Human Resources Management Basics

Find human resource information for both veteran managers and those new to the field

Human resource planning requires an understanding of everything from building employee morale to complying with employment law. Fortunately, although human resources responsibilities are growing more complex, the sources available for HR information and assistance have also increased.

Whether you're new to human resource services, or a veteran HR manager, researching human resource management basics can help you become a more efficient and effective leader. In nearly any business, human resources management basics include:

1. Joining a professional organization for human resource management professionals.
2. Researching employment law, including policies regarding wages, working conditions and discrimination.
3. Enhancing management skills through a human resources class.
   

 

Find human resources information through professional associations

By joining a professional association for human resources or management professionals, you can network with and learn from other human resource managers. Many associations organize seminars, workshops and other training available only to members, as well as helping them stay informed on the issues affecting their industry.
Try: Members of the Society for Human Resource Management can attend conferences, receive email updates, watch and listen to webcasts and podcasts, consult the online knowledge center, and receive the organization's magazine, newsletters and reports. If you work in human resources in federal, state or local government, you can join the International Public Management Association for Human Resources.

Research the laws governing human resources management

A thorough understanding of employment law is essential to succeeding in human resource management jobs. The HR department must ensure that company policies comply with state and federal law, including anti-discrimination laws and laws regarding wages and working conditions.
Try: Consult elaws, an online compliance tool offered to workers and small businesses by the U.S. Department of Labor. Sign up for free daily or weekly e-newsletters from the Employment Law Information Network, designed for human resource professionals and lawyers.

Strengthen your human resource management skills through management training

Management training can help you with everything from employee evaluations to team building, and is available through seminars and workshops, on-site training, online courses and videos or DVDs. Many of these training programs also qualify you for professional certification.
Try: The American Management Association offers seminars in human resource management, from essential skills to more specialized topics such as employee retention, project management and managing organizational change. HR.com offers webcasts in a wide variety of topics related to human resource management, including succession planning, employee confidence and competency assessments.

 

• You can consult human resources companies for assistance with most human resources management basics. Consulting or coaching companies can help you set up or change your own human resources department, and third-party firms can handle your human resource tasks for you.

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