Five Challenges to HRM You Need to be Aware

1.     Workplace diversity.

This may consist of issues involving age, education, ethnicity, gender, income, marital status, physical limitations, religion, sexual orientation, or any number of other things. Understanding the challenges that may be faced by the interaction of any of these diverse groups, as well as the required openness of the company toward such groups, will help HR personnel provide assistance in training employees to work with those they may consider “different,” accept that such workers may be present in the business, and agree to treat each other respectfully, even if they never come to agree with each other over various issues.

2.     Change management.

This is another challenge that more and more HR departments are facing. Being able to deal with their own changing roles in corporate society, in addition to the changes to other jobs, the overlapping responsibilities, and more. Understanding that change is required is the first step toward accepting the change.

3.     Compensation and benefits.

With a slow economy and tightening corporate purse-strings, the issue of compensation and employee benefits is one that almost every business must deal with. The key is to present mandatory changes in such a way that employees can accept, if not necessarily agree with them while providing non-monetary morale boosting incentives whenever possible to make the changes less traumatic.

4.     Recruiting skilled employees.

 In an era of rising unemployment, it would seem that finding qualified workers would be easier than ever. But that’s seldom the case. Many industries are facing dire needs for employees with acceptable skills and the required training or degree. This applies not only to health care, but also to technology and other fields as well, causing many employers to search outside their local marketplace for workers who can do the jobs they need filled.

5.     Training and development.

This is another challenge that HR managers and personnel must deal with more frequently. With the need to cut training costs, training itself often suffers. Yet the skills an employee needs must still be taught. Many companies are meeting this challenge by providing e Learning opportunities that allow employees to receive the training they need without the expenses associated with travel, on-site trainers, hours away from their jobs and high-priced materials.

These are only a few of the many challenges an HR department must be prepared to deal with. Knowing in advance what type situation might arise will help you to be better equipped in the event that it does. After all, it’s always best to hope for the best, but to be prepared for the worst. Just in case.