Initial Reflections on Human Resources

As I reflect on the integral role of human resources, I realize its importance and appreciate the work they do.  My only interaction with human resources early in my career was when I would apply for various jobs and never get call backs for interviews.  This was extremely discouraging and I would think that the human resources staff at the different organizations didn’t really read my application.  While reading the first few chapters of this course, I understand the need for rigorous screening of all applicants.  I realize that often I would blindly apply for positions if I meet at least one criterion.  Recruitment and screening helps identify the most qualified candidates and during the interview process they are able to select the best fit for the position.  As other young college graduates start applying for jobs, they should understand that if they don’t receive a call back from an organization, does not mean they are unsuccessful, they should use the denial of interview as a way to reflect on their skills and find an organization that is a better match.  I’m looking forward to this course and learning how human resources is really the backbone of an organization.

What does Human Resources mean to you and what is their role in your healthcare organizations?

 

One of the first things that comes to mind when I hear human resources is development and sustainability of the workforce for an organization.  Human resources is the core of any organization as they are responsible for generating a group of strong individuals to come together and fulfill the mission and vision of the organization.  Human resources also has the great responsibility of keeping all staff members well trained and educated to be successful in their everyday roles.  They also are charged with offering incentives and benefits to all under an organization, to keep everyone motivated to continue their efforts in their daily duties.  Without a strong human resources management team, an organization may fall short of achieving its mission.  

In my current organization, human resources plays and extremely valuable role.  They charged with handling a majority of day-to-day personnel issues, designing policies which reflect changes at both our institutional level and regulatory level.  Our human resources is also responsible for connecting with outside organizations, such as unions, brokers, etc, to keep the staff up to date regarding any developments that could effect their direct job responsibilities.  The human resources department at my organization is categorized in to five items as follows:  

1. Recruitment and staffing are primarily responsible  for creating recruitment schemes and the screening/interviewing process.  They are dedicated in finding the best qualified candidate's for each job position.  

2. Compensation works to develop competitive salary structures as well as design and implement performance appraisals and job evaluations.  This group is also tasked with maintaining a file for each staff member of the organization.  

3. Benefits administration design and implement benefit programs to provide resources for all staff members

4. Human Resources IT create cost efficient solutions that provide long term system strategies to further develop and support the human resources department as a whole.  

5. Immigration services is in place to provide services to foreign staff members regarding immigration documents.  

 

The human resources department is the life line of the organization.  They provide support to all areas of the organization and usually assist in generating excellent solutions.  They definitely keep our organization running smoothly with very few hiccups.  Hat's off to all those who work within human resources.