Fact vs Fiction: Debunking 5 Common Myths About HR
If you were asked to describe what people in Human Resources do, what would you say? Some believe HR professionals are there solely to enforce boring company rules, while others assume HR exists to exclusively side and protect with company leadership during times of conflict. However, what once was known as the fire-and-hire-only-crew is in fact a group of professionals at the pulse of the organization. Get ready as we debunk the 5 most common misconceptions that have until now, warded off professionals from a dynamic and lucrative industry.
The Days of the Human Resources Field Are Numbered
Nope! In fact, there is growing demand. Between 2016 - 2020 employment of Human Resource managers grew a whooping 21%. New job openings for Human Resource professionals are expected to total 49,000 over the 2019-2028 period in Canada. In the United States, HR is one of the fastest-growing fields with employment of Human Resource managers forecasted to grow 7% by 2028, faster than the average for all occupations (5.2%).
You Will Not Have Much Interaction With Senior Executives In The Company
Wrong! Due to the expertise Human Resource professionals have in human capital management; they are often relied upon by Senior Management for consultation and advice on matters which deal with the company’s strategic initiatives. For instance, HR can help advise management on methods for managing employees to help accomplish budgetary goals and creating environments that optimize employee motivation and productivity.
Your Career Can Only Go So Far In This Industry
Yep you guessed it - false! The prospects for Human Resource professionals’ value wise have really taken off in recent years. The field affords these professionals a view of the business and the people needed for its success in all areas. In fact, in 2013, 13 CEOs of the companies featured on the Fortune 100 list all had previous background experience in Human Resources.
Careers In HR Don’t Pay
Once again... not true! Generalists in the Human Resources field can start off earning roughly $54,000, specialists can make about $67,000 as a starting salary. As you accumulate more experience, this will increase. In Canada, a Human Resource Director earns an average annual income of $151,000.
Last, but certainly not least...
All Human Resource Professionals Do Is Hire & Fire People
Couldn’t be further from the truth! Couldn’t be further from the truth! While this is the most common misconception and may even have been the case back in the day, it no longer holds to be true. Today, Human Resource professionals are engaged in many other functions. Now, HR Specialists are typically responsible for any/all of the following:
Meet with managers to find out their employment needs
Interview potential applicants, review their references and do background checks
Hire or recommend potential candidates
Design training for jobs and orient new employees to the company
Keep track of and administer benefits
Handle payroll
Make sure all state and federal employment guidelines are being met
Moreover, Human Resource Managers are in charge of:
Maximizing the talents of the organization's employees to meet overall objectives and goals
Serving as the bridge between management and employees
Consulting on situations involving discrimination and harassment
Supervising Human Resource specialists and other staff members
Human Resource professionals are the core of every company and it is imperative to the success of the organization to ensure they are properly handled, managed, and trained. Regardless of all the myths that continue to persist about these professionals and have even deterred some from pursuing a career in this field, in reality this is an exciting, robust, and dynamic industry. It is one which promises future growth and possibilities as it continues to connect people and inspire passion.