Human Resources

A human resources (HR) department performs human resource management functions, such as finding, hiring, training, and supporting new employees. As a result, HR departments are responsible for such important tasks as reviewing resumes, keeping track of employee information, and ensuring a company complies with labour laws and employment standards.

HR Responsibilities

HR's primary activities include recruitment, administration, compensation and benefits, training and development, and employee relations and performance management. However, they often do much more. The following includes some of the different responsibilities of an HR department.

Recruitment

Recruitment includes all aspects of hiring, from sourcing candidates to onboarding. You may work with hiring managers to determine the needs of a particular role and then find candidates that meet those requirements. 

Administration 

Perhaps the most known role of HR is keeping track of documents, including employee records related to attendance, vacations, medical leave, and other employee data. 

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and benefits work involves ensuring your company takes care of your employees by offering competitive salaries and a satisfactory benefits package.

Training and Development

Training and development ensure that employees are updated on their skills and improve their job performance.

Employee Relations and Performance Management

Employee relations include everything a company does to create a positive working environment and facilitate positive employee relationships.

Types of Human Resources Support

Businesses can receive human resource support in various ways. Here are some examples:

In-house Human Resources Department

With an in-house department, human resources professionals are on-site and intimately familiar with every company's policies and employee relations.

Professional Employer Organisations (PEO)

Smaller companies may partner with a professional employer organisation (PEO) to manage HR needs. A PEO employs the company's workforce, taking legal responsibility for them and overseeing all hiring, firing, and compensation processes.

Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)

By HR definition, a BPO takes care of many company needs, including but not limited to human resources. This type of organisation relies heavily on technology to streamline company processes and departments.

Application Service Providers (ASPs)

An ASP is an e-service that vendors rent to companies to manage critical HR needs such as benefits, policies, compensation, record-keeping, and more.

Common Human Resources Skills

Individuals who work in HR typically have strong people skills and enjoy helping others succeed. Here are a few of the skills and strengths necessary to excel in a human resources career:

Interpersonal Skills: As the mediator in employee relations, HR professionals have excellent interpersonal skills and can address employee concerns tactfully.

Ability to Adapt to New Technology: Human resources professionals are often comfortable using technology and Human Resources Information Software (HRIS) to manage payroll and other HR processes and keep workforce operations running smoothly and efficiently.

Communication Skills: Individuals who work in HR need excellent customer service and communication skills for phone, e-mail, and in-person interactions. Good communication skills also include the ability to actively listen to employees' grievances and needs.

Public Speaking: Some HR professionals may give presentations or announcements in front of large groups, departments, or an entire company. They might provide information on topics ranging from benefits packages to company policies.

Organisation and Project Management: HR professionals are often able to multitask effectively and manage a variety of projects. They have good scheduling skills and can prioritise responsibilities.

Discretion: Because HR teams handle many sensitive matters and confidential or private information, these individuals are often discreet to avoid legal and professional repercussions.

What Are The Types of Human Resources Roles?

In most cases, especially in large companies, different functions are managed by different HR professionals, who report to the HR Director or Manager. 


  • Senior HR Manager
  • HR Executive
  • Payroll Manager
  • HR Analyst 
  • HR Assistant
  • Recruitment Manager
  • Talent Acquisition Manager
  • HR Advisor
  • HR Recruiter
  • HR Generalist
  • HR Specialist
  • HR Administrator
  • HR Administrative Assistant

Human resources play an important role in any business. They serve as the backbone of a business if a good human resource is implemented well in an organisation, it could make a business to grow successfully.

Suggested Experts Of Human Resources

Free / 30Mins

Madelein Vermeulen
Digital Marketing Consultant
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
About

Hi, I'm Madelein! I help South African SMEs attract high-quality leads and grow their businesses through smart, cost-effective online marketing. ✅ Certified Growtworks Marketing Consultant with a Psychology Honours degree – blending marketing strategy with deep customer insights. ✅ Expert in organic marketing, lead generation funnels, and online course launches – helping you scale without expensive ads. ✅ Background in Public Relations & Education (PGCE, FET) – ensuring you not only implement strategies but understand why they work. Let’s craft a marketing plan tailored to your business goals. Ready to grow? Let’s connect!

Topics
Book Now
R625 / 30Mins

Victor van der Spuy
Founder
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
About

Victor is an Executive Consultant and Success Coach with a Master’s degree in Marketing from the International Institute of Marketing. As a certified NQF8 Marketer, he leverages his academic expertise and extensive experience to help individuals and businesses unlock their potential. Victor specializes in developing equity growth strategies and solving complex enterprise challenges with his team’s support.

Topics
Book Now
Free / 30Mins

Themba Mtsali
Founder and CEO of IKAMVA SBS
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
About

**Themba Mtsali** is a prominent media entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of **Sounds Divine Studios** and **Showflix Africa**. Overcoming early speech challenges, he developed a passion for storytelling and innovation. Under his leadership, Sounds Divine Studios has excelled in high-quality MC services and media content, while Showflix Africa aims to become the "African Netflix" and the "BET of Africa." Committed to values of innovation, empowerment, and spiritual growth, Themba is dedicated to building a legacy of excellence and community impact.

Topics
Book Now
Popular Terms
Business Development Business Strategy Business Leadership Business Planning Go To Market Strategy Startup Funding
Got a Question?

No question is too big or too small. Our Experts are here to help you find answers.

Get an Expert Answer