What makes HR department more effective?

1. Career development
2. What Makes a Good HR Manager?: 15 Skills and Traits of Effective HR Managers

By Indeed Editorial Team

Published March 15, 2021

The HR department of an organization keeps it running smoothly and efficiently. This department is responsible for finding qualified job candidates, keeping employees engaged and solving many workplace issues. Successful HR managers ensure the HR department meets these company needs in cost-effective, innovative ways. In this article, we discuss what an HR manager is and the features of an effective HR manager.

Read more: What Is Human Resource Management?

What is an HR manager?

A human resource (HR) manager is an HR professional in charge of the daily operations of a human resource department. They oversee areas like talent recruitment, payroll, benefits, employee satisfaction and compliance. HR managers are typically responsible for the following duties:

• Creating and overseeing new employee recruitment

• Interviewing job candidates and sharing their evaluations with other managers

• Onboarding new employees

• Managing any necessary employee training

• Serving as a link between stakeholders and employees

• Researching, compiling, implementing and maintaining employee benefits packages

• Planning special events and outings

• Developing and enforcing corporate policies and procedures

• Consulting with other leaders on human resource issues

• Scheduling and coordinating vendors, specialists and support staff

• Mediating workplace conflicts

• Hiring and firing employees

• Ensuring an organization adheres to all laws and regulations

• Managing payroll processes

• Making recommendations to better utilize team members

• Developing initiatives to improve employee job satisfaction

HR managers make an average of $69,825 per year in the U.S. They typically work full-time schedules in office settings.

Read more: Q&A: What Are the Main Functions and Goals of HR?

15 traits of an effective HR manager

Here are 15 qualities of successful, competent HR managers:

Knowledgeable of HR practices

Effective HR managers should have a thorough understanding of terminology, methods and best practices in human resources. Consider earning an associate, bachelor's degree or master's degree in human resource management. There are also organizations that provide HR certificates through online courses. You can look for programs accredited by the Society for Human Resource Management.

Read more: 13 HR Certifications To Further Your Career

Ethical

HR departments are often the responsible for enforcing company polices. This means HR managers must be trustworthy and show integrity in all situations. HR managers also manage personal and sensitive employee information, which they must keep confidential and secure. An organization must depend on the HR team to be honest and discreet.

Approachable

Employees often discuss sensitive topics with HR managers. Successful HR managers are approachable, encouraging employees to bring up any professional or personal concerns that may affect their job. Consider an open door policy with your organization to foster open lines of communication. Being approachable incorporates the following traits:

• Empathetic

• Understanding

• Receptive

Organized

HR managers handle a broad range of responsibilities, from payroll and benefits to community service projects. The most successful HR managers are organized, able to track deadlines, manage multiple roles and locate important information quickly.

Able to communicate well

Strong communication skills are essential for an HR manager. They work with all levels within an organization to share information, make recommendations and explain policies, in addition to speaking with vendors and other third parties. HR manager are often the first people job candidates meet, creating their first impression of the company. HR managers must be able to listen well, communicate ideas clearly and define the organization's culture.

HR managers should demonstrate the following communication skills:

• Direct

• Strong writer

• Comfortable giving presentations to large groups

• Able to explain technical or complex topics in ways laypeople can understand

Composed

HR managers may deal with emotionally charged situations in the workplace. They may have to deliver unpleasant news, enforce disciplinary action, fire employees or mediate arguments between employees. It's important for HR professionals to remain calm in tense situations and apply strategies to diffuse conflicts quickly.

Willing to lead

HR managers must be effective, confident leaders. They direct and supervise the HR department and are often in charge of special projects, like service projects and team-building events, that involve leading other employees and acting as the expert on many topics. HR managers should be comfortable in a leadership role and serving as the point of contact for employees, stakeholders and vendors.

Read more: 34 HR Manager Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Creative

HR managers are responsible for coming up with new ways to lead their teams, engage employees and keep the organization appealing to job candidates. They should be willing to experiment with strategies and activities to see what works best for their company. Some creative HR initiatives include:

• Offering paid service days for employees to volunteer at a location of their choosing

• Hosting trivia at lunch once a week

• Making updates to a company's physical space

• Allowing pets at work

Progressive

Effective HR managers are forward-thinking and open to innovative ideas. They are interested in following HR trends to see where the industry is heading. Being progressive means that you are flexible, able to adjust policies and strategies as the industry or company changes. You are willing to study HR practices and lead discussions about changes in the workplace. Thinking about the future also involves making contingency plans for the unexpected situations.

Able to solve problems

HR managers are the primary source for many workplace issues. They should be able to think quickly, troubleshoot problems and offer effective solutions, while working within the organization's scheduling and budgeting guidelines.

HR professionals also encounter many subjective issues that don't always have a clear answer. They must apply organizational polices as fairly and ethically as possible. HR managers know when to seek additional guidance from experts, such as lawyers, accountants, benefits carriers or other HR professionals.

Strategic

Organizations value HR managers who develop policies and procedures that align with the company's mission and goals. They also stay connected to developments in HR and in their company's industry to offer relevant, appropriate that coordinate with changing markets and priorities. You can be more strategic in your planning by attending networks and conferences, taking online courses and networking with other professionals.

Tech savvy

HR managers can be more effective when they incorporate the latest technology. Implementing programs and systems can help streamline processes, increase efficiency and improve the security of HR data. You can learn about the programs available by following HR accounts on social media, subscribing to industry publications and keeping up with announcements from popular tech companies.

Can manage projects

A significant part of an HR manager's job is managing projects from inception to completion. You should be able to:

• Communicate project ideas

• Delegate tasks

• Establish timetables

• Monitor progress

• Report updates

• Respond to issues

• Meet deadlines

• Maintain a budget

Financially competent

HR managers should have a foundational knowledge of business finances to help their organization meet its monetary goals. They should understand budgeting, creating cost analyses, determining returns on investments and running risk assessments.

Collaborative

Management roles are often most successful when they are open to ideas and feedback from a diverse group of people. HR managers should be able to work well with the HR team, department directors, executives and other employees, open to suggestions and questions. By incorporating many perspectives, HR managers can develop policies and initiatives that are fair, inclusive and valuable.