Human resource department Handout 4

Question 1

what is the role of the human resources department?

Answer 1

responsible for all aspects of managing the people who work in a business

Question 2

what are the 7 objectives of the HR department?

Answer 2

ensure human resources are employed cost-effectively

pay rates should be competitive but not excessive

achieve acceptable staff utilisation - not too many under-utilised or over-stretched

ensure jobs have suitable, achievable workloads

minimise staff turnover

measure returns on investment in training

make best use of employees’ skills and workforce potential

Question 3

what are the 5 activities of the HR department?

Answer 3

recruitment and selection

review pay, rewards and working conditions for employees

organise employee training and appraisal

manage communication with staff

ensure business complies with employment-related legislation and embedded effective equality management and processes with full compliance of diversity legislation

Question 4

explain the activity of recruitment and selection

Answer 4

to hire employees as required by the business and ensure appropriate number of staff with required skills are recruited and employed cost-effectively and implement effective internal recruitment processes

Question 5

explain the activity of reviewing pay, rewards and working conditions for employees

Answer 5

ensuring pay is competitive and fair

working conditions and rewards have an effect on employee motivation which effects labour productivity, absenteeism, sickness and labour turnover and quality and waste

Question 6

explain the activity of organising employee training and appraisal

Answer 6

training important to ensure workforce has appropriate skills to match business needs and make it competitive
appraisal system motivates workers by identifying training needs and recognises and praises the appraisee

Question 7

explain the activity of managing communication with staff

Answer 7

ensure staff is aware of what is happening in the business
advances in technology improved communication and have increased amount of remote working and location of employees with globalisation of businesses
effective outlet for the employee voice

Question 8

explain the activity of ensuring the business complies with employment-related legislation and embedded effective equality management and processes with full compliance of diversity legislation

Answer 8

employers must be aware of and abide by employment legislation eg the equality act