The History and Reinvention of HR
What is HR?
That’s the question that is on our minds this month, and a topic of great debate lately.
What exactly does an HR professional do? What is the role of HR in an organization?
It has definitely evolved and we’re here to help unravel it a little for you.
When it comes to defining the role of the human resources function in the workplace, and the role of HR professionals you’ll likely get a lot of mixed reviews.
Many people have different interpretations of HR and the value that HR professionals bring to an organization.
The History of HR
The role of HR has evolved throughout history. During the industrial revolution, workers were treated as expendable rather than valued as people. At this time, the working conditions in factories were poor as employees worked long hours in harmful working environments. In the pre-1900s, departments recognized as “industrial welfare” and “scientific management” were created.
Between the 1920s & 1950s, personnel departments focused on internal training, developing stronger compensation packages. In the 1960s, the HR function extended to include legal compliance, recruiting, hiring, and training. Around the 1970s, the role of HR became legal advisors and administrators who would make sure businesses complied with legislation.
By the 1990s - 2010, HR departments shifted from administrative functions to employee engagement and building culture. As organizations recognized the value of human capital the personnel departments shifted to human resources.
Around 2010, the emergence of technology in the HR space delegated tasks such as payroll and recruitment to automated systems. This allowed HR professionals to focus on the growth and development of their employees.
The Reinvention of HR
In the beginning, HR started as the “Personnel” department, and it was very administrative in nature. Some called HR the policy police or the paper pushers. Times have definitely changed.
Today, HR professionals helped organizations transition to remote work during the pandemic. HR is helping workplaces create a hybrid work model and to promote work-life integration. HR is creating opportunities for career growth and promoting employee wellbeing.
Modern HR professionals are not just focusing on compliance and administration. HR today is reinventing the employee experience and strengthening cultures to attract and retain happy and engaged employees.
HR = ?
This month at Life Works Well we are exploring what HR means to us, and engaging others to let us know what they believe the essence of HR is. Join us here to get involved in the discussion.
At Life Works Well, HR is more than recruitment, processing payroll, or ensuring there are performance check-ins.
HR is human relations.
HR is human rights.
HR is healthy relationships.
HR is bringing the human back into human resources.
HR is about creating heart-centred cultures where employees are fulfilled, productive, and engaged employees.
First impressions matter.
Did you know that it’s not simply the marketing team that helps with branding and letting the world know a company’s purpose?
HR is often involved with creation of an employer brand. We say start with Why - just like Simon Sinek (and you can read this blog for more.)
HR is often an applicant or candidate’s first impression of an organization. When a candidate meets with HR or a recruiter in a company, they are introduced to the culture and environment of that organization. If that candidate is hired, the onboarding process reflects the culture and HR’s contribution.
HR strengthens work cultures by advocating for the success and well-being of employees. HR professionals are critical in developing policies that work to create diverse, equitable, and inclusive cultures. HR is also creating safe spaces for diverse voices to share their experiences and perspectives.
How your employees feel about your organization is dependent on the type of work environment you create. A positive work environment has a significant impact on how motivated your employees are and how they collaborate.
What’s most important to understand about HR today is that HR professionals are human too. While HR is responsible for creating work cultures, it can’t be accomplished by the HR team alone. Leadership has an important role to play in creating healthy, high-performance and heart-centred cultures.
What do you think about HR? Share with us this month your thoughts during our HR = ? focus. We’d love to help shift your thinking about the essence of HR.