Positive HR And Investing In People

11/11/09

By Kevin Dougall, APHR Solutions

The letters “HR” can engender a wide variety of responses, from sheer terror to abject indifference.
For any business, either of these (extreme) responses would signify that HR is not doing what it should be doing, and can be doing, inside the business.

When HR is allowed to function with a positive context, it can add significant value to a business.

The phrase “our people are our most important asset” is heard frequently, almost to the point that when you do make that statement, nobody actually believes you. It should be taken as read and when a company makes such...

...a statement, most people are inclined to think the opposite. It is human nature.

To prove this point, on the BBC’s “Rogue Traders” programme, notice how many of the baddies insist that they are professional, their work is good quality and that it is guaranteed.

Perhaps if businesses were to say “people are our most difficult asset to manage”, they would be believed. It is after all true.

This is where HR comes in. The HR function, if given a positive context and an objective outlook around people, will work, and work very well. Yes, we need the dos and don’ts, and we on occasion we need to deal with disciplinary matters, but HR is so much more than that.

HR can, and should, be instrumental in looking after people within a company; and demonstrating that the company cares about them — and their families. Being cared for is one of the greatest and most sustainable motivators known to man (and woman). You only have to study Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to establish that fact.

HR should be encouraged to work on different and innovative ways of looking after your people; and of developing them both as individuals and as work colleagues. Allow HR... continued on page two >

 

 

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