Understanding the Human Resources Function

Lesson 1

The History of Human Resources

Do you ever wonder why the field of human resources is the way it is? How it has evolved? In your first lesson, you will travel through history to explore the roots of human resources. You will see how the modern human resource function has evolved from trade guilds, through the industrial revolution, to modern times.

Human Resources Functions in Today's Organization

What exactly does the human resource professional do on the job? In this lesson, you will take a look at the variety of vital activities that are frequently included in the human resources function. This variety can include everything from recruiting, hiring, and retaining employees, to labor management relations and workplace safety and training.

The Hiring Process: Part 1

How does someone go about finding and hiring a new employee? The initial preparation for hiring is often done in the quiet of an office, which may make it seem like new employees just magically appear. This lesson explores what goes on in that quiet office—focusing on preparing advertisements and application forms, reviewing and screening applications, conducting interviews, and verifying information.

The Hiring Process: Part 2

Interviews and background checks are key components of the hiring process. The interview is your chance to evaluate the job applicant in person to see how well their skills match your job requirements. This lesson looks at each part of the interview—from setting it up and to rating the person after the interview.

Finding Employees in a Competitive Labor Market

How do you get someone to apply for a job? Solid recruiting practices using both traditional and nontraditional techniques will ensure that you have a large pool of applicants from which to pick and choose. Traditionally, many companies simply run a classified job ad when they need a new employee, but in this lesson, you will explore other alternatives that may be equally effective in recruiting.

Retaining Quality Employees

What motivates a quality employee to stay on the job? What can you do to keep employees happy and working? In this lesson, you will learn how to analyze job satisfaction and the factors that keep employees happy.

Respecting Employee Rights

What rights do employees have? What are moral rights and how can the company protect them? What is the difference between a moral and a legal right? This lesson explores both moral and legal rights and how they can be used to benefit employees.

Laws Relating to Human Resources

What legal responsibilities does a company owe its employees? This lesson provides an overview of the many laws that impact the workplace. You will examine laws that govern union-management interactions, prohibit discrimination, set wage and hour requirements, and enforce safety standards.

Policy Making

Do you have a policy manual at work? What policies are included in the manual? How does anyone ever decide what policies to include? In this lesson, you will learn about policy manuals—what they should include, what policies are most common, and how you can ensure your policies comply with the law.

Employee Communications

How can workplace communication be effective? What should you do to ensure that communication is taking place on a regular basis? This lesson focuses on the need for effective communication programs at work and how to implement them. You will find out how to keep communication running smoothly throughout the organization.

Administration of Employee Benefit Programs

What should a strong employee benefit program include? What is involved in putting a benefit package together? Benefits are a great way to attract and keep employees. This lesson explores common employment benefits as insurance and retirement.

Human Resources—A Source of Quality

Have you ever wondered what makes a human resource professional successful? In your final lesson, you will learn the eight habits that successful professionals adopt. You will leave with the insight and ability to achieve excellence at work.