What is HR Training?
Human resource training programs are specialized courses that teach HR professionals how to successfully onboard new employees and talent management and effectively collect, store, and analyze performance data.
Since the scope of human resources (HR) work is vast, different HR training courses provide different knowledge.
According to Work Institute’s retention report, replacing an employee costs 33% of the worker’s annual salary. Proper human resources training helps HR professionals and managers retain workers and be better employers.
Although around 56% of HR managers consider HR training essential for success, many organizations don’t invest in learning because they don’t understand the benefits. First, let’s explore the importance of HR training courses.
Human Resources Training Benefits
Companies see HR training as a process to boost skills and bring value to their workplace. However, the additional and equally important benefit is staying on top of shifts in legal requirements, compliance requirements, and other similar business essentials. Some examples are sexual harassment laws, where an HR professional can often have an unconscious bias.
While every organization needs to work on improving itself, it also needs to ensure that it doesn’t deteriorate. Here are the key importance of human resources training courses.
Compliance and Regulations Updates
Businesses must monitor regulatory changes to maintain compliance. Failing to do so results in issues that force the company’s focus from developing its business to keeping it alive, which often negatively impacts employees and business partners.
Most HR training courses, whether online or in person, help managers understand how to independently stay on top of regulatory changes without investing too much time and resources. Some of the most common practices are:
- Monitor regulatory agency websites
- Build regulator relationships
- Find and attend conferences, seminars, and webinars
- Using regulatory change management software
As laws change, HR must ensure the company maintains compliance. Failing to abide by the latest changes in workers’ payroll, equality, privacy, and other essentials can lead to lawsuits and fines.
Master Hiring Methods
Every business has a recruiting and onboarding strategy. But rarely do you see a company developing its recruiting tactics. Although recruiting should be a continuous learning process, just like everything else, people usually fall into the comfort trap and ignore things they could do better. Not only can different HR webinars and training provide numerous tips, but they also teach the latest hiring techniques.
The most common examples are online job posts. Although websites like LinkedIn should make finding new talent easier, HR teams typically spend more time than necessary. The typical reason is that they approach online recruiting the same way they approach in-person hiring. Approximately 60% of talent abandon online job applications because they are too complex. This falls on the HR department and their lack of understanding of the average online job seeker.
A single-day online training program can help an HR team learn how to engage, attract, and recognize demand and talent far more effectively.
HR Data Analysis
HR teams are masters of collecting and storing employee data. The typical reason for doing this is regulations, but in reality, data is so much more. Analyzing existing data and collecting nonobligatory data such as employee satisfaction, productivity, or recruiting effectiveness can help managers and HR professionals make better decisions.
Although experience and critical thinking are mandatory, having data to back up your reasoning results in better business practices and provide confidence when presenting a plan.
Best of all, companies don’t need an analytics expert to conduct surveys and analyze data. An HR certification program on people analytics can teach existing HR teams everything they need to provide reliable information.
Career Development for HR Professionals
Lastly, you don’t have to be an establishment to take HR certification courses. Experienced professionals and people looking to start their careers and learn at their own pace can take human resources training courses.
Most online courses have a certification program that proves one’s knowledge and skills. By taking HR courses, you can become a certified administrator or analyst.
Since human resources require a broad skill set, knowing what to focus on is helpful. The Internet provides countless possibilities, so let’s determine the most valuable human resources skills.
Essential HR Professional Skills
The first HR departments date back to the early 20th century. While human resources have come a long way since then, there are still skills that, although important, people neglect. To ensure you stay on the top, here are specific HR skills that all companies need, together with some less obvious ones.
Employee Relationships
When discussing human resources, employee relations are the first thing in everyone’s mind. However, managing the workplace is more than being a social person who understands employees’ thinking. Although soft skills are critical, many hard skills complete the puzzle.
Employee relations can be an unpredictable territory where you can go from simple benefits management to solving employee engagement. Since you’re working with people, the more complex the issue, the more delicate and precise your approach must be.
Mastering employee relations is crucial in any HR career, so you need to develop a deep understanding before entering the ring. Taking a human resource training course or attending a couple of HR webinars can illuminate many questions and provide helpful administrative tips.
Talent Search & Onboarding
As mentioned, you need to know what makes a top-talent employee and how to recognize one. However, identifying and onboarding a quality employee isn’t necessarily enough. Just because someone has expertise and talent doesn’t mean they will automatically adjust to your company’s culture.
Months can pass until an employee reaches their potential, and in the worst case scenario, never. The reasons can fall onto you or the individual, but in both cases, the business loses.
But if you dedicate yourself to learning what makes a great employee and recognizing whether they will adapt to your specific culture, onboarding will become much easier and more intuitive.
Talent onboarding has advanced significantly in the last twenty years, primarily due to available technology and resources. However, this has also raised requirements such as HR software expertise.
HR Software
There are many digital tools an HR professional can use. There’s a digital solution for recruiting, onboarding, payroll management, employee data gathering, project management, etc.
Figuring out what HR software you need is daunting, but you must know your requirements. Luckily, because of the high competition, software companies have tried to stand out by providing all-in-one solutions.
Companies will typically provide software training, either in-person or online courses. If you’re unemployed and looking to master HR software, you can still find a dedicated course and get an HR certification.
As with project or time management, everyone is looking to automate as much as possible. Knowing how to exploit even the most minor feature of a digital solution can be the decision point in your career.
Employee Retention
Finally, we have employee retention. Maintaining key employees is one of an HR professional’s most valuable skills. It isn’t an easy job since you might need to convince decision-makers to take unconventional actions. What happens in the workplace and the manager’s office are often two different stories.
