Workplace Safety

What is Human Resources?

Human resources (HR) can be defined as an overarching “umbrella” department that governs all issues and concerns relating to an organization’s workforce and working environment. Human resources managers and specialists handle a number of specialized tasks, such as:

Compensation and benefits

A human resources manager is responsible for managing employee remuneration, paid time off (PTO), health packages, and other perks. Complying with a state’s regulations in this regard is essential, as HR departments ensure that their organization adheres to relevant employment law.

Workplace safety

While it’s not always the case, HR sometimes takes a degree of responsibility in making certain that their organization’s working conditions are up to scratch and comply with applicable health and safety guidelines. An HR specialist might coordinate with a business unit and step in to handle compensation and any relevant paperwork concerning legal disputes that may arise.

Recruitment and exits

Some organizations have specialized sub-departments that oversee hiring but many leave it up to the HR department in general. A hiring or HR manager is in charge of a new employee’s entire employment from the moment they’re hired until they leave the company. HR oversees the recruitment and hiring process (including processing job applications, interviewing candidates and conducting salary negotiations) as well as the formalities and procedures applicable to dismissals and resignations.