Human Resources

What is Human Resources / Staffing?

Human Resources is an umbrella term used to describe the management and development of employees in an organization. It involves overseeing all things related to managing an organization’s human capital. HR professionals can choose from a variety of industries to practice in, including healthcare, consulting, education, research, government, NGOs and charities/non-profits, as well as for-profit companies (financial services, technology, retail, pharmaceutical, media, FMCG etc). No matter which track an HR practitioner chooses to follow, they will need to possess the following general skills:

  • Business Acumen
  • Communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Organization skills
  • Team skills
  • Cross-Cultural Awareness
  • Adaptability skills
  • Confidentiality skills

There are two main tracks that an HR professional can choose from: a Generalist track or a Specialist track. A human resources generalist is an HR professional with knowledge and expertise in all facets of the HR system. As opposed to specialists in benefits, compensation, planning, hiring and training, generalists have working knowledge in all areas.

Human Resources Generalist Track

An HR generalist is a person with a broad range of responsibilities instead of a specialized line of work. The HR generalist thus covers most of the HR functions, including hiring, compensation and benefits, HR administration, training and other tasks. Sample job titles include:

  • HR Manager
  • HR Administrator
  • HR Generalist
  • HR Coordinator

Human Resources Specialist Track

HR professionals can choose to specialize in one or more areas within the HR function such as Compensation & Benefits, Training & Development, HR Information Systems, People Analytics, Business Partnering, Talent Acquisition, HR Administration/Operations, Organizational Development and Employee/Labor Relations. Sample job titles include:

  • Director of Compensation and Benefits
  • VP Global Benefits & Compensation
  • Global Head, Compensation and Benefits
  • Compensation Analyst

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