Most companies have a human resources department to assist employees with matters relating to their employment. Human Resources (HR) also help employees with questions regarding health insurance and other benefits. The role of human resources is necessary to make a company run effectively.
Hiring and firing employees are both important services performed by the human resources department. At most firms, the human resource division actively recruits new employees by placing employment ads and hosting job fairs. This department also completes background checks and other pre-employment screenings.
When the company hires workers, before they can even begin working, the employees must see the human resource manager for employment orientation. Documents that new employees fill out typically include personal information such as address and social security number, tax witholding documentation and benefits information. Workers who receive life insurance policies through their employer must also designate a beneficiary and the human resource manager assists them with the designation.
Another role of human resources is to maintain the company’s retirement plan for employees. This includes making sure the company is compliant with state, federal, and other jurisdictional tax laws regarding employee savings plans. Most companies have retirement plans for their employees consisting of pension plans and 401(k) accounts. The human resources director has to oversee the withholding of deductions from the employee’s paycheck and make sure the funds are in the appropriate account. If employees need to withdraw funds, they have to meet with the human resources administrator and fill out a withdrawal application.
Most employers recognize the need for mental health services for their employees. Some employers offer seminars and referrals for behavioral and psychological issues as an added benefit to staff. When workers need counseling with a stressful situation such as a family death, the role of HR is to give referrals for company grief counselors.
A human resources department usually administers well-health programs that help employees, such as physical fitness. The role of human resources serves as a way of getting the company healthy by organizing corporate activities such as walk-a-thons and weight loss contests. The director may also invite members of the medical community to the firm to provide information on health matters such as nutrition.
Companies would not be able to properly function without a human resources department. Last but not least, another crucial role of human resources is to work closely with upper management as well as the staff to ensure positive company relations. Other necessary responsibilities include communication with outside vendors and clients to get supplies and new benefit proposals.