Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) |
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Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) |
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Performance Management Software |
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Learning Management Systems (LMS) |
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Communication Tools |
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Want to know what HRIS is? Check the details below.
A Human Resource Information System (HRIS) is a software solution that integrates and automates various HR functions.
HRIS software personalizes information and communication to individual needs, allowing HR to focus on more pressing issues.
You can explore the following key features of HRIS.
You can reap the following benefits by using HRIS software.
Did you know the future of HRM is constantly evolving? Equip yourself with UpGrad’s specialized courses and certifications to stay ahead of the curve. Enroll now!
Human Resource Management (HRM) is a strategic function that is critical to an organization's success. Adopting best HR practices can help you optimize talent acquisition, improve employee engagement, and implement a positive work environment.
By adopting modern technological practices and staying updated with the latest industry trends, you can further elevate the role of HRM and contribute to your organization's overall growth and sustainability.
Are you unsure about your next steps in HR? UpGrad's expert career counseling can guide you down the right path. Book a free consultation today.
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