A human resources training course will teach you the most common reasons employees leave and how to handle and predict them. Many certification courses have administrative tips and basic compliance requirements since those can affect turnover.
To better understand, here are some of the most common reasons talented employees quit.
- Low salary—Employees don’t feel like the compensation meets their contribution.
- No development opportunities—Providing employee training and growth opportunities is essential to every employee, especially those with specific career goals.
- Poor culture—Although culture can sound abstract, employees know how an organization treats its talent, especially those with experience.
- Poor management—Some managers manage team members because they have to. In return, they get dissatisfied employees who don’t share the value.
- No department synergy—Although you can blame employees for not synergizing, the more likely reason is poor employee management.
- Poor work/life balance—If an employee has to spend 14 hours in the office, even an excellent salary won’t stop them from eventually leaving.
Next, you should determine the best training method for your team.
Types of HR Training Courses
Different companies have different requirements when it comes to training. Furthermore, a small business will have different needs than an enterprise. While a young startup might search for a certified administrator, an enterprise will look for ways to improve its overall HR department.
Here are the most common human resources training types to determine which is best for you.
Online Training Programs
Online courses were initially for individuals looking to prepare before looking for jobs. The self-paced approach provides everybody with a training opportunity through streamlined learning. But recently, you can find top-quality online courses for entire teams.
While a typical program consists of the lesson and test part, the course length varies from a single day to several weeks. Additionally, you can take them live or offline through prerecorded lectures.
Finally, if you decide to go with an online training program, choose one that offers materials you can use even after the course. This is especially helpful for learning regulatory compliance and regulations.
If you’re an individual, you’ll also want to find HR training that includes an HR certification.
Internal HR Training Courses
Companies who invest in internal training courses look to invest in the future. Usually, the business contracts an expert to provide a professional training program in the workplace in person. By bringing an expert to the office, you want to get the most value possible from the course.
Some courses focus on skill development and best practices, while others provide knowledge-based value through seminars. Others even combine in-person training with online HR webinars.
The internal HR training approach benefits companies of all sizes and is especially effective if you want to teach your HR how to handle sudden issues.
Furthermore, if you’re learning the latest compliance requirements, it’s constructive to have a professional with whom you can ask questions.
HR Webinars, Seminars & Events
Seminars are a great way to learn firsthand from HR experts about the latest trends and practices. You can even learn about leading courses and training programs.
While seminars and events might seem less productive than a typical HR course, the learning experience can be equally beneficial. While courses typically have a developed program that they use repeatedly, seminars will give you the latest information.
It’s even possible to apply for a private online or in-person seminar. Seminars are typically one-day deals, but they provide a fantastic introduction.
Seminars work best when you have an already engaged HR department. If they are proactive and willing to learn, a simple webinar provides quick access to everything you need without investing too much time or money in a typical course.
FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about HR training.
What is HR training, and why is it important?
HR training involves educating individuals within the human resources department and others involved in human resource management (HRM) on essential practices, compliance, and skills. This training is crucial for ensuring that HR staff can effectively support employees, maintain a productive workplace, and manage employee-related matters, from onboarding to performance evaluations. Training prepares HR professionals to handle a wide range of responsibilities and fosters a more engaged and supported workforce.
Who typically undergoes HR training?
HR training is typically designed for HR managers, human resources staff, and occasionally for other management roles within a company. While HR departments are the primary focus, other leaders may benefit from understanding HR processes, as this knowledge helps in creating a cohesive strategy across the organization. Training employees within and beyond the HR team ensures everyone is on the same page regarding HR practices, policies, and compliance.
How does HR training benefit employees?
HR training positively impacts employees by ensuring the human resources department is equipped to provide effective support. Through well-structured HR training, HR professionals are better prepared to answer questions on employee benefits, resolve workplace issues, and handle employee needs efficiently. This ultimately contributes to a supportive work environment where employees feel their concerns are valued and addressed.
What topics are covered in HR training?
HR training typically covers a range of topics essential to effective human resource management. Key areas include compliance with employment laws, recruitment, and onboarding processes, employee benefits management, conflict resolution, and performance management. This comprehensive approach ensures that HR managers and staff can provide meaningful support across various employee needs and workplace situations.
How does training improve the skills of HR managers?
HR training enhances the skills of HR managers by providing them with updated knowledge and techniques in managing HR processes and supporting employees. It also enables them to handle complex workplace issues, manage employee benefits efficiently, and foster a positive workplace culture. HR training empowers managers with the tools to better align HR strategies with company goals, leading to a more effective and harmonious organization.
Why is ongoing HR training essential?
Ongoing HR training is essential because human resources practices and regulations frequently evolve. Continuous training helps HR managers and other HR support employees stay updated on new laws, best practices, and innovative approaches to human resources management. Regular training ensures that HR departments can adapt to changes in the workplace environment and meet employees’ evolving needs effectively.
What are the primary functions of human resources within an organization?
The primary functions of human resources encompass a wide range of responsibilities essential for maintaining a productive and compliant workplace. Core human resources functions include recruiting and onboarding new hires, managing employee contracts, handling performance evaluations, and ensuring workplace compliance with laws and regulations. Additionally, HR plays a vital role in processing payroll, administering employee benefits, and fostering a supportive work environment through continuous engagement and training efforts.
How does HR training prepare staff to manage employee contracts and payroll?
HR training equips staff with the necessary skills to manage employee contracts accurately and process payroll efficiently. Understanding the complexities of employee contracts—from outlining roles and responsibilities to ensuring compliance with labor laws—is a key aspect of HR functions. Similarly, training ensures HR professionals can process payroll correctly, reducing errors and ensuring employees receive accurate and timely compensation. This training builds confidence and precision in handling critical HR tasks that impact the organization’s success.
