THE ROLE OF THE HR PRACTITIONER

The activities carried out by HR practitioner do vary according to the needs of the organization, the job they carry out and their own capabilities.  In general however HR practitioners provide: -

1.      Services,

2.      Guidance

3.      Advice.

1. SERVICE PROVISION

HR specialists provide services to the internal customers, who include management, line managers, team leaders and employees.

The services cover all aspects of HRM; human resource planning, recruitment & selection, employee development, employee reward, employee relations, health & safety management and welfare.

Effective services are provided to meet the needs of the business, the management and its employees and to administer them efficiently.

2.  GUIDANCE

Such guidance includes recommendations on HR strategies.  Guidance may also be provided on HR policies and procedures and their implications of employment legislation.  More general guidance may be given on the values the organization should adopt in managing people.  Guidance is provided to managers to ensure that consistent decisions are made on such matters as performance ratings, pay increases and disciplinary actions.

3. ADVICE

HR practitioners provide advice on such matters as job design, advertising for staff, drawing up short-lists for selection, identifying methods of satisfying training on recruitment or promotion, health & safety requirements, employee relations issues (disputes, grievances and communication) and handling people problems (discipline, capability, absenteeism, time keeping etc).

Advice is usually given to managers, team leaders and even individuals.  To individuals, such advice includes aspects of work & development, developing competence and employability; self managed learning and career development.  It may cover problems arising from work ailment, stress, bullying or sexual harassment.  Here the HR practitioner may take the role of counsellor or mentor as well as problem solver